5 Minutes
The eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette steps into the 2026 model year with substantial tech and interior upgrades—and a new ultra-high-performance ZR1X on the horizon. Chevrolet's online configurator is live for most trims, revealing updated pricing and specification details for the Stingray, E-Ray hybrid, Z06 and ZR1, while ZR1X options and full pricing remain pending in the tool as of September 2025.
Pricing and trim breakdown
Base performance and destination charge
The entry-level Stingray—powered by a small-block 6.2-liter V8 producing roughly 490–495 hp—now starts at $70,000, before Chevrolet's $1,995 destination charge, a fee applied across the lineup including the 1,064-hp ZR1. The Stingray base trim is designated 1LT, while the other performance variants begin in 1LZ specification.
Mid-range and track-focused variants
Higher in the range, the E-Ray hybrid blends the Stingray's 6.2L V8 with a front-mounted electric drive unit, delivering a combined electric-hybrid performance package priced at $108,600 for the coupe and $115,600 for the convertible. The track-oriented Z06 commands $117,700 (coupe) or $124,700 (convertible) for buyers who prioritize high-revving naturally aspirated power and focused chassis tuning.
Top-tier pricing
Because the ZR1 is derived from the Z06 platform, it carries a premium: Chevrolet's build & price tool lists an MSRP of $180,400 for the coupe and $190,400 for the convertible (base 1LZ). Configured with all options and delivery—Chevrolet offers delivery at the National Corvette Museum—top-spec ZR1 builds can climb into the mid-$250,000 range. The hybridized performance sibling, the ZR1X, is expected to start at a base MSRP of $205,400 for the 1LZ coupe, with the convertible listed at $215,400; 1LZ and higher 3LZ trims are due to appear in the configurator by the end of 2025.
Technology and interior upgrades
Chevrolet focused on digital and driver-centric improvements for 2026. The controversial wall of buttons has been removed in favor of a cleaner center console and a toggle-style drive selector instead of the prior rotary knob. Infotainment and instrumentation receive significant upgrades: a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, a 12.7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen mounted to the left of the steering wheel for quick access to trip data, head-up display settings and traction management.
The auxiliary display is driver-configurable, useful for telemetry and performance tuning, and the new PTM Pro drive mode allows drivers to dial back traction and stability control entirely for track days or spirited driving—making the Corvette more configurable for enthusiasts and professional users alike.
Exterior, materials and performance hardware
Most C8 exterior lines carry over, but new paint choices—Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver—join the palette along with fresh center-stripe decals. A factory-installed electrochromic glass roof panel is now offered for 2026; due to its specialized wiring harness it cannot be retrofitted to 2025 and earlier cars. On the performance side, the ZR1 ZTK Performance Package now includes upgraded 10-piston front and 6-piston rear brake calipers for improved thermal capacity and stopping power.
Comparisons, advantages and market relevance
From a technology and performance standpoint, the 2026 Corvette tightens the gap between traditional supercars and accessible American performance cars. The E-Ray hybrid demonstrates Chevrolet's commitment to electrified performance, while the ZR1 and forthcoming ZR1X push the envelope in powertrain and braking hardware. For buyers seeking advanced infotainment, configurable driver displays, and track-capable systems like PTM Pro, the 2026 Corvette lineup presents competitive value versus European rivals—especially when factoring in the wide range of trims, options and the strengthened digital architecture.
Use cases
- Daily driver with advanced infotainment and comfort options: Stingray or E-Ray.
- Occasional track enthusiast: Z06 with performance packages and PTM Pro disabled.
- Dedicated performance customer or collector: ZR1 or the upcoming ZR1X with ZTK upgrades and museum delivery.
Overall, the 2026 Corvette lineup blends modern in-car tech, hybrid experimentation and serious track hardware, keeping Chevrolet competitive in both the performance and technology spaces.
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