2022 IMSA GTLM Championship Corvette C8.R In-Depth Guide
The Corvette is no stranger to IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) series success, as is clearly evident when reflecting upon Corvette Racing’s dominance during the 2020 season. During this single year of competition, Corvette Racing captured a total of six victories, along with seven pole positions. The C8.R Corvette also logged the fastest recorded lap in six individual races during this same period.
Chevrolet was quick to capitalize upon this unprecedented wave of success, by releasing a special edition 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship C8 Corvette, for sale to the general public. This commemorative C8 was first unveiled to the press at Belle Island in Detroit, this past summer. This unveiling was soon followed by an announcement that a limited run of only 1,000 IMSA GTLM Championship C8 Corvettes was to be produced.
A Hot Ticket
Immediately following this unveiling, consumers began clamoring at the opportunity to become one of the fortunate few to own their own IMSA GTLM Championship C8. Chevrolet filled all 1,000 orders for the race-inspired commemorative C8 in record time, as production commenced.
Those lucky enough to place their order before the mandatory production cap was reached, were treated to a handful of IMSA GTLM Championship C8 variants to choose from. The Championship C8 was offered in both Accelerate Yellow and Hypersonic Gray configurations, either of which could be optioned as a coupe or convertible.
After all the orders were tallied, the IMSA GTLM Championship C8, in its convertible form, proved to be coveted above all else, accounting for 53 percent of all sales. Meanwhile, ⅔ of all Corvettes produced during this limited run sported Hypersonic Gray livery.
Credit: corvetteforum.com
The 2022 IMSA GTLM C8 Personifies Greatness
The design of the 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship C8 Convertible was highly influenced by the C8.R for which it is named. Full attention was placed into enhancing the C8’s performance in every perceivable manner, while also sparing no expense in authenticating the car’s commemorative status.
All IMSA GTLM Championship C8 Convertibles began life as a 2022 3LT, equipped with Chevrolet’s Z51 Performance Package. Selection of the C8.R IMSA package commanded an additional $6,595 at purchase.
The 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R package was perhaps most notable for its inclusion of numerous exterior modifications. Some of the most recognizable of the modifications included the addition of a high-wing Carbon Splash spoiler, Carbon Flash mirrors, custom yellow-painted brake calipers, Black Trident wheels, black side rockers, and race-inspired splash guards.
Equally unmistakable were a series of interior refinements that came courtesy of this commemorative package. The IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Convertible came fitted with specialty Strike Yellow and Sky Cool Gray interior trim, as well as custom yellow seat belts. Also standard were GT2 seats, though Competition Sports Seats were also offered on an optional basis.
Additionally, all IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Convertibles came fitted with a special-edition commemorative plaque, complete with numerical production designations. Included with the purchase of the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R, was a custom-fitted indoor car cover, configured to match a consumer’s choice in a color scheme.
The IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Convertible was motivated by GM’s potent 6.2L LT2 V8 powerplant, which garnered a total output of 495 horsepower, and 470 lb-ft of torque. Power was distributed via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other technical high points pertaining to the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Convertible included the inclusion of variable front-end lift control and paddle-shift transmission interfacing.
Credit: motortrend.com
An Instant Classic
As mentioned, the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R is anything but plentiful, fueling a certain degree of banter around the future values of this commemorative Corvette. Many have speculated that the Championship C8.R is primed to become one of the most sought-after specialty Corvettes of all time, commanding astronomical sales prices at future auto auctions.
Though only time will confirm or refute this notion, it is safe to assume that the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R will remain a coveted centerpiece of Corvette enthusiasts’ collections for decades to come. For all intents and purposes, the IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Corvette is poised to become yet another classic version of America’s sports car, of exemplary and unmistakable value.
2022 IMSA GTLM Championship Corvette Convertible C8.R Specifications
| Engine | 6.2L LT2 V8 engine |
| Horsepower | 495 horsepower |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft of torque |
| 0-60 MPH | <3 seconds |
| Quarter Mile Time | <9 seconds |
| Weight | 3587 lbs |
| Base Price | Base + LT3 Trim: $74,145
Z51 Trim: $5,000 IMSA Trim: $6,595 |
| Production Numbers | 1000 |
Credit: Motor1.com
Available Exterior Colors
The 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship Corvette Convertible C8.R. is available in Hypersonic Gray Metallic with Accelerate Yellow Stripes or Accelerate Yellow Metallic with Hypersonic Gray.
Available Interior Colors
The 2022 IMSA GTLM Championship Corvette Convertible C8.R features a Strike Yellow and Sky Cool Gray interior, with standard GT2 seats, along with yellow seat belts and a C8. R Special Edition numbered plaque
2022 IMSA GTLM Championship Corvette Convertible C8.R Videos
We found some great videos about the ’22 IMSA GTLM Championship Corvette Convertible C8.R.
