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Australian-made Bolwell Nagari could get new Corvette V8

The low-volume, Australian-made sports car could end up with the new Corvette V8.


The upcoming Bolwell Nagari 500 – on display at the 2019 Motorclassica show in Melbourne – could be fitted with the new Corvette V8 if the Chevrolet is sold locally.

Campbell Bolwell, founder of the Australian sports car company Bolwell, told CarAdvice development on the new Nagari 500 is progressing well, but the car was currently "too fast".

It's understood the Nagari is in the process of being fitted with electronic traction control and anti-lock braking systems in an effort to make it safer for drivers.

Bolwell said if the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette makes it to Australian showrooms, its engine could end up powering the Nagari. Both vehicles are mid-engined and rear-wheel-drive.

The Bolwell Nagari 500 prototype currently uses a GM-sourced 6.2-litre LS3 V8 with around 372kW (or 500 horsepower – hence the name), whereas the new Corvette 6.2-litre V8 produces a claimed 364kW.

Bespoke alloy wheels are being developed for the Nagari, with Bolwell telling CarAdvice the company is trying to reduce unsprung weight.

A five kilogram weight reduction is expected with each newly-designed alloy wheel, with plans to fit 10-inch-wide front wheels and 12-inch-wide rear wheels.

Carbon ceramic brakes will also provide a weight reduction as well as improved braking performance.

The Bolwell Nagari is expected to weigh 950kg. No date has been set for the launch of the Australian-made sport car.


Ben Zachariah

Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.

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