We remember like it was yesterday when GM revealed the Corvette C8 in Tustin, CA. That was in July 2019 – meaning that over half a decade has passed since that momentous occasion, and the current, 2025 Corvette represents the C8’s sixth model year. The mid-engine model has stirred a revolution in the sports car scene the world over, revitalizing the customer base, reaching impressive sales volumes, and – more generally – bringing the Corvette brand to new heights. To keep interest (and sales) rocking, GM is working on several key updates for the 2026 model year – which will become the seventh model year of the C8. Here’s what we know about and expect from the upcoming 2026 Corvette refresh.
Updated Cabin
The big news for the 2026 Corvette refresh is an updated cabin, which GM Authority told you about way back in 2022. Then last month, spy shots showed a glimpse of an updated cabin, with seemingly the biggest change being to the HVAC control panel that divides the driver and passenger. Known colloquially as the “wall of buttons,” it’s either been substantially lowered or removed entirely. The spy pix also showed a bigger (wider) center infotainment screen and a reconfigured binnacle for the digital gauge cluster ahead of the driver, plus modified dash trim pieces to go along with these changes.
Beyond that, we also expect other changes, such as an updated infotainment system and a reconfigured inductive/wireless phone charger, among other nips and tucks. This change will apply to the entire C8 range, including the C8 Stingray, C8 Z06, E-Ray, ZR1, and Zora (see below).
New Engine For Stingray?
If an updated cabin doesn’t isn’t your cup of tea, then there’s this: a new engine for the base Stingray model might be in the cards. Based on GM’s forthcoming sixth-generation Small Block engine architecture, the new mill would replace the existing 6.2L V8 LT2 (490 horsepower, 465 pound-feet of torque in base form). We laid out the reasoning for our thinking last week (if you haven’t read it, you can do so here), but we should note that this change might not arrive in time for the 2026 model year.
Upcoming C8 Zora testing on the Nurburgring
Zora Flagship
The C8 Zora will not only be the final word for the Corvette C8 family in terms of performance, but the Corvette Zora will also put the Vette into hypercar territory – a space the Corvette has never previously occupied.
Set to be offered in the same Coupe (with a manually-removable roof) and hard-top Convertible body styles as the C8 ZR1, the Zora will cradle the ZR1’s twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 gasoline engine as the C8 ZR1 while adding a hybrid system. That hybrid set up will deliver even higher levels of performance by driving the front wheels with electric power, blessing the C8 Corvette Zora with all-wheel grip and even more potency compared to the 1,064 horses and 828 pound-feet of torque.
Other Changes
Beyond an updated cabin, the introduction of the Zora, and potentially a new engine for the Stingray, we also expect the 2026 Corvette refresh to introduce the typical items associated with model year changeovers. These include a revised exterior color lineup, updates to interior colorway choices, plus changes to packages and equipment group items for the Stingray, Z06, C8 E-Ray and C8 ZR1.
Timing
Assuming the updated cabin and new engine for the Stingray are on deck for the 2026 Corvette refresh, Chevy will need to reveal it fairly soon, since production is set to begin in June (the Zora reveal and launch will come later). However, as we mentioned earlier, there is a possibility that some of the items mentioned here will arrive for a subsequent model year instead.
As always, GM Authority will be here every step of the way to get you the latest in terms of Corvette news, Chevy news and 24/7 coverage of GM news.
Comments
Somehow boomers will find a way to complain about this
The design looks like they pieced together 3 different cars. How’s that?
Corvette is DOA in Canada now.
Canada is a bastion of european sryle weakness and dependence on American military might.
If Canada disappeared tomorrow would anyone even notice?
we put our felons in prison you clowns should try it
Except the ones who work for the Government, Carney, Trudeau, Freeland, Singh….all still free to destroy a once great country.
Imbecile. Canada is our best allie. The cult leader has infected your little brain.
and they do what for us again on a global scale? crickets.
i assume vette’s have the 6.2 problems the trucks do ?
No. BW Cadillacs did however….though since their production no is small I don’t know the exact numbers.
Sez Chris Trudeau.
Weird times when 1064 HP doesn’t already make you a hypercar.
Boomers are not the ones crying because we cannot work from home or have mommy call human resources when we do not like the way the boss treats us.
Stealing this… A modified version will appear on Facebook soon.
The Tahoe/Suburban at least got their tail light pattern flipped around a little (and a major headlight change) for their 2025 model year update/MCE, please do something with the lighting package on the new c8.5!!
My 24 is almost perfect in my mind, only a manual transmission c8 would get me to trade it.
Agree. I absolutely love everything about the C8; except it doesn’t have a stick shift option.
They should focus on making z06s more affordable and attainable. That’s the sweet spot. I don’t need 1000 hp, that’s ridiculous for my 6 mile work commute. How many people track their c8? 1%??? Why is gm spending so much time money and effort to appease 1%? How about designing a manual c8? Let’s go gm get your head straight.
It appears to me that GM intends to return to the European market. A world-class flagship sports car would help in that endeavor. Likewise, Cadillac in F1. They recently released sketches of a next-gen Corvette that were produced in the new GM styling center in England.
You need 1000 hp when a mustang decides to challenge… Given that Z06 is a gas hog by comparison to Stingray, why didn’t you instead get a Stingray for commuting? If you need a manual transmission to make your car exciting, you just don’t have enough power.
So, exactly how much more power will the upcoming Zora will make, since the new ZR1 has 1,064 horses.
Likely 1064 + the 160 from the hybrid for 1224 total. Not a dramatic increase from the 1064, but it will be AWD, so significant increase in 0-60 and put of corner trap speed.
I’ve been saying to friends that I think the Zora will be a 1.95 second 0-60 and will be 1400HP + by having bigger electric motors, ECU tweaks, etc. GM certainly surpassed our expectations with the ZR1 with most folks thinking it was going to be around 850 HP. With the Zora, it’s going to be “go big or go home”, but that’s just my opinion. 🤷♂️
500 hp or 1000+ what’s 3 tenths difference in speed don’t car
PRODUCTION begins in June and yet they haven’t built my 2025 (on order since December) so it becomes a year old in June, before I even get it??
Nice article, thank you to GM Authority.
I think I would let the new 2020 EPA standards come in. I can’t imagine a car this complicated being marketable except to the very rich that just don’t give damn. New management at GM has to come soon or someone else is going to take advantage of the new relaxed standards.
I became a litetime member to the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green even though I had never visited. Well, then I went to the museum 30th anniversary and spent a week there. We volunteered and that made it even more special. I will be going back each year in April for the Michelin bash. It really helped me connect with something I always knew, I love the Corvette. Hope you all are well.
I have had four C8s. I really like them and the one I have now is the prettiest. Optional red paint and tan interior. It is remarkable for a 90k. I wouldn’t change a thing.
the a8 trans i have sucks. terrible hard shifts, bad shuttering, hanging up in a gear before shifting. i had triple flush at 27000 miles. problem gone for 20000 mile now back again. gm will not fix it