Back in 2022, GM Authority was the first to tell you that GM was planning to update the C8 Corvette interior. Then, earlier this month, we showed you our first look at the updates in store for the 2026 Corvette, at which point we concluded that the refreshed model would tear down the “wall of buttons” – the prominent HVAC control panel that separates the driver from the front passenger – which has been part of the Corvette C8 since its introduction for the 2020 model year. Now, our spies managed to catch another prototype, giving a much better look at the 2026 Corvette interior.
The prototype seen here is the upcoming Corvette Zora, which will become the range-topping model within the Corvette C8 family. This particular one is a Convertible (as opposed to the Coupe). Regardless, the changes we’re about to see will be applied across all Corvette models (most likely) starting with the 2026 model year.
The 2026 Corvette interior updates can be clearly seen here, with the “wall of buttons” prominently removed gone. Whatever will take its place is a mystery thanks to the plentiful amount of black tarp draped over most of the center stack.
We can also see a new center infotainment screen, one that’s much wider than the eight-inch screen that – in our opinion – started to show its age a few years ago on the C8. The new display seems to extend well beyond the width dimensions of current one, which was limited in size by the aforementioned wall of buttons. We also see a much larger volume and on/off knob than the one on the current C8.
For us, the more important question is how the 2026 Corvette interior will handle climate controls now that the wall has been torn down. Here’s to hoping that the changes involve a set of tactile/physical controls – possibly below the center stack – rather than on-screen shenanigans.
Comments
More steering wheel controls would be appreciated. Personally I prefer having all my audio entertainment on left side of steering wheel, it is my least used hand available to control what I am listening to and how loud. Least used button is cruise control, move that to the right side of steering wheel. Bring in advanced dynamic radar systems with follow-me ability. My girl leaned over this weekend and totally landed on the climate control buttons all at once, whoa, all kinds of stuff changed and started happening very quickly. I will never be able to change what I have, but it will be nice to know it is going away. The climate could easily be a few buttons low under the touch screen. There is a lot going on in a C8, and I am grateful for it. But it takes time to absorb all it can do. Peace to you all and save the wave.
This car deserves round tail lights.
ALL Corvettes should have round tail lights… They should have never had square units, ever.
had to use up the Camaro tail lights
Hmm, like all the C1s, C4s, C5s……
Try to realize it isn’t 1965 any more, but 2025.
I disagree. It would need to have a stunning design that lives up to its heritage to have round taillights. The C8 is dynamically the best Corvette even but its generic supercar shape with awkward forms makes it the least visually appealing Corvette ever.
In the 1970s, there were mid-engine concept Corvettes like the XP882 that were beautiful so switching to a midship layout didn’t necessarily mean the beauty of the Corvette had to be lost but unfortunately, in my opinion, with the C8, it has been.
Oh Yeah!! C6 perfectly round. I was thinking of modifying a C8 rear bumper to use those, it would look sweet!!
My 2013 Grand Sport Conv approves this post. 😜
Have to see it to make any comment, what is shown here is poor.
I agree on the poor. There could still be a wall there but possibly a little shorter from what we see in the pics…
If you don’t see it, then it’s prolly your eyesight or lack of attention to detail.
Just follow the line of the tarp camo and you’ll see that the wall is no longer there. Could it be lower? Yes. If it’s lower, then it’s A LOT lower than it is now… so much so that it’s no longer a wall but more of a bump.
Let me preface this by saying; my following statement isn’t political. it’s strictly logical. I’m not a fan of Elon Musk, Tesla or EVs by any stretch – BUT – until buying a car from GM is as easy as it is buying a car from Tesla – I just don’t care anymore. Build and price on line, pay deposit, pick up car a few weeks later. OMG. How do I get to live in that world with an ICE? Buying a new Corvette was a level of misery even Dante couldn’t have imagined. I don’t EVER want to go through that again and I won’t. They could make a Zora half price with 3 pedals and in a color I’d actually buy – if I’ve got to deal with the insane shenanigans I encountered at EVERY Chevy dealer I tried to buy a C8 from (and that goes double for Coughlin) I’ve bought my last new GM product. I’m not putting up with it any more.
The Tesla buying experience is to blindly order a car you haven’t seen, have it dropped off without the inspection a deaker usually dies, and hope you happen to get one that isn’t falling apart. Sure, you can test drive one at a Tesla store, but you can’t actually take the one you tested home. You have to rely on the inconsistent Tesla QA to ship you one as well built as the one you tested.
Give me the dealer experience any day. I can test drive a car, then an hour later, sign some papers and drive it home.
“The Tesla buying experience is to blindly order a car you haven’t seen, have it dropped off without the inspection a dealer usually dies, and hope you happen to get one that isn’t falling apart. ” LOL. How is that any different from GM?
Of all your statements the only 2 accurate things you said are; a) you’re the kind of guy who actually thinks they’re going to let you test drive a Zora and b) you laughably think GM’s quality is any better than a Tesla. 877,710 GM customers with a brand new V8 are waiting to shove a rod through a block.
The model under discussion is Corvette. The Corvette does not share the same components and factory as the rest of GM. Go to the truck forums if you want to complain about quality which I hear isn’t very good. However, the quality of my 2024 Z51 Stingray is excellent. It’s the first new car I ever ordered that I didn’t have to take back to the dealer for “adjustments”. I won’t bring up my 1971 Vega for discussion because it’s irrelevant…
Cybertruck, enough said!
Try googling JD Power. Corvette quality is WAY, WAY better than Tesla.
I concur that experiencing a dealership can be beneficial; however, when considering the ordering process, I must align with Jim’s viewpoint that Tesla’s system is exemplary in its ease of use and efficiency. During my recent purchase of a 2025 E-Ray, the process was notably laborious—not so much for myself, but rather for the sales manager who navigated the complexities of ordering, delivery, and the finalization of paperwork, even without the complications of financing. In contrast, General Motors’ systems appear outdated and are in urgent need of modernization to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
It’s guys like you, drive it home in an hour, is why cars are all white, black, and gray. Kill joy.
I configured mine online, placed the order at one of probably 3 dealers I know of that cater to people ordering it their way. It was not an online order or deposit, I still had to go to a dealer. Except for the two on East Coast, they are order online. Anyway I got my car exactly the way I wanted. No trouble. Most people seem to want to go into a show room and “find one” , not me, let me order it my way.
sadly, GM dealers aren’t what they used to be. I ran one in the 70’s – 80’s and would order a car for anyone with a deposit. 8 weeks later the car arrived. I went in to IRVINE (Ca) Chevrolet and asked to order one and leave a 40% deposit. They told me “we don’t order customer cars–you can find what you want on our lot”. LIKE REALLY?? Buy what YOU want to sell me for $100k and NOT letting me order WHAT I want?? My apologies Mr Dealer. I thought my $100k was worth something. It was a plain competition yellow – black interior–nothing crazy. So while I do agree with the dealer experience and ordering factor, dealers wonder why we sell them down the block for $500. It has to do do with the experience. I ordered mine from out of state and getting the museum delivery (when and if GM decides to make the car I ordered back in November)
Oh, I think GM dealers are exactly what they used to be: crappy, screw the customer, get the most money for the least effort possible.
I would buy a horse before I buy a tesla!
I have a 2023 C8 and the only complaint for my dealer was the long wait time to get it.
Excited to see the updated interior but more importantly to finally see what this whole “Zora” C8 is gonna be about.
The 2026 corvette comes out in just a few months. To have an interior covered like this at this time, I would believe this would be for the 2027. All 2026 changes to the car would have already been planned and changes sent to manufacturers of the components. To see a picture of the dash covered in camouflage and technical wires going every which way
would have been shown 8 to 10 months ago.
You’re right, but there is a nuance.
What’s being tested on these prototypes isn’t so much the interior but rather the Zora’s powertrain, performance, and calibration. The interior has been ready, and is simply along for the ride as part of the vehicle.
It could very well be that the interior updates for the Stingray, E-Ray, Z06 and ZR1 will be revealed for the 2026 model year, while the Zora (the model being tested here) will be announced later.
Mr. Duntov; tear down that wall!
I bought a 2025 (ordered November 2024—haven’t gotten it yet even) because I WANTED the wall…it makes the interior driver focused. I really don’t care what my passenger has to do–they’re riding in a sports car.
GM–WILL YA PLEASE MOVE MY CAR OUT OF “3000” MODE-its been 4months and nothing’s moving. There’s finally no constraints on a regular S/R.
Look the tail lamps have been gone for 2 gens get over it.
The Dealer issue is a problem not easily solved. To by pass the dealers would mean GM has to buy out the dealers. They don’t have the money for that so learn how to deal with the dealer.
The Wall was reported gone for the next model year a while back this just backs it up. It was a complaint and GM heard it and removed it.
I swear even if GM built this and delivered the car to your house free you would find something to complain about.
This is the best sports car ever built in America and it ranks high even on the global scale with other more expensive cars.
If you want to get round tail lamps go buy a 1976 C3 for $7K to part by your single wide trailer.
You can’t tell anything from these photos, LOL. All the details are covered, including the “bigger screen.”
You never know what you might find until you look. I ordered my New C7 exactly like I wanted it to be. Usually keep 3 Corvettes in my garage, but due to some lower back issues, wanted “another” car, just a bit higher off of the ground. Called the salesman, and he had exactly 2 cars. This was Friday at noon. I live south of Atlanta and was at the dealership Saturday morning. One was outstanding! Same interior color of my C7, a stunning exterior color, and over 600 HP. SOLD! So, sometimes you might find the very Corvette that you would order! Or even, some extras. SEEK, and you might just get lucky!
This needs beautiful rear and tail lights. Round or not they must be beautiful. Current rear looks awful and cheap. Also replace the steering wheel