Why Are So Many Corvette Z06s Sitting Unsold at Dealerships?
If you’ve been dreaming about owning a Corvette Z06, you might be surprised to learn that over 1,700 of them are currently sitting unsold on dealer lots across the United States. For a car that once had buyers lining up and paying hefty markups, this sudden glut feels almost surreal. So, what’s changed? The answer is a blend of shifting demand, evolving competition, and a dash of market timing.
According to Chevrolet’s own inventory tool, there are about 3,700 C8 Corvettes available nationwide. Nearly half of those—1,714 to be exact—are Z06s. To put that in perspective, it’s now easier to walk into a dealership and drive off in a Z06 than it is to get your hands on many European supercar rivals, which often require years of waiting or special connections.
What’s Driving These Deep Discounts on the Z06?
Let’s talk numbers. Not long ago, Z06s were selling for well above sticker price. Now, the tables have turned. Dealers are slashing prices, with some discounts exceeding $10,000 off MSRP. For example, a blacked-out Z06 2LZ in Kansas is listed for $132,551—down from its original $139,620. In Iowa, a yellow Z06 2LZ is going for $134,870, a solid $6,000 below MSRP. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find even steeper deals, like an Arctic White Z06 3LZ in Kansas discounted by over $14,000.
Why the sudden generosity? It’s simple: supply has finally caught up with, and maybe even surpassed, demand. The days of paying a premium just to get your name on a Z06 title are over. Dealers are eager to move inventory, and buyers are reaping the rewards.
Did the New ZR1 and ZR1X Steal the Z06’s Thunder?
One of the biggest reasons for the Z06’s current predicament is the arrival of the new ZR1 and ZR1X models. These flagships have taken the spotlight, boasting over 1,000 horsepower thanks to a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06’s 5.5-liter V8. For many Corvette enthusiasts, the allure of even more power and exclusivity is hard to resist—even if it means paying a premium.
This shift in attention has left the Z06 in a tricky spot. It’s still a phenomenal car, but with the ZR1 and ZR1X promising next-level performance, some buyers are holding out for the latest and greatest. It’s a classic case of “wait and see,” and the Z06 inventory is feeling the impact.
Are Outdated Features Holding the Z06 Back?
There’s another factor at play: the Z06s currently on lots are all 2024 and 2025 models. That means they don’t feature the refreshed interior coming to the 2026 Corvette, which includes larger screens and a redesigned control layout that ditches the so-called “wall of buttons.” For tech-savvy buyers or those who want the newest features, this can be a dealbreaker.
It’s a reminder that in the world of high-performance cars, even small updates can sway a buyer’s decision. When you’re spending six figures, you want the latest and greatest, right down to the infotainment system.
How Does the Z06 Stack Up Against European Rivals Now?
Here’s where things get interesting. Despite the current surplus, the Z06 remains a standout in its class. It delivers supercar-level performance at a fraction of the price of many European competitors. And now, with discounts in play, the value proposition is stronger than ever.
Consider this: while it’s not uncommon to wait years for a new Ferrari or Lamborghini, you can walk into a Chevy dealership today and drive home in a Z06—often for less than sticker price. For enthusiasts who care more about driving than badge prestige, this is a golden opportunity.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Corvette Z06?
If you’ve been on the fence, there may not be a better time to act. The combination of increased supply, waning dealer markups, and generous discounts makes the Z06 more accessible than it’s been since launch. And with the arrival of the ZR1 and ZR1X, dealers are likely to keep sweetening the pot to move existing inventory.
Of course, if you’re holding out for the 2026 interior refresh or the extra punch of the ZR1, waiting might make sense. But for those who want a world-class supercar experience without the wait—or the wallet-busting price tag—today’s Z06 deals are hard to ignore.
The big takeaway? Scoring a Corvette Z06 right now isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about making a smart move while the market’s in your favor. Grab one of these deals this week, and you might just find yourself grinning every time you hit the throttle by the end of the month.