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Here’s When 2026 Corvette Production Is Scheduled To Start

The 2026 Corvette marks the seventh model year for Chevrolet’s mid-engine sports car, set to debut only minor updates over the preceding 2025 model year. Buyers will once again have the choice between four high-performance variants: the C8 Stingray, C8 Z06, C8 E-Ray, and C8 ZR1. Now, GM Authority has learned when production of three of the 2026 Corvette variants is expected to begin.

The 2026 Corvette will roll off the line in June.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the start of regular production (SORP) for the 2026 Corvette Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray is scheduled for June 2nd, 2025. Chevrolet dealers will be able to submit customer orders starting April 13th, 2025. However, these dates remain tentative and may be subject to change. It is also currently unclear when production of the 2026 Corvette ZR1 will begin.

As with every Corvette since 1981, production will once again take place at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky.

Kicking off the eighth-gen Corvette lineup, we have the C8 Corvette Stingray, which features the naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8. Output is rated at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional factory performance exhaust system, while output hits the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission co-developed with Tremec.

Stepping up to the C8 Corvette Z06 nets the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6, delivering a high-revving 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Redline is set at a screaming-high 8,600 rpm, while the run from 0 to 60 mph is accomplished in just 2.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the C8 Corvette E-Ray introduces hybrid technology to the Corvette lineup, blending the 6.2L LT2 V8 from the Stingray with a front-mounted electric motor for a combined 655 horsepower. Unlike other C8 models, the E-Ray features an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, delivering instant torque from the front motor for enhanced acceleration and grip.

Finally, the C8 Corvette ZR1 remains the top dog in the eighth-gen lineup, serving up 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque thanks to the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7. Top speed is in excess of 230 mph, making the C8 Corvette ZR1 the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever made.

All C8 variants ride on the GM Y2 platform.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. already on constraint…. GM used to hold their suppliers to a much higher standard than “Just drop a few off whenever you feel like it”

    Reply
    1. exactly…I’ve had my ’25 SR on order since Nov and it hasn’t moved out of 3000 code since. First wheels were held up, then front lift. Its been 5yrs building the car and Covid has been over for 2 of those.

      Reply
  2. RT.. You are just not in the know my friend..
    As a REAL C8 buyer, not a looker/complainer, my 2025 Z06 was delivered with everything ordered in a very timely fashion.
    Next time you want to vent about something, know what your talking about.
    BTW, this site is for gm enthusiasts.. not bashers of our great products.

    Reply
    1. As a real C8 owner….what are you smoking? There are TONS of things on constraint now. In fact, I’m not sure there has EVER been a C8 order cycle where there are not constraints. You got your car delivered as you wanted…yeah for you. Whether it’s floor mats, spoilers, wheels, carbon fiber bits, paint color, trim level etc….they are ALL on constraint all the time. I personally had to forgo some options because of constraints for my order.

      YOU are not in the know bro…..LOL. EVERYONE but you apparently knows how horrible ordering constraints have been for years now on C8s.

      Reply
    2. listen to Rick Conte and you’ll change your tune. He outlines every constraint–every week on his pod cast. I’m a real buyer with one on order –not a looker / complainer and an ex-dealer co-owner and RT was clearly making a statement of fact. When GM puts a set of normal black wheels on constraint–with only 60 sets available for the whole country, I’d say RT hit it on the head. Happy you got yours in a timely fashion, but I bet it was 12 weeks..

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  3. What are the colors for 2016?

    Reply
  4. Bj 🤣
    “Smoke ’em if you got’ em” with hopefully “NO” constraints..
    As a buyer of (6) New C8 variants so far, I have encountered very few constraints and with my current 2025 Z06/Z07 pkg convertible ZERO constraints!
    Another gm bashing individual most likely driving an import.
    find another subject to complain about, BJ😂

    Reply
    1. How can you even say that? There are currently restraints now. GM Authority lists them every order cycle and has now every cycle for years.

      You can be childish and call me names and whatever…..but are you seriously suggesting that there are no restraints currently and there have not been in the past? If I posted month after month the constraint list for you to see, would you tell me it’s fake?

      I certainly know, as my order was personally constrained on multiple options. I have no reason to bash GM….I’m just saying, it’s been a problem for a lot of people. This web sight has documented those for years….why would you even try to claim this is not an issue?

      Reply
      1. I was very lucky with my 22 C8 , no restraints howver I was lucky , I ordered a Z51 and if one wanted Mag ride they had to get Z51 so I was lucky. My 23 GMC 1500 had the basic tailgate and no power folding mirrors and for our ’24 Cad XT5 we had to order the SPORT version to ensure we got all the options we wanted .

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  5. BJ – that screen name itself says it all.

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  6. I was hoping that the wall of buttons would go away. It’s not specifically addressed, but I’ll assume not.

    Reply
  7. My Z06 is perfect but it should have come with front and rear fender guard’s. I had to order a set from Zip and the dam things came in GM boxes.

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    1. Aftermarket suppliers are also allocated so many parts

      Reply
  8. Alright children!
    Enough with the arguing!
    Finish your dinner! NOW!
    Then finish your home work!
    Take your bath!
    And GO TO BED!
    Don’t make me call your father again.
    He is wearing his BIG belt today.
    And he is definitely in a “lack-of-constraint” mood again!

    The moral of the story is:
    EVERY vehicle manufacturer has constraint issues on a routine basis.
    Including the C8.

    And no reading your comic books under the covers with your flashlight!

    Reply
  9. Give us a manual for 2026. I’ll order another one. Chevy is going to have to make some changes to boost sagging vette sales.

    Reply
  10. A Grand Sport would definitely help sales.

    Reply
  11. Im a first time Corvette orderer (for the moment) / owner. I ordered the base LT1, no specialty packages.

    After reading the comments, i hope that being “basic” pays off with faster production time. If things go well, i will look to upgrade in the next few years.

    Any tips on maintenance, upkeep, & general do’s n dont’s for a virgin?

    Reply

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