Early last week, we covered complaints coming in from new C8 Corvette owners that the dash on the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette was creating an intrusive glare that could affect visibility. Now, we have a solution.
According to several new C8 Corvette owners, the dashboard glare issue was significantly reduced when using polarized sunglasses.
Dashboard glare on the new Chevrolet Corvette C8
It appears as though the dashboard glare only occurs with light-colored upholstery applications on the top of the gauge cluster, which is included on the range-topping 3LT trim level with the Natural Dipped interior color specified. It’s also possible the glare may occur on 3LT trim levels with the Morello Red Dipped interior color, although that has yet to be confirmed.
Also, it bears mentioning that the glare is more noticeable when the sun is directly overhead. Overcast skies do not cause the same issue. Furthermore, it would appear as though the C8 Corvette is more prone to the dash glare issue compared to the previous C7 generation, given the C8’s steeply raked windshield angle and large surface area.
Beyond this visibility issue, the three C8 Corvette owners we spoke with had nothing but praise for the new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette. All three owners traded in a C6- or C7-generation model.
All three owners also obviously bought their C8 Corvette sight unseen, which means no test drive or hands-on experience prior to taking delivery. Each said they would have specified a different interior color combination had they known the light color on the dash would cause the glare issue.
Two of the three owners also recommended that General Motors remove the light-colored dash panel option altogether so that other C8 Corvette buyers would not experience the issue.
Black interior treatment does not appear to have the same issue
That said, we are certain that someone out there will come up with some kind of black/dark gauge pod cover to “fix” the issue.
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Comments
Polarized Sunglasses make the heads up display disappear or hard to view as well, I have experienced this with the C7 and GMC Sierra could be the angle of the windshield but doubtful.
That was my thought exactly when I heard the polarized lens solution. Had a Grand Prix, in the mid 2000s. Put on some new sunglasses and I thought the HUD was broken. The lenses render the HUD all but invisible. Not a good solution.
Yes sunglasses negate HUD. They just need to change the top of the dash to a dark default color.
Maybe some anti-glare coating like is used on eye glasses applied to the windshield might also help.
Or, maybe, GM could develop a deeper tinted windshield, in a gray shade that would meet USDOT standards. Definitely not as dark as the rear windows on a SUV, but possibly there is some wiggle-room to go somewhat darker.
I’ve the same issue with my ,17 Silverado reg cab. I look in the rear view mirror at night and all I see is the dash displayed on the back glass.
This issue has existed for years on the entire Porsche light-colored dash options. Just order the 2LT trim package if this bothers your. Or wait a month and someone will have an appropriate dash cover to reduce the issue for all those that are bothered.
When this originally was posted up on the ME Corvette Forum, it was also mentioned about the polarized sun glass issue. I, as many also posted wear Maui Jim Polarized sunglasses in my C7 and experience NONE of the issues described. I truly love the appearance of the Natural Dipped interior and I hope that GM will continue to produce it into and through the C8 generation. Maybe with the “caveat” to buyers that failed to research prior to purchase about the “reflection” issue. So that folks may choose for themselves what things they can live with. Rather than take the “Government” approach and eliminate those things that “bother” some folks. Light colored dash boards reflect on all but vertical windshields in the right light angles, it’s just the way it is. Suck it up Nancy!
i have a “nat dip” on order….thx for the heads up on the glare issue….will deal with it….still think it is a very rich looking interior…..(torch red exterior)
We have a black interior with red accents and glare is a problem, which is overcome with polarized lenses. I haven’t had any problem seeing the HUD while wearing sunglasses. Another glare problem is when the hardtop is off, the camera mode for the rear view mirror is rendered unusable when it’s sunny. If it had some overhang or brim, it would work.
GM should post a statement like this…taken from the Porsche order website…..
A word about interior color choices:
Glass is reflective. Certain lighting conditions may cause a lighter color dashboard to produce a noticeable reflection on the inside of the windshield. To make certain that you are satisfied with your selection, ask your Porsche dealer to arrange a test drive experience in a variety of conditions, including with use of polarized sunglasses.
I would not change the dipped look for glare. https://visualizer.chevrolet.com/ui/2020corvette/461e62fb
The interior is touted as being comfortable for long road trips, yet no adaptive cruise control is available.
Dan
I’m sure if there are enough complaints, GM will come up with a solution, either by making a running change so that all dash covers will be black or a charcoal grey shade, or, through its aftermarket parts division, offer some sort of thin applique pad that can sit over at offending area. Chevrolet already offers tons of accessories for the C8 at the tail-end of the on-line order page, such as car covers, locking lug nuts and optional wheel hub center badges, etc., so they could work with some aftermarket manufacturer to develop such a piece. Or, likely, Corvette aftermarket suppliers could come up with their own design for such a pad. Are you listening, WeatherShield?
Seems to me they GM would replace these light colored pieces with dark color ones at no charge, it obviously is their mistake in the first place. The buyer would miss that if they never saw the car. Insurance liability for GM.
The dash glare is a serious problem. I’ve nothing against a polarized sunglasses as a, “cure,” but I also believe this to be a stop gap measure. I like the ideal of GM putting something into the glass composition to obviate the problem. A good upholstery expert could die the fabric to some sort of gray or black in a pleasing manner. I will add this to the people who spoke of trying before driving, or also correcting the problem by researching in advance. I actually had the beige interior on my order build and price configuration for my C8 Convertible LT3 order, now in 1100 status as of a month ago. I specifically went back in to the system and changed my color to black with Sky Cool Gray accents (on the bolsters) $349.00. This was just an effort not to run into this problem noted by Spring Mountain drivers in the various You-Tube presentations and Vlogs. AF
I had that color on my dash on different car and yes you get a glare a little but you can still see fine. Never needed polarized sun glasses…which I personally hate, to stop the glare. Taking a picture is going to make it look worse than it is. One thing I did was tint all my windows and had the from wind shield tint at the top and the reduced it more.
Neither me nor my wife ever experienced any problem seeing the HUD on her 2012 Camaro when we were wearing sunglasses. We special ordered It and was the first car we had ever driven with a HUD although I have flown many jet planes with HUDs and again never experienced any loss of visual acuity with sunglasses. I sure hope to drive the new VET soon to see what the difference might be.
It isn’t all sun glasses, just polarized ones.
Or just put aftermarket dash cover and voila
Obviously that would fix it (when one becomes available)… there was never really any doubt that it can be “fixed” via an aftermarket offering.
But the real question is, is an aftermarket solution an acceptable response on a brand new, premium-priced product?
Not arguing one way or another… but simply raising the question.
They went too light on the color. Should have been a darker shade maybe a brown or dark neutral. I’m all for available interior colors besides all black but this is too light a color!
glad that we are in a free country and have choice!!! i luv the natural color…have a torch red/nat dipped on order level 3000…..can’t wait to get it….and will put on my big boy pants and deal with some glare if it is a problem….dash cover, glasses, whatever it takes…..no whining here…..
Don’t make excuses for GM screwing up ! You can’t test drive one when there is none to drive. Even if the dealers had one to test drive, they won’t let you. When I bought my 2015 Z06 they would not let me test drive it. GM needs to fix it for free !
Hi is there anyone here having Chevrolet Captiva 2022, the dashboard also have a bright glare that the content cannot be seen at all. Cannot know the current speed im driving at. It happens when the sun is upright. 10am to 2pm.
I contacted GM but they replied that i have to accumulate 3 complaints from others for them to verify if there is a glare at all and consider fixing it.