Singapore now has the world’s first dedicated Corvette showroom. In other countries, the supercar is presented as part of the Chevrolet brand. Both Chevrolet and Corvette are owned by American car manufacturer General Motors (GM).

Speaking to The Straits Times on July 29 at the showroom at 1 Commonwealth Lane, Mr Hector Villarreal, president and managing director of GM’s Asia-Pacific office, said the company is looking to build on the heritage and positioning of Corvette as a high-end sports car.

He declined to confirm if other GM brands or products will be heading to Singapore’s shores.

When asked about the company’s electrification plans, Mr Villarreal echoed the message that GM’s chief executive Mary Barra gave to shareholders in July. She had said that the company will adjust its pace of the transition to suit customers’ preference.

On the same day, His Royal Highness Jefri Ibrahim and His Royal Highness Abu Bakar from the Johor royal family visited the showroom.

They are part of the Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR), which has been competing in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R since April.

JMR is the only South-east Asian team to use the Corvette, and the team is eyeing participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future. Prince Jefri said: “Corvette is a multiple Le Mans winner. It is a no-brainer to be with them.”

At launch, the road-going 6.2-litre V8 powered two-seater is priced at $628,000 without certificate of entitlement (COE).