General Motors unveiled the 2026 Corvette earlier this month, showing off a long list of updates and changes headlined by a refreshed cabin and control layout. In addition, the new model year ushers in a few new exterior paint options, an asymmetrical interior colorway, and new infotainment goodies. Adding to that list is the introduction of body-color rocker panels for the C8 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray variants.
For reference, the 2025 Corvette Stingray is equipped as standard with body-color rocker extensions, while buyers can opt for black composite rocker panel extensions (RPO code STI) for $595, or the Black Ground Effects kit (RPO code 5V7) for $625. As for the 2025 Corvette Z06 and E-Ray, black rocker panel extensions are standard, with customers offered premium ground effects via the $2,995 Carbon Flash-painted carbon fiber kit (RPO code CFZ) or the $3,995 Visible carbon fiber kit (RPO code CFV). However, both the 2025 Z06 and the 2026 E-Ray lack a body-color rocker option.
Now, with the launch of the 2026 model year, that’s about to change. The 2026 E-Ray will feature body-color rocker extensions as standard, as is also the case for the C8 Stingray, while the Z06 will offer body-color extensions as an optional upgrade.
Images of the new 2026 Corvette body-color rocker panels are currently unavailable, while official pricing details have yet to be announced. It’s also unclear whether the E-Ray will also offer black rocker extensions as an option, as is the case for the C8 Stingray.
Meanwhile, the ultra-high-performance 2026 Corvette ZR1 will continue to be equipped with visible carbon fiber rocker extensions.
Beyond the exterior enhancements, the 2026 Corvette also debuts a reimagined cabin with a new three-screen infotainment layout composed of a 12.7-inch center display, a 14-inch digital driver information center, and a 6.6-inch touchscreen positioned to the left of the steering wheel. The center console has also been reworked for better ergonomics, with the HVAC controls now relocated beneath the central display.
All 2026 Corvette models are built on the GM Y2 platform, with production set to begin in August at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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