Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Launches In Singapore Priced From RM2.1 Mil+

Following an eight-year absence, General Motors (GM) recently re-entered neighbouring Singapore, but not in the way you think...

Some interesting news from across the causeway. Recently, American automaker General Motors (GM) marked its re-entry into the neighbouring island state. What’s interesting here is how it chose to re-enter too.

Prior to this, GM exited from most ASEAN markets due to slowing sales. The firm first pulled out of Singapore in 2017, then Malaysia in 2018, followed by Thailand – along with Australia and New Zealand – later in 2020 when it announced a group-wide restructuring.

GM elected to re-enter Singapore using its Corvette performance sub-brand, and it even re-appointed past importers and distributors Alpine Motors there. (Image: GMAuthority.com)

Things changed last week in Singapore at least when as GM re-entered the market there, and it did so specifically under its Corvette performance banner - the automaker offers its signature halo supercar through this specialised arm and subsidiary.

Surprisingly, this re-entry also reportedly sees GM re-appoint Alpine Motors as the island republic’s Corvette importer and distributor. The latter firm acted as importers and distributors of GM’s Chevrolet brand from 2007 until its 2017 exit mentioned.

Unlike before, Alpine Motors only has one model to offer buyers now, that being the eighth-gen (C8) Corvette Stingray - widely regarded as America's 'supercar'. (Image: GMAuthority.com)

Unlike before, Alpine Motors now only has one model to offer discerning Singaporean buyers, that being the latest eighth-gen and now mid-engined Corvette Stingray (chassis code: C8) – now available globally for the first time with a right-hand-drive (RHD) option.

For now, reports by Singaporean media indicate that Alpine Motors solely offers the C8-gen Corvette Stingray in its base ‘3LT’ guise. A quick check on its official Singaporean website shows no signs of other variants like the ZR1, E-Ray or even the ZR1X on offer yet.

The Corvette Stingray is offered solely in '3LT' trimline in Singapore, and it packs a 6.2-litre crossplane V8 putting out 495 HP to the rear wheels and grant 0-100 KM/H in just 2.9 secs. (Image: AutoApp.sg)

As a refresher, this guise of the C8 Corvette Stingray packs a mid-mounted LT2 crossplane V8. This naturally aspirated mill has a 6.2-litre displacement, which in turn pushes out 495 HP and 630 NM to drive the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT automatic.

In turn, the C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT delivers 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 2.9 secs whilst enroute to a claimed V-Max of 312 KM/H.

For Singapore, the C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT comes primed with the Z51 Performance package that brings beefier brakes, a performance exhaust system, and more. (Image: AutoApp.sg)

Additionally, the C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT offered for Singapore also comes kitted with the Z51 Performance Package. Optional for other markets, it brings larger (read: beefier) brakes, a performance exhaust, limited-slip diff, adaptive suspension and dampers, as well as Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tyres.

On board, key highlights of the C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT's cabin include a 12-inch digital instrument panel, 8-inch infotainment paired with a 14-speaker Bose audio suite, as well as power-adjustable sports seats wrapped in plus Nappa Leather upholstery.

Digital displays plus sports seats wrapped in Nappa leather headlines some of key kit brimmed aboard the C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT for Singapore. (Images: AutoApp.sg)

Altogether, importers Alpine Motors have set a starting price tag of SG$648,000 – approx. RM2,126,078. Yes, that’s a hefty figure indeed, and that’s excluding the added COE (Certificate Of Entitlement) costs from the Singapore government.

Closer to home, it appears GM appears to have no intent to re-enter the Malaysian market in a similar way yet – the Chevrolet brand was last present in Malaysia under appointed distributors Naza Quest Sdn Bhd.

Excluding COE, the C8 Corvette Stingray 3LT commands the equivalent of roughly over RM2.1 million in said neighbouring island republic.

However, we won’t discount the possibility of which, especially when a viable candidate present itself. For now, we’re certain fans both sides of the causeway will be thrilled to see this celebrated American performance nameplate’s official arrival there.

Until then, what say you, folks? Does the notion of officially imported – and warrantied – Corvette supercars in Malaysia sound tempting to you? Who would be a viable entity to take the mantle of official importer and distributor? Hit the comments below…