Aussie turbo plan for Chevrolet Corvette

Developing and selling a turbocharger kit for the all-new MY22 C8 Chevrolet Corvette is under investigation by Australian automotive tuner Walkinshaw Performance.

The project, which might come to fruition in co-operation with a US partner, is indicative of an ambitious expansion being undertaken by the business traditionally focused on supercharging V8 Commodores.

But with HSV essentially ended because of Holden’s axing by General Motors, WP has risen in prominence within the overall Walkinshaw Auto Group.

The C8 is the first-ever mid-engined production Corvette and the first to come ex-factory in right-hand drive.

Examples of the C8 coupe and convertible are due in Australia late in 2021 in 2LT and 3LT spec, both of which are already sold out.

Pricing was initially set down at $144,990 plus on-road costs for the most affordable model, but some dealers were charging an extra $40,000 or more in delivery fees.

The more extreme Z06 is also confirmed for Australia, although we probably won’t see it until 2023.

The 2LT and 3LT Corvettes are powered by a 6.2-litre LT2 pushrod V8 making 369kW/637Nm while the Z06 features the all-new LT6 5.5-litre V8 that makes 500kW and 623Nm.

Both these engines produce these numbers in naturally-aspirated form, prompting WP’s investigation of potential options including forced induction.

“We are still evaluating that [project] currently,” explained Walkinshaw Performance general manager Rick Perchold.

“A wheel and tyre package could further complement the car and there are opportunities with turbocharging.

“We have a number of aftermarket suppliers in the US that have approached us evaluating what our go-to-market offering might be, where we could further develop what product offering they might want to initiate here in Australia and what that partnership looks like.

“They’re interested in similar pack offerings to what we have, that we don’t currently offer for the likes of the Corvette.”

Perchold said the business had to evaluate whether the development costs of such a project might outweigh the anticipated returns, especially considering Corvette will sell in small numbers.

“We’re willing to look at it,” he added.

While the Corvette project is a nod to its traditional performance car roots, WP is turning much of its focus to the increasingly popular Chevrolet Silverado and RAM full-size US pick-up trucks converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne by Walkinshaw Auto Group.

At a media briefing in Melbourne last week, WP execs detailed a series of performance, chassis and towing aids it has developed and is rolling into production.

These include newly-developed GCM/GVM increases and a long-range fuel tank for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, fifth wheel towing hitches for both the Silverado 1500 and 2500, an electric jack and a weight distribution hitch.

All these items go on sale in the second quarter of 2022 except the 1500’s fifth wheel hitch, which is quarter three. Prices are TBA.

WP also detailed the Silverado 1500’s new supercharger kit (see separate story).

“Walkinshaw Performance has had to reinvent ourselves,” confirmed Perchold.

“What we are showcasing is our engineering and design capabilities and how that translates into the offerings we have for the aftermarket accessories.

“We have the resources to develop things from scratch.”

Perchold estimated WP’s change of direction had doubled turnover in the past 12 months, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want to be the market leader for the American truck and SUV market in Australia,” he said.