C8 Corvette Refresh Moves It More Into The Modern Era

Much has been said, both positive and negative, about the C8 Corvette and its cockpit. But Chevrolet has revealed for the 2026 a new design will change some things, including taking out the so-called Great Wall of Buttons. Like all modern vehicles, digital screens are bigger and take over even more, but we have mixed feelings about this.

A C8 Corvette ZR1 will pace this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Instead of a bunch of buttons, the C8 Corvette will have three larger screens to help the driver monitor what’s going on and control different functions. The gauge cluster screen is now 12.7 inches and the infotainment screen is 14 inches.

Plus, there’s a new 6.6 inch auxiliary touchscreen on the driver’s left

At least not all the physical buttons will be gone and while we weren’t big fans of the layout before, we’re unsure how user-friendly this redesign will be.

Another big change has to do with software. The PDR recorder has been improved, as has the Corvette Performance App. Plus, there’s a new PTM-Pro setting for track driving.

Not only is the Great Wall of Buttons gone, the whole center console has been redesigned. One of the changes is the drive mode selector being relocated by the gear selector. Redesigned cupholders feature ambient lighting and in higher trims also feature aluminum. Plus, there’s a wireless charging pad for your phone, which admittedly is a nice feature to have.

In addition, five new interior colors are coming. GM hasn’t said what current interior colors will be ended.

For the exterior, there will be two new paint options: Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic. Plus, blue brake calipers will be available for the Z06 and E-Ray. Perhaps the biggest change is the Targa roof with electrochromatic glass the driver can lighten or darken.

One thing that’s obvious about this move is GM refreshing the C8 Corvette is a planned move to reinvigorate sales. That’s why mid-cycle refreshes are a thing as cars and their designs get a little stale.

But we have mixed feelings about this one. We’re also not sure if this will result in a sales bump for the 2026 models, something that’s needed as C8 Corvettes that were once red hot are now stacking up at dealerships.

Will this turn things around? Will the presence of more screens and fewer buttons turn buyers off even more? We’ll have to see when the 2026 Corvettes start coming into the market.

Image via Chevrolet