Let’s just say the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R race cars did pretty well in the 2020 IMSA series, taking home the Manufacturer’s, Drivers’, and Team titles. To commemorate this, Chevy whipped up a special edition package for the 2022 Corvette Stingray: the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition, which debuted at Belle Isle in Detroit. It’s not quite the so-called “Stingray R” we thought the pace car at Road Atlanta hinted at, but it has a similar vibe and may be the final version of that idea. And certainly there are broad similarities.
What the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition’s name gives up in length, it makes up for in relative rarity. Just 1,000 of these specially-equipped C8s will be built, and both take after the race cars and exude a performance flavor.
The foundation for the Championship Edition is the Stingray 3LT Z51 in either Accelerate Yellow (to honor the No. 3 car) or Hypersonic Gray (the No. 4), to which the special edition adds a $6,595 bump. That upcharge nets buyers contrasting accent stripes—gray for the yellow car, and yellow for the gray—and a bevy of special touches. A Carbon Flash-painted high-wing spoiler, yellow brake calipers, black-finished “trident” wheels with “Jake” center caps, Carbon Flash-painted mirrors, black rockers, and splash guards are the main pieces. And don’t forget the large “C8.R” decal on the flank.
But there are also a number of other changes. Special numbered plaques record the build number, while a custom car cover done up with one of the C8.R liveries is standard. Yellow seat belts compliment the Strike Yellow and Sky Cool Gray cabin on both exterior colors.
Sadly, those in right-hand-drive markets won’t get any. This is the first Corvette to have a native RHD variant, so that’s some consolation at least. The order books for all 2022 Corvettes—which have some new paint colors and exterior feature options—open on July 1, and this includes the Championship Edition option. 2022 Corvette coupe prices start at $62,195, and convertibles at $69,695.
