We’ve already seen the the future C8 Corvette Zora several times in prototype form, including on the Nurburgring in Germany, then in Colorado, and most recently in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. All of those sightings, however, were of the Coupe body style. But today, we have the very first photos of the upcoming Zora Convertible.
Buttresses just aft of the cabin = convertible body style
The buttresses and vertical rear window immediately behind the cabin make it clear that we’re looking at the Convertible body style of the C8, while the driver-side front fascia features the tell-tale split radiator panel, where the horizontally-oriented portion cools the internal combustion engine, while the vertically-oriented one cools the electric motor and its components. Meanwhile, the intakes at the end of the “wishbone” make it clear that this is based around the C8 ZR1, and not the E-Ray (which also features the split radiator treatment).
Additionally, this Corvette Zora Convertible does not feature the air intakes at top of the rear quarter panels, which made their debut on the Corvette C8 ZR1. As GM Authority outlined previously, these inlets – which are available exclusively on ZR1 Coupe and not the Convertible – provide additional cooling to the twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7 V8 engine, enabling the super car’s heart to cool down faster than models without them.
With this Corvette Zora Convertible prototype sighting, we can safely say that the range-topping C8 will be available as a drop-top – much like all other C8 models, starting with the C8 Stingray on to the C8 Z06, C8 E-Ray and C8 ZR1.
As for power, the C8 Corvette Zora will cradle the same twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 gasoline engine as the C8 ZR1, but with a hybrid electric system added for even higher levels of performance. The hybrid setup is expected to power the front wheels, blessing the C8 Corvette Zora all-wheel grip and additional output compared to the 1,064-horsepower C8 ZR1. There’s no confirmation on final output figures just yet, and we’ve heard numbers anywhere from 1,200 to 1,400 horsepower.
As a reminder, all C8 variants – including the C8 Zora – ride on the GM Y2 platform, and all units are produced at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky. Look for the new C8 Zora to launch later this year as a 2026 model.
Other changes in store for the overall 2026 C8 range will be an updated interior with a redesigned gauge cluster surround and a reconfigured center console with new HVAC controls.
- See more on the 2026 Corvette
Comments
Monster of a corvette, I love it
Wake me up when it has 3 pedals again. DCTs are for women.
Two pedals will kick your ass every time on the race track.
LOL. When was the last time you – or nearly anyone – were at a racetrack? I drove my 6 speed Blackwing 3 times this week and had a blast. How many tenths I was losing to the automatic never occurred to me once.
If you need a manual transmission to make your car exciting, you just don’t have enough power.
Tell that to the people paying 100K more for manual 2019 ZR1s than the automatics.
Good for you Jim. Has been a while. I enjoy my manual Z06 and automatic Grandsport.
Why are DCT’s for women?
DCTs are for women because the only reason a man would ever buy an automatic sports car is so his wife can drive it too. Well, at least that was the reason before they started putting soy in everything.
D-bags gotta be seen!
Pretty dumb ass reason JIMMY!
Jim, get a 2019 ZR1 with the manual. Problem solved.
Also Jim, my wife loves driving our Z28 and our ZL1. Both manuals. But can understand why our C8 ZO6 has the auto and loves that too. There is a time and place for everything. Enjoy
[Insert vomit here]
That’s all fine and dandy but for 200 grand I’ll buy a base corvette, Silverado and remodel our kitchen.