For more than 40 years, Bowling Green, Kentucky has been the home of new Chevrolet Corvettes. Installation began with the all-new 1984 Corvette C4, and it continues today with assembly of the C8. Much of the factory has been retrofitted to make this happen, which is mentioned along with other interesting Corvette details in a new 42-minute feature from wild geese on Youtube.
Through this video, we learn that the production of the Corvette is quite different from other Chevrolet vehicles and not only because the engine is behind the driver. For example, the process begins with individual body panels painted immediately, then sent for assembly a little later. Meanwhile, the aluminum tub is fabricated (technically, it’s the only factory-made Corvette component – everything else is simply assembled). The tub goes to the trim department where the interior, glass, and similar items are installed.
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Next is the area of the chassis where the transmission is installed. The LT2 V8 used in the Stingray and E-Ray arrives at Bowling Green already assembled and ready to go, but the 5.5-liter LT6 for the Z06 is hand-built on site. The high-revving engine is bench tested for 20 minutes to ensure everything is working as it should before heading to the chassis for installation.
Suspension and underbody panels are also installed in the chassis area, then the car finally lands on the moving “stove” for the assembly of all its painted body panels. Completed cars receive a final inspection before rolling off the line for dynamic testing. Provided there are no hiccups in the process, it takes two days to build a new Corvette from start to finish. At full capacity, the Bowling Green line produces 200 cars a day.
In addition to showing aspects of assembly, the video also includes interviews with numerous factory executives in various roles. We are offered more information on Z06 engine builds, categorization and installation of the many Corvette options and packages, supply chains for the factory, expected production times and speeds, and more. In short, it’s a fascinating look at how America’s enduring sports car comes together from an outside perspective.
