The 2026 Corvette is set to introduce several important updates, as GM Authority has covered extensively in the past. Among the highlights is a major interior refresh with new infotainment screens, a new dash, new HVAC controls, and other changes. Not only that, but the 2026 Corvette will also introduce two new exterior colors. Notably, the two new hues will replace two other colors going away after the 2025 model year.
C8 Stingray in Rapid Blue (GMO)
C8 Stingray in Sea Wolf Gray Tricoat (GXA)
The two Corvette colors set for discontinuation are Rapid Blue (paint code GMO) and Sea Wolf Gray Tricoat (paint code GXA). Rapid Blue was introduced for the 2020 model year with the launch of the eighth-generation C8 and was available for an extra $500. Sea Wolf Gray Tricoat was introduced for the 2024 model year and cost an extra $995.
The two older colors will be indirectly replaced by Roswell Green Metallic (paint code G4Z) and Blade Silver Metallic (paint code GKA).
Beyond the exterior styling revisions, the 2026 Vette will also debut a significant overhaul to the interior, including a redesigned dashboard that eliminates the “wall of buttons” (although the central dividing bar remains), as well as a triplet of horizontally aligned digital displays, plus an upgraded infotainment screen expected to measure between 10 to 12 inches. Climate controls will move below the central display, improving ergonomics and overall cabin flow.
One of the biggest headlines will be the debut of the new C8 Corvette Zora. Positioned as the range-topping variant of the lineup, the Zora is expected to combine hybrid power with the already potent twin-turbo V8 found in the C8 ZR1, delivering unprecedented performance benchmarks for the nameplate.
Production of the 2026 Corvette is now scheduled to begin on August 4th, 2025 after a pushback from the original June 2nd date. Dealers will begin submitting orders on June 26th, 2025. All C8 variants are assembled at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky, with the GM Y2 platform once again providing the underpinnings.
Comments
They should have gotten rid of Riptide instead of Rapid
They fixed yellow, finally have a good green and legit silver is back. Now they’re killing Barbie Blue and Bleh Gray? Sounds like the color blind saboteur in the paint department finally got fired. Hooray! More of this please.
anything is better than peasoup green though Tugboat Gray was never my fave
I had a 2020 in Shadow Grey Metalic. The metalic was beautiful. I then purchased a 2024 Hyporsonic Grey. It was beautiful, but not as beautiful as Shadow Grey. I think the current line up of colors are terrible.
I do not know why they are bringing back silver, it was not a big seller in the first 3 years of C 8.
They have had some real stinkers lately, Smurf blue, battleship gray, and Cacti.
Personally, I would like to see a dark ( Navy0 Blue, or some shades of deep red, like Marlboro Red that they had in the 60’s.
A convertible in the new color green with black interior would be my choice. If only they would let you shift gears again. I think the whole drive line is so complicated GM can’t trust a human to operate the transmission on their own. Next step…..They will come equipped with an AI driver. You will just be along for the ride.
See so many shades of gray here in MS, that I think the South has finally risen again and these are Confederate government vehicles. LOL.
IMHO, Blade Silver is so much better looking than the Silver Flare. Happy to see that making a comeback. Would still like to see Lime Rock Green make it back into the portfolio.