The 2026 Corvette introduces a long list of updates to the mid-engine sports car lineup, including a revamped cabin, expanded customization options, and even new performance options. One of the more notable updates is a new electrochromic dimming glass roof panel, which allows users to control the level of ambient light entering the cabin with the touch of a button. Now, GM Authority is taking a closer look.
Tagged with RPO code CF8, the electrochromic dimming and removable roof panel can instantly alter the level of tint via an electrical voltage, thus changing the level of ambient light in the cabin. Chevrolet also says that the panel includes a body-color surround. The new electrochromic dimming glass roof panel is exclusive to the Coupe body style and will be available on 2LT / 2LZ and 3LT / 3LZ trims for the C8 Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, and ZR1. Pricing for the new roof option has yet to be announced.
The new electrochromic option effectively replaces the standard body-color roof (RPO code CF7) offered for Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray models, as well as the visible carbon fiber roof with body-color surround (RPO code C2Z) offered for ZR1. However, buyers still have access to three other roof choices, including the transparent and removable panel (RPO code CC3) on Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray models, priced at $995 for 2025; the visible carbon fiber panel with body-color surround (RPO code C2Z), included as standard on ZR1 and optional for $2,495 on other models; and the CF7 and C2Z roofs mentioned previously, with availability depending on the trim selected.
As such, there are now four distinct roof options on offer for the Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray Coupes. Notably, the electrochromic roof cannot be paired with Full Length Dual Racing Stripes, unlike the other roof options.
Beyond the new roof panel, the 2026 Corvette also sees significant infotainment changes with a new three-screen display layout that envelops the driver in a horizontal arc. The 2026 model year also adds an asymmetrical Jet Black and Adrenaline Red interior colorway, along with a few new symmetrical options and two new exterior paint choices.
All C8 Corvette models, including Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, and ZR1, are built on the GM Y2 platform. Production for the 2026 model year is scheduled to begin on August 4th, 2025, at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky.
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Anyone want to guess. How much will the new electrochromic option cost?
I’m guessing $4500
Interesting thought there, Eric. I believe it’ll be fairly expensive as an option and absolutly disgusting expensive as a “replacement part” should something happen to it. Not even considering replacement cost should it ever get stolen, just the painting to match the body color ought to relieve your back account of…well, probably more than most of us keep for that always considered “rainy day”! So is this a truly worthwhile option or just a gimick? I guess GM will find out in not too distant future. In the meantime, better save up for this baby if you feel the need to be one of the few who’ll actually order such an option…just say’n.
PS….my current C5 Corvette (2001) has both tops since new, and the “glass” top (ok, see through lightly tinted acrylic) is in perfect shape, has been used sparingly but living in So.Cal. is probably one of the reasons that everything is all origininal and in amazing condition as the weather here generally is mild. While some states can produce some horrific weather conditions during the horrible winter months and usually isn’t the best thing to leave any Corvette outside because it doesn’t take much to create a condition where your ‘Vette can and will be slowly but surely damaged in the long run, and I see this particular “dimming glass” roof panel to be a real concern over the years. Then again, I may be wrong…but I seriously doubt it. I guess time will tell, won’t it?
@Rick,
I’m also in Southern California (Los Angeles County). I was just curious about people’s opinion on the electrochromic roof. My guess is the cost will be more than the visible Carbon Fiber roof ($2,495). Since your C5 has a “glass top.” You might have an answer for my other concern. Road noise. How well does a glass top dampen road noise?
I wish it was going to be available on the hardtop convertible models. I would definitely like to get more light in when I have the top up.
In answer to a question about the Corvette’s “see through roof panel” …on my C5, with the availability of the usage of both roof panels, I use the “glass roof” (it’s not really glass, right?) sparingly, usually when I go to car shows, or perhaps while going to a cruise night evening venue (like say, Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake, Ca. on a Friday) but as a safe guard, I’ve had it deep tinted underneath it so it can be driven in the summertime should the desire strike, cruising down (or up) the coastal highways along the beachs for instance, really is a joy now that the clear roof has a deep tint keeping the direct rays of the harsh sunlight out of the car’s interior and especially off my head…always bring a comfortable tightly fitting ball cap with you by the way works every time, should I actually remove that roof panel and store it behind me wanting to drive with the top totally off, that is an option too. I always lubricate the weather soft strips attached to the windshield and every other part of soft rubber seals which keeps the roof (s) from creaking and makes for a tighter seal…no wierd noises ever come from the roof panels since it was new by doing things this way! With the original “hard roof panel” (in body color) attached it is a few decibles quieter and a bit cooler inside the car, and I often switch usage of both roofs at times which keeps the weather seals soft and pliable.
As far as noticable “road noise”…again, maybe a decible or two, it really depends on the type of road you’re traveling on (blacktop or concrete) and of course the speeds that you drive at.
It’s really a toss-up, as long as you can close the side windows and they seal properly and tighly there isn’t much a noise difference, of course having a full “Borla Cat Back Exhaust” (not the noisest one, they can and do make a series that’s, for me is too loud, but who needs that Boy Racer image loud exhaust droaning noise when driving, not me!) and I do enjoy driving without the radio on, except for a sometimes check on road conditions in So.Cal. which can be a help in avoiding the usual messed up traffic conditions that seems to be getting worse by the day, especially down by the beach cities, sheesh!), the LS1 engine and factory drivetrain seems (for me) to provide just the right amount of comfortable “road noises” while driving…guess I getting old enough to now not require the usage of actual music while driving, and it is a blessing in disguise, besides there is so much to see and hear while driving, with the windows up or down, AC on or off…Targa Top’s on or off, you’ve got so many choices to make driving your Corvette (any generation) an experience that can help to make your drive to your destination, and back, an enjoyable one. Happy Motoring!
@Rick,
Thank you for your answer. I’m was only curious. I will not be including the electrochromic option on my 2026 Z06.
Also, i usually avoid LA’s Friday traffic. So no Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake, CA for me. I prefer the Corvettes & Coffee hosted by Corvettefest on the last Sunday of the month at “Fresh Donuts” on 560 Workman Mill Rd, Bassett, CA 91746.
If you ever make it. I drive a 2022 Elkhart Lake Blue metallic Stingray.
Happy motoring to you too.
You should consider it. The tech is going to be awesome! Same glass as the Purosongue Ferrari, and the Mclaren has it also.
EC roof is amazing. Heat blocking is more important than view.
I think I’ll pass. Here’s snothet one reason (heat):
“The McLaren 720S Spider features a control panel just above the driver. The touch panel allows for various settings that control how much light the roof lets in. As a result of it being glass, this technology blocks sunlight, but not heat. The 720S Spider’s top is capable of allowing from 95 to 30 percent of light into the cabin.”
Plus my build is already at 162k and that doesn’t include 2026 price increase. Add 10% for CA tax. And it’s about 180k.
That article has it wrong. Tony Roma at GM, the top engineer on the GM Celestiq became the top engineer on the 2026 Corvette. One of the features listed on electrochromic roof says:
“Reduced Interior Temperature: The smart roof can significantly lower the interior temperature of the vehicle. One source mentions a reduction of up to 18°F (10°C) compared to vehicles without this advanced glass technology.”
That’s from GM. Highly doubt they’d use a tech that tints but doesn’t block heat.
The quote is about the Celestiq.
@Johnathan, I think you’re right. I was reading an article on thedrive.com on the Clestiq.
“They found it actually reduced the temperature inside the vehicle by 18 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“The film is also not only capable of blocking light. It’s a slightly spongy material, which also makes it a good sound deadener inside the glass.”
Although it doesn’t make a comparison of smart glass vs. a regular roof. In terms of temperature and sound.
I may go for it!