by Changes in the Manufacturer’s Approach
Some automakers have tried to restrain buyers who purchased high-demand models solely to quickly resell them for profit. Others seemed much less concerned about this. For its part, General Motors has been particularly active on this front, implementing a six-month retention policy for the Corvette Z06 and E-Ray to curb early resales.
Corvette Z06 Flippers Are Learning The Hard Way What Happens When The Hype Fades
Now, in a move that came as a surprise to many, Chevrolet has announced the cancellation of this rule, at least for some models. From now on, only the future Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X will be subject to a longer one-year ownership requirement.
Departure from the Policy
The six-month rule was initially implemented in 2023 due to intense demand for the high-performance Z06 version of Chevrolet’s mid-engine sports car.
Under this policy, the first owners had to retain the vehicle for at least half a year. If they sold it earlier, they lost the car’s full warranty and were prohibited from making future reservations for in-demand Chevrolet models. The same terms were later extended to the hybrid E-Ray model.
But that is no longer the case. In a message to dealers, published on MidEngineCorvetteForum, Chevrolet confirmed that the retention requirement had been canceled for 2025 and 2026 model year Z06 and E-Ray models. The change takes effect immediately.
The same message added that the policy remains valid for all vehicles delivered “on or before November 5, 2026,” but we suspect this is an error and it should be “November 5, 2025.”
What is the Situation with the ZR1 and ZR1X?
The cancellation of the retention policy is certainly good news for the original owners of Corvette Z06 and E-Ray who want to sell their cars without penalties, and equally attractive to resellers hoping to make a quick profit. For buyers trying to avoid paying over the recommended price, it is not so good.
Unsurprisingly, the extended one-year retention policy still applies to the 2025 Corvette ZR1, as well as the 2026 ZR1 and ZR1X. Demand for these models remains extremely high, with many units already selling with markups of tens of thousands of dollars over the recommended price.
In the case of these two models, if the original owner sells the car within 12 months, they will not be able to place a reservation or order for certain high-demand vehicles at GM’s discretion, and the full warranty will be voided.
One exception remains. The electric vehicle battery warranty, which applies only to the hybrid all-wheel-drive ZR1X, will still be honored regardless of how quickly the car changes ownership.
These changes reflect the dynamics of the high-performance car market, where the balance between protection against resellers and owner freedom is constantly being reviewed. Chevrolet’s decision may indicate a stabilization of demand for the Z06 and E-Ray, while more exclusive models like the ZR1 remain subject to stricter control. This differentiated approach allows the brand to maintain the value of its most powerful products, while providing more flexibility to owners of other models.
