Back in 2022, GM Authority was the first to tell you that GM was planning to update the C8 Corvette interior, even rendering how such the refreshed setup will look like. Now, roughly four years later, we have the very first sighting of the upcoming changes.
As a test Corvette C8 test group consisting of C8 Z06 and C8 ZR1 models was making its way into GM’s Milford Proving Grounds, our spy shooter managed to capture a Z06 prototype with an uncovered interior. The photos show a new dash and center stack arrangement, with a new interplay between the center infotainment screen and the area around it, plus a reconfigured HVAC setup.
Starting at the driver’s side of the car, we can clearly see that the gauge cluster surround has been reshaped to be thinner and further from the driver. The steering wheel and right-hand stalk appear identical to those used on the 2020-2025 C8 Corvette interior.
Even bigger changes are present at the center stack, with the most obvious change being the way in which the center screen is mounted. The prototype keeps the center screen acutely angled toward the driver, but the part of the display that faces the windshield now features a dash-colored trim. These two changes, in turn, result in a new design of the dash trim.
It’s unclear whether the screen itself is any larger than the one used currently, but it does appear to be more upright.
On to the bigger news: the massive panel that houses the HVAC controls on the current C8 Corvette interior seems to be gone. Though the photos don’t who the center console fully, we can safely conclude that the “wall of buttons” has either been lowered in height of removed entirely.
The photos don’t show much else, but we can nevertheless conclude that Chevy will tone down the exaggerated C8 Corvette interior for a more streamlined arrangement for the driver and front passenger alike.
For what it’s worth, we here at GM Authority would love to see the updated cabin adopt a new location for the inductive/wireless phone charger, as the location of the charger currently – at the bottom of the waterfall between the two seats – makes using it quite a challenge.
Though we initially projected these C8 Corvette interior updates to make their way into production for the 2025 C8, we now expect them to arrive for the 2026 Corvette.
Comments
From what we can see, they aren’t incorporating the new dual screen design seen on all the new Chevy models.
However, the screen we can see appears to be slightly larger and/or more upright which makes me wonder if they were able to squeeze in HVAC controls directly underneath it or integrated them digitally into the infotainment system.
There is nothing different about that interior. It’s 100% the current one. Seriously, was this just clickbait or are your editors blind?
Third option and the one that correlates the most with reality: you’re dumb (not blind, just dumb).
Pay closer attention. Be better. Talk less $hit.
I see an obvious difference?
When does the fix for the lazy headlamp/taillamp styling happen?
Lemme guess… you want ROUND TAILLAMPS.
Plenty of C6, C5 and C4 for you to choose from on the nostalgic used car market. Don’t bring that nonsense to the C8.
Exactly. Don’t bring back the school bus tail lights.
Go take a course in photography. The car has two sides. You cannot tell anything in those very poor photos, I t looks just like my 2020 C8. But then again I would clean the window. And snap a photo..
Way to tell me that you didn’t read the article without telling me you didn’t read the article.
The differences are apparent unless you’re dumb. The article outlines what’s different. Even Helen Keller would notice the changes.
Also, these are prototypes that are moving and don’t want to be seen or photographed. You think they’ll stop to pose for a perfect shot or to let the photographer clean the window?
Do not pass go, do not collect $200 Jimbo.
Ray Charles agrees.
Interior looks the same to me, but, regardless, sure took long enough.
Start behind the screen and follow it down to where the wall of HVAC buttons is now. You’ll see the difference.
So Alex, if there’s and update coming for the C8, is there any potential that it includes a new V8 that GM is working on for the new trucks? Start production with lower numbers for the C8 and then it’s fully ready for the updated trucks for 2027 model year?
They released the Gen III, IV and V with a Corvette model, so there is a likelihood well get a flavor of the 6th gen small block this year with the Vette.
Moving the wireless phone charger is the biggest interior change need on the C8. If you are limber enough to contort your spine into the position required to get the phone in/out while seated, you are likely much younger than the average Corvette buyer.
The current location is a week design effort at best.
I’m not one to complain about interior colors and materials. When I’m driving enthusiastically (the real point of having a sports car, right?), that’s the last thing on my mind. But I DO appreciate having a functional interior. My only complaint? I echo that the phone holster needs to be relocated. Perhaps the side of the console?
Maybe my lying eyes deceive me but it sure looks like the wall of buttons are still there.
If it’s there, it’s A LOT lower than the current model. Look closer.
Fix the Camaro/Blazer/,tail light areas. They scream Chebby !!
I have to say I like the wall and the button locations. IMHO
Change I would love to see is the addition of a manual trans.
The C8 corvette is an amazing vehicle. Design, performance and price. Why GM can’t use the corvette philosophy in more products is a frustrating point. Every other GM vehicle is just adequate, nothing special. Oh wait, a black wing in performance but not so much is individualization. Plus, why GM thinks their supposedly luxury brand needs a performance car and sponsor race cars is misguided to say the least.
still waiting for my 25 S/R From December order…sitting in 3000 mode…I WANT THE WALL !!!
Mark, these changes are only for the 2026 models and onward. Your 2025 Stingray is going to have that wall of buttons.
Please change the rear light and the ugly steering wheel
What the future will bring for the 2026 Corvette and beyond will be outstanding. Looking forward in a few years to see what GM does with the C9 generation
I own a 2025 E-Ray, and there’s been considerable debate about the wall of buttons. Given the confined interior space, the most feasible alternative to eliminate these buttons would likely involve integrating their functions into a software-driven touchscreen, as seen in many modern vehicles. However, this transition could lead to user dissatisfaction. Adjusting settings such as temperature or activating heated and air-conditioned seats would then require navigating through touchscreen menus, which can be cumbersome and present safety concerns while driving. Ultimately, regardless of the modifications introduced, it’s impossible to please everyone.
You can replace 3 AC buttons with 1 dial, +,-,power. 2 dials cover the passenger side and AC, a 3rd dial covers air speed and zone sync. Just eliminated 9 buttons with 3 dials. This was how cars were done back in the early 2K. We moved away from an obvious superior system because everyone wanted the sleekness of buttons, then to eliminate those buttons with touchscreens. Just go back to dials.
I prefer the 4 center pipe deep sound exhaust design on the 2LT model. This feature should be available on all models
The Stingray and E-Ray have the outboard exhaust, the Z06 and ZR1 (and upcoming Zora) have the center-mounted pipes.