Why The Z06 Is The Most Common C8 Corvette In America Now Right Now
The C8 Corvette Z06 is suddenly much easier to find—and to afford. Dealers across the country are reporting an oversupply of the high-performance Corvette, with some cars now being advertised at, or even below, MSRP.
Key Points
- Chevrolet dealers currently have 1,702 Z06s sitting on lots nationwide, making it the most available Corvette trim—more than the Stingray or E-Ray.
- Many Z06s are now selling at or below MSRP, with some examples listed at up to $12,000 off, a major shift from the heavy markups seen at launch.
- The mid-cycle refresh, initial dealer markups, and anticipation for the upcoming ZR1 and ZR1X have slowed Z06 sales, creating a rare buyer’s market for the track-focused supercar.
According to Chevrolet's inventory tracker, there are currently more than 1,700 Z06s sitting idle on dealer lots nationwide. This makes the Z06 the most common Corvette trim stocked right now, outnumbering even the base Stingray.
Dealers initially set aggressive markups, which discouraged buyers who anticipated prices might eventually soften. That wait-and-see approach seems to have paid off for bargain hunters— especially after the C8’s mid-cycle refresh was revealed earlier this year.
The refreshed Corvette brought an updated interior and new paint options, meaning 2024 and 2025 Z06 models currently in inventory still feature the "button wall" layout and lack the latest cosmetic touches—but really, Chevy hasn't changed much for 2026—well, unless you're counting the ZR1X as a 'change'.
It's also possible the ZR1 and ZR1X have dulled the Z06's shine. With outputs of 1,064 hp and 1,250 hp respectively, those twin-turbocharged Corvettes overshadow and overpower the Z06’s mere 670-hp naturally aspirated horsepower.
For the first time since launch, many Z06s are selling for MSRP or less. There are at least ten Z06s across the country going for less than $110,000. Even models with the desirable Z07 performance package—which includes upgraded brakes, tires, and aerodynamic elements—are seeing discounts of up to $12,000
When measured against competitors like the Porsche 911 GT3, which starts at $224,495 before dealer markups, the Z06 remains one of the best performance-per-dollar cars in the industry.
If you've been waiting for the perfect time to buy a new Corvette Z06, that time is absolutely right now.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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