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About 2 weeks ago, GM Japan sponsored an event at the Fuji Speedway. This was intended to convince potential buyers to go ahead and buy a new Vette. All in all, a very good time.
Participants were able to drive the track (short course) a few laps and then ride as a passenger while a Professional Driver took us for a wild few laps. Good event and hopefully made some new customers.
Actually, I was about the only person there that already had a Vette (Torch Red C7 Z51). My dealer did me a favour by getting me a ticket for this. I was happy to drive their car on the track.
As for steering wheel, although GM talked about a right hand drive Vette, it never happened (I suspect there just haven't been enough sales in the past). Fortunately for me, Japan allows left hand drive cars (I have been told that it is not allowed in Australia), so I can drive a Vette here.
Last edited by TokyoDoc; Jul 12, 2014 at 08:52 PM.
What's the cost for a Corvette there compared to here, is the shipping the same $995.00, sorry couldn't resist asking.
I can only imagine the attention the C7 draws there.
Well, I am not sure it gets that much attention. People here don't pay much attention to cars. Occasionally I can see people staring, but it's rare. I'm surprised because there are so few foreign cars here at all, but it just seems like people dont care about cars that much.
As for the cost, it's mind blowing. I used to own a Lexus here, made in Japan. The car here was $20,000 MORE than the same car in the US. Every car here is cheaper in the US, by A LOT!
So, now for the Vette…. mind you…. options are limited. We can't make all the choices. It's pretty much one way, although we can pick colours of exterior, interior, callipers, wheel type and a few other things. Only one interior trim, it's pretty much 3LT but without navigation.
The price quoted in Japan is always the full delivery price…to the yen. It includes tax, delivery….everything. There are no window stickers so there is no breakdown available. The regular C7 with automatic is $93,000 and the Z51 is $110,000 (Dealers do not haggle. Period. The price is the same everywhere in the country and posted on the Internet at the GM Japan web site). Thats a bit rounded off for currency conversion, but close. How's that for CRAZY???????
But you know, it's all worth it to drive a C7.
Last edited by TokyoDoc; Jul 12, 2014 at 08:54 PM.
Well, I am not sure it gets that much attention. People here don't pay much attention to cars. Occasionally I can see people staring, but it's rare. I'm surprised because there are so few foreign cars here at all, but it just seems like people dont care about cars that much.
As for the cost, it's mind blowing. I used to own a Lexus here, made in Japan. The car here was $20,000 MORE than the same car in the US. Every car here is cheaper in the US, by A LOT!
So, now for the Vette…. mind you…. options are limited. We can't make all the choices. It's pretty much one way, although we can pick colours of exterior, interior, callipers, wheel type and a few other things. Only one interior trim, it's pretty much 3LT but without navigation.
The price quoted in Japan is always the full delivery price…to the yen. It includes tax, delivery….everything. There are no window stickers so there is no breakdown available. The regular C7 with automatic is $93,000 and the Z51 is $110,000 (Dealers do not haggle. Period. The price is the same everywhere in the country and posted on the Internet at the GM Japan web site). Thats a bit rounded off for currency conversion, but close. How's that for CRAZY???????
But you know, it's all worth it to drive a C7.
Did the factory build tour 11 April, last car of one of the black runs was an export bound for Japan! It was pretty much loaded out with competition seats. sn. 22010. Guess there is a lot of tax for any auto import of otherwise with engines larger than small! Shipping should not be much of a factor as the ships are empty heading back from the US,
That's great, I wish I could take my vette to Japan. As a military member it would be an awesome opportunity to do that. Sadly we are not allowed to take our own cars there, I think it has to be 7 years or older and even so, passing the japanese inspections for base access is pretty tough for what i'm told. Either way, it can't happen for me.
I have to say though, maybe you don't see them staring but Japan has a great car culture. The staring I think its more of a cultural thing, it's unpolite to stare directly in japanese culture as a norm so i'm sure they are looking, just not overtly. that's awesome you get to drive your vette there. enjoy.
Pretty cool opportunity you had. Wish GM would do something like that in this neck of the woods.
I understand.... The guy from GM Worldwide sales explained to me that promotions are regional. So, while we had this nice one day event here in Japan, people in the US get a nice discount on the Spring Mountain course, which apparently I am not eligible for. Everything's a trade-off.
I understand.... The guy from GM Worldwide sales explained to me that promotions are regional. So, while we had this nice one day event here in Japan, people in the US get a nice discount on the Spring Mountain course, which apparently I am not eligible for. Everything's a trade-off.
Yes, those who purchase a 2014 C7 in the USA get a very nice discount on a 2 or 3 day class at Spring mountain. I am going in Oct along with my wife. I hear they just offered it now to Canadians, so it may become available to you.
Seeing you standing there with the original Fuji banking behind you brought back some good memories from '69-70 when I was able to drive on that banking. Right behind your head was a bump that had to be allowed for as the rear would unload and over rev the motor.
Here are a couple of old photos I took. The factory Fairlady Zs were running around 175-180 mph here. Safety was more relaxed back then for spectators.
--Dan
The factory Fairlady (240) Z was able to beat the GTR for touring racing
Here they're running around 175-180 mph leading into a high-speed S.
The banking dropped down the hill from a very long main straight.
Japan Corvette Event
