… with some help from a GM worker, of course

You can now lend a helping hand while Chevrolet makes your new ‘Vette.

Buyers of the Chevy Corvette Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X will soon be able to build their own engines, adding another layer of personalisation to the experience of purchasing America’s sports car. And GM means building literally, since those participating in the programme will help craft their new Corvette engine at the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

“Assemble your own LT6 or LT7 engine alongside a Performance Build Center master technician,” GM says on its website. “This experience includes a custom engine plaque, an exclusive gift and a professional photo keepsake.”

The experience will be available starting this spring, and GM also says that availability is limited. Customers who are interested should talk to their dealers. A version of the programme has existed since Corvette engines were built in Michigan, and GM says that it’s also a good experience for factory workers.

“What started as a memorable experience has grown into something larger, something that has bonded people together in a nearly intangible way. From the early days in Wixom, Michigan, to welcoming owners during the C7 era, these shared memories are still talked about on the floor today,” Ray Theriault, a plant director at GM, said in a LinkedIn post.

If you participate, you can also tell your friends and family that you helped build the engine in your Corvette, which, hopefully, will build their confidence in the car, depending on your level of technical expertise.

The C8 Corvette has been built since 2020, meaning that it’s getting on in years relative to other modern Corvettes. The C7 Corvette was built for six years ending in 2019; the C6 Corvette was built for nearly nine years ending in 2013; and the C5 Corvette was built for almost eight years ending in 2004.

That is to say that with the C8, GM has been doing a lot to add value as it approaches the end of its life cycle, including this new build experience, as enthusiasm for the sports car wanes and some Corvettes sit unsold. GM has also been hyping the C8 Corvette’s performance credentials in recent times, especially compared to European supercars costing tens of thousands of dollars more. The Corvette ZR1X became the fastest American car in Nürburgring history last year, but at some point in the next couple of years, all eyes will likely turn to the C9.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Chevrolet