The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 has had a heck of a time coming out of the gate. So far, in its short lifespan, the min-engine Corvette has suffered a worker strike, recalls, people crying foul over flying hoods, and COVID-19 related factory delays. And it’s happened again (cue the dramatic music)! The Corvette production line has gone idle. 

The Corvette delay news

David Barnas, a General Motor’s spokesperson, told The Detroit News, “Our supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering teams are working closely with our supply base to mitigate any further impact on production.” The culprit, “a temporary parts issue.”

The parts issue is speculated to be linked to tightening restrictions related to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many nations are re-instituting restrictions they had previously relaxed. So, it is conceivable that the same is happening to suppliers, presumably from Mexico, who provide components for the Corvette.

Our friends at The Roadshow were able to confirm what’s been making its way through the grapevine. The plant will remain idle and re-open Monday. That’s half a week of delay on top of previous delays. 

This newest shutdown is in addition to last month’s shutdown that was related to another supplier issue. All of this has people with standing orders for the remaining 2020 models wondering what’s going to happen. The 2021 models were scheduled to begin production in early December. Will the changeover happen on time? Will it be pushed back? Or, will 2020 orders be changed to 2021 models? That’s a move that would cause alarm for people eager to get the first year of the mid-engine Corvette. 

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2020 Corvette is a watershed moment in the production of the legendary and historic nameplate. For the first time ever, the production of the car changed to a mid-engine platform. This move was made to improve handling and for better weight distribution. Basically, the car has supercar aspirations.

Those aspirations are not misplaced either. Performance from the 6.2-liter V8 means an output of 490 hp from the base engine. That is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch, paddle shifting, automatic transmission. It sounds so enticing that many of these cars have been snapped up faster than Chevrolet can make them. Hence the people waiting in line for their orders. 

The new Corvette draws wild comparisons

The mid-engine American sportscar has drawn comparisons to supercars with price points way above that of the Corvette’s $60,000 entry price. The names McLaren, Ford GT, Ferrari, Nissan GTR, and even Lamborghini have all been tossed together with the new Corvette, although arguably. 

Let’s hope that General Motors is able to sort out their supplier issue or find a non-compromising workaround. There are too many people waiting in line for the last remaining 2020 Chevrolet Corvettes in a year that has already been full of curveballs. Furthering delays will only raise the level of anxiousness for the new owners. There is certainly no doubt that Chevrolet itself doesn’t want any further bumps in the road to closing out the model year.