Chevrolet marks centenary with Corvette Centennial Edition
The 2012 Corvette Centennial Edition, available across the range, features exclusive Carbon Flash Metallic paint, Magnetic Selective Ride Control and commemorative details honouring Louis Chevrolet.
Chevrolet has unveiled the 2012 Corvette Centennial Edition, a commemorative package offered across the entire Corvette range to celebrate the marque’s 100th anniversary. The special edition, available for order from summer 2011, features exclusive styling cues and advanced suspension technology previously reserved for the top models.
Centennial Edition features and design
The Centennial Edition is distinguished by its Carbon Flash Metallic paintwork, a finish not previously offered on the Corvette. Satin-black graphics run the length of the car, while lightweight satin-black wheels are fitted as standard, with sizes varying by model: 18-inch front and 19-inch rear for the base and Grand Sport, and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear for the Z06 and ZR1. On the Z06, the wheels are finished with a thin red outline. Red brake calipers and special badging, including a centenary logo with Louis Chevrolet’s image on the B-pillars and wheel centre caps, further set the car apart. The iconic crossed flags badge is subtly altered for the occasion, with a “100” replacing the usual fleur-de-lis.
Inside, the theme continues with an Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors, highlighted by red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, centre console and shifter. Microfibre suede accents, first seen on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, appear on the seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests. The centenary logo is embossed on the headrests and appears on the steering wheel.
Performance and technology
A key technical feature of the Centennial Edition is the inclusion of Magnetic Selective Ride Control as standard across all models. Previously, this adaptive damping system was only available on higher-spec Corvettes and select Cadillac V-Series models. The system, which Chevrolet claims is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension, is designed to improve both ride comfort and handling precision.
The Z06 version retains its 7.0-litre LS7 V8 engine, producing 505 hp and 637 Nm of torque, paired with a manual gearbox. The Centennial Edition package can be specified on the base Corvette, Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1, with each model receiving the same exterior and interior enhancements.
Charity auction and launch details
Chevrolet chose to debut the first Centennial Edition Corvette Z06 at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in West Palm Beach, Florida, in April 2011. This car, the 100th 2012 Corvette built (VIN ending in “00100”), was a 3LZ Z06 equipped with the Z07 performance package and the CFZ carbon fibre package. Proceeds from the auction went to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The winning bidder also received the Corvette Engine Build Experience, a factory programme allowing owners to assemble their own engine alongside Chevrolet technicians.
Availability and pricing
The Centennial Edition package is available via order code ZLC on all 2012 Corvette models, including coupe and convertible body styles. Pricing details were set to be announced closer to the summer 2011 launch, with the cost expected to vary depending on the chosen trim level, mainly due to differences in standard equipment and wheel sizes.
The 2012 Centennial Edition follows a tradition of special Corvettes marking milestones for Chevrolet. For more on earlier commemorative models, seeChevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition priced at $90,960 for 2011.
