Chevrolet has announced that they are resuming the Engine Build Experience for those customers who purchase a new Z06. Beginning in March 2015, new owners will be able to assemble the 650-horsepower supercharged LT4 engine for their very own car at the new Performance Build Center inside the Bowling Green Assembly Plant.
“Chevrolet recognizes the passion customers have for Corvette and the Engine Build Experience offers them a truly unique opportunity for hands-on involvement in the creation of the heart of their new car,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product manager. “It’s a chance to bond with their new car.”
The Engine Build Experience can be selected on all Z06 trim levels using order code PBC. Cost? A pretty-darn-reasonable $5,000. That pocket change gets the owner a chance to work for a full day with a Performance Build Center engine assembly technician who will instruct the customer, and oversee the build to ensure its integrity, and that the engine will perform upon installation. Also included is a personalized engine plaque identifying the owner and builder and engine build date, along with professional photography of the experience that the customer can keep forever.
Customers are responsible for handling the logistics of getting to and from Bowling Green along with their own lodging.
“It’s important for customers to understand their engine won’t be installed the day after they built it,” said Charles. “It will flow into the scheduling process for vehicle assembly, which depends on a number of logistical variables.”
Customers can watch their Corvette being assembled through a special tour organized by the National Corvette Museum. They can also choose to select Museum delivery, which takes the buying experience to an even higher level by offering delivery of their new car at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, just across the road form the Bowling Green Assembly Plant.
All in all, a unique experience not offered by any other vehicle manufacturer that we’re aware of, and one that makes the purchase of a Z06 even more special – if you can afford to pony up the extra Benjamins.