The 2026 Corvette debuts a long list of updates for Chevy’s mid-engine performance icon, including updated controls, an overhauled infotainment system, and new performance goodies, to name just a few. In addition, the new C8 now offers expanded availability for the optional leather stitching colors, offering buyers even more opportunities to customize their ride.
Previously limited to the top-tier 3LT and 3LZ trims, the custom stitching options are now also available for the 2LT and 2LZ trims in conjunction with the 2026 model year. The three custom leather stitching colors are Competition Yellow (RPO code 36S), and Santorini Blue (RPO 37S), and Adrenaline Red (RPO code 38S), each of which adds a splash of contrast to various interior elements, including the seats, instrument panel, doors, and center console.
Competition Yellow (36S)
Santorini Blue (37S)
Adrenaline Red (38S)
Regardless of the trim selected, each of the custom stitching options requires one of the Jet Black interior configurations, identified by RPO codes H1Y, HTM, or HTP. Though GM has yet to announce pricing details for the 2026 Corvette custom leather stitching, each of the three packages was priced at $495 for the previous 2025 model year.
As GM Authority has covered extensively in the past, the 2026 Corvette also debuts a new three-screen digital infotainment layout, which enhances the driver-focused design of the C8’s cabin with a 14-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.7-inch center infotainment screen, and an auxiliary 6.6-inch touchscreen located to the left of the steering wheel.
Customers can also customize the cabin with a new asymmetrical interior color scheme that combines Jet Black and Adrenaline Red, while several new symmetrical layouts are offered as well. Exterior options have been updated with two new paint colors.
All 2026 Corvette models ride on the GM Y2 platform, while production will continue to take place at the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Production for the 2026 model year is scheduled to begin on August 4th, 2025.
Comments
If you have one, other than colors and interior updates, there’s really not much reason to buy a new one. Perhaps if they upped the standard horsepower to 550 or so. That might be enough of an increase to persuade some current owners to trade up and attract some new buyers.
I can totally agree with you, Mike…I find it hard to believe that those very competent Corvette engineers, since 2020 couldn’t find an additional small amount of horsepower to raise the figures from 490 (495 with optional factory exhaust option) to over 500 horsepower! You need to have an incentive to purchase the next model year of C8, and the easiest way (to my way of thinking) is to raise the horsepower, not a lot but enough for some bragging rights, it’s not “rocket science”, there are ways this can be done while still meeting emission standards, and of course even the simplest of additions (pick one, there are many out there) could help put your “newer model” C8 into a more desirable situation…just say’n.
They might not have tweaked things in order to avoid gas guzzler tax. If memory serves me correctly, they currently just barely avoid that.
Let’s see a manual transmission please!
Unless you’re upgrading to a Z06.
Four stitching choices, long as you get black interior of course.