It’s pretty wild to realize that the C8 Corvette has already been around for over five or six years. Time flies when you’re building mid-engined supercars for the masses. And now, the first significant update is being prepared for the 2026 model year. While the exterior will likely remain mostly the same, the interior appears to be in for major changes. This is evidenced by a recent internal leak, confirmed by our spy photos.
When the C8 first appeared, its interior drew a lot of attention for its unconventional design. The button wall that clearly separated the cabin between the driver and passenger sparked much debate. Some liked the atmospheric effect of the cockpit. Others thought it was a somewhat overcomplicated solution to a design problem that no one asked to be solved. According to early information, Chevrolet plans to abandon this controversial design for 2026 in favor of something more traditional, though arguably less expressive.
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A recently emerged GM parts diagram, published on and noted by , shows that the 2026 Corvette will retain its familiar digital instrument cluster but will have a larger infotainment screen than the current model. Just below it are ten separate buttons, which appear to be part of the climate control system.
It is less obvious whether the updated center console shape will be changed or remain unchanged. The diagram lacks information to confirm whether the current jet fighter-style gear shift toggles will remain or be redesigned.
The base Stingray model will likely be part of the 2026 update, and we would be surprised if the Z06 and E-Ray did not receive the same updated interior. We are still unsure if the Corvette ZR1 will also get the updated interior, as it was introduced last year with the old layout.
Perhaps the most anticipated addition will be the Zora. It is rumored to combine the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 from the ZR1 with the 160-horsepower electric motor from the E-Ray. This could give it over 1200 hp, making it a legitimate rival for renowned models like the 1258-hp McLaren W1 and the 1184-hp Ferrari F80.