C8 Chevrolet Corvette Interior Update Reportedly Delayed Until 2026

Over the past few years, rumors have repeatedly swirled, claiming that the C8 Chevrolet Corvette would be getting a redesigned interior that does away with the so-called ‘Great Wall of Buttons,’ but each time, those rumors have come to nothing. Now, a new report from GM Authority claims that the change has been further delayed “until at least the 2026 model year.” A reason for the delay was not mentioned in the report, but if this change does ever arrive, it may prove controversial. While some first-time drivers have complained that the center console is over-populated by buttons, real-life owners have come to love it, arguing that the layout becomes very easy to operate with regular use.

Corvette ZR-1 Will Retain Existing C8 Interior Layout

Last week, new spy shots of the upcoming Corvette ZR1 confirmed that the new range-topper will have the same sort of interior as existing variants, with the steering wheel, dash, displays, and center console apparently carrying over unchanged. We suspect some unique interior stitching colors and perhaps a badge or plaque, but other than that, there are no obvious changes.

Under the skin, the ZR1 is expected to borrow the 5.5-liter LT6 V8 engine from the Corvette Z06, adding a pair of turbochargers to become the LT7. Some sources suggest as much as 850 horsepower, but anything over 800 would be remarkable, especially when the latest Ferrari supercar produces similar power but costs well over $400,000.

Why Fix An Interior That Isn’t Broken?

As we touched on at the outset, the adjustment period for the current layout is short, and once over, it’s very easy to adjust settings on the fly without looking away from the road. If these buttons are removed, it would require a comprehensive cabin redesign to find another suitable spot for the functions controlled by these physical touchpoints. That would be expensive and therefore unlikely, which suggests that if the buttons disappear, they may be replaced by a cheaper but less intuitive panel with capacitive buttons in the same places as the current controls. Touch controls present several safety concerns, and in a high-performance car like a Corvette, the potential for distraction is even more worrisome. Still, General Motors may want the eventual Corvette facelift to be distinguishable from earlier C8s, and automakers often make choices based on appearances rather than practicality. Hopefully, that won’t be the case for the ‘Vette’s 2026 model year.

Related

2025 Chevrolet Corvette Goes Wild On Color And Customization

Chevrolet is reviving a crowd favorite in the form of Sebring Orange, adding two new options, and introducing additional interior and wheel options.