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2021 Corvette: Here’s Everything That’s New And Different

Chevy’s Corvette C8 took the world by storm, attracting interest from current owners as well as those who have never owned (or been interested in) a Corvette before. The new mid-engine sports car had a bit of a rocky start, as production began only to be idled by COVID-19 shortly after. As we write this, there are still many who have placed an order for a 2020 Corvette, but who don’t know whether their order will be built before production switches into the 2021 MY later this year. Some of those orders might slip into the 2021 model year, which brings us to the 2021 Corvette.

We’ve broken down exactly what’s new and different for the 2021 Corvette. Let’s dig in.

Lineup

Like the 2020 Corvette C8, the 2021 Corvette will continue to be offered as the Stingray with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 engine and eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Additionally, the 2021 model continues to be offered in three trim levels and two body styles.

Trim Levels:

  • 1LT
  • 2LT
  • 3LT

Body Styles:

  • Two-door coupe (with manually removable top)
  • Two-door hardtop convertible

The Z51 performance package continues to be available on all models and trims, and includes the following features:

  • Z51 performance suspension
  • Performance exhaust
  • Performance rear axle ratio
  • Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD)
  • Z51 rear spoiler
  • Front splitter
  • 245/35ZR19 front and 305/30ZR20 rear high-performance tires
  • Heavy-duty cooling system

Exterior

On the outside, the 2021 Corvette deletes two colors while adding two new ones:

Deleted colors:

  • Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat
  • Blade Silver Metallic

New colors:

2020 Corvette in Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat

2020 Corvette in Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat

2020 Corvette in Blade Silver Metallic

2020 Corvette in Blade Silver Metallic

Additionally, the full-length dual racing stripe package is now available in four new colors – Blue, Orange, Red and Yellow. They join Carbon Flash Metallic, Midnight Gray and Sterling Silver. Meanwhile, a new Stinger Stripe is now available in three colors – Carbon Flash/Edge Red, Carbon Flash/Edge Yellow and Carbon Flash/Midnight Silver.

Fully-rendered C8.R premium indoor car cover for 2021 Corvette and 2020 Corvette

Fully-rendered C8.R premium indoor car cover

Finally, two new Genuine Corvette Accessories join the lineup: a new, full-rendered C8.R premium indoor car cover and ultra-high security Silver-painted wheel locks.

Interior

Inside, the 2021 Corvette adds a new Sky Cool Gray / Strike Yellow interior color. It is only available on the 3LT trim level with either the GT2 buckets or Competition buckets. In both cases, the chairs will feature leather seating surfaces with perforated sueded microfiber inserts.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also join the lineup, though wired functionality remains.

Two new Corvette Genuine Corvette Accessories join the party: contoured cargo area liners with the Jake logo and all-weather floor liners with the Jake logo.

Packages

The 2021 Corvette sees two package-level changes. The first, and most notable, is the newfound availability of Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension (FE2) without the Z51. It is available on all trims. For the 2020 model year, the only way to get Magnetic Ride Control was to opt for the aforementioned Z51. This change is for those who want MRC shocks without the additional performance hardware included in Z51.

Additionally, a new Roadside Safety Package is introduced as a Genuine Corvette Accessory. The package includes a First Aid Kit and a Highway Safety Kit.

Looking Ahead

After the 2021 MY, the 2022 Corvette is expected to deliver a few minor changes to the Stingray. It should also make the C8 available to several new international markets, while also introducing the C8 Z06 for either the 2022 or 2023 model years (see more on 2023 Corvette).

We’ll have more on that soon, so stay tuned to GM Authority for the latest.

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Comments

  1. Not sure if I’m the only one, but I feel like it would be nice if they made the front lift with memory available on the 1LT as well, I’m confused why it isn’t.

    Reply
    1. GPS REQUIRED, WHICH IS ON THE 2LT AND 3LT.

      Reply
      1. Believe it or not, The 1LT already has GPS. On-star would not work otherwise.

        Reply
        1. Onstar GPS is like Sirius radio, only works for their application.

          Reply
  2. can anyone tell me if second shift started for the C8 ?

    Reply
  3. I put in my order for a 2020 convertible in December. I was told I would have to reorder a 2021. With the Z51 and front lift the price went up $1500. I am retiring soon and definitely not rich. My first corvette so that kinda sucks!

    Reply
    1. Mike…..
      You may need to supplement your retirement with a part time job such as McDonalds or WalMarts.

      Reply
      1. Bob I am retired too. Please ignore this gentlemen comment. I am going to assume his job is to make America Great again.

        Reply
        1. …under the new administration, everyone living in america will be entitled to a C8…along with living wage – working or not…:-)

          Reply
    2. I am still waiting, since July 2019. Call concierge several times, they said I am 3000, and that was couple months ago, still can’t get a production date. I am doing an Album with the museum, they told me Oct is what they see. Funny how the museum know more than the concierge..

      Reply
    3. With the delay in receiving your new Corvette, you can save the $1500 up. ?? Also, they may grandfather your original price in if you already ordered and are not able to receive…

      Reply
  4. When will you take orders for the 2021 and how long will you have to wait?

    Reply
    1. I ordered mine today!

      Reply
      1. You were able to order the 2021 or just get on the list? I was under the impression that allocations have not gone out yet?

        Reply
      2. Picked up my 2021 today….

        Reply
        1. 2021? 2020??

          Reply
  5. With the comment “It should also make the C8 available to several new international markets”, does that mean that we will have to wait over another year for the RIGHT HAND DRIVE models? Please explain.

    Reply
  6. GMA:
    What does the new Sky Cool Gray / Strike Yellow interior look like and when is Chevrolet going to have the Visualizer up & running for the 2021 models?

    Reply
  7. I ordered a C8 LT2 back in February and have no ideal when it will be assigned a build number etc. My current dealer in Temecula, California has no ideal what is being produced for California. Does anybody know how many cars they are producing a day and if they are now running a second production shift?

    Reply
  8. I sure hope the car is better than their Corvette Concierge because I was been on hold for over a hour waiting for someone to answer my call. I put a deposit on a 2020 Corvette over a year ago and nobody knows WTF is going on????

    Reply
  9. If you order yours today, you will be in line to get your 2020 in the year 2023.

    Reply
  10. Is the Z51 spoiler for 2021 black? All MY2020 pictures and deliveries show it in body color and the vuizualizer only shows that spoiler in black…???

    Reply
  11. Too bad they do not offer the Z51 package without the ridiculous spoiler. Looks much cleaner without. Just speaking as a long time aerospace engineer. That spoiler is a bit of an obstacle for the rear trunk access as well (I know, what does practicality have to do with it).

    Reply
  12. Does anyone know if you can get a LT1 in rapid blue with just base red seats ? Online it lets me build it with a small upcharge but the dealer says no…

    Reply

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