Corvette given freshen up
GMSV’s updated Chevrolet Corvette range “elevates” the cockpit-style, driver-focused cabin experience and introduces the brand’s connected services.
Headlining the model-year 2026 changes is a three-screen layout with the update designed to deliver all key driving information at a glance.
It begins with a 12.7-inch central display and an expanded 14-inch driver information screen acts as an advanced digital dashboard. A 6.6-inch touchscreen to the right of the steering wheel hosts important driving information. All three screens feature sharper colours, improved agility and expanded functionality.
Complementing the 6.6-inch diagonal display is a switch for one-touch access to the performance management system, including the new “pro mode” which turns off electronic stability and traction control while leaving ABS on to minimise vehicle intervention for drivers wanting maximum control.
Other updates include a drive-mode selector in line with the gear selector, and new are display designs for tour, sport and track modes. A wireless charging pad is below the central screen and comes with a cover to devices in place. The volume control has been enlarged and is now lit at its base.
The climate controls have been moved to allow for the inclusion of a passenger grab handle with a USB-C port below it. Even the cupholders have been updated, now coming with hand-wrapped inserts and ambient lighting.
Technology outside the cabin has been updated with the enhanced performance data recorder undergoing a user-interface overhaul with features such as side-by-side video analysis and “speed tips” coaching delivering real-time insights from the vehicle screen. The performance app, previously exclusive to E-Ray but now across all Corvettes, has had further capability added.
The 2026 models are the first GMSV vehicles in Australia and New Zealand to include Chevrolet Connected Services with an eight-year complimentary trial period, bringing Google-powered control to the cabin and over-the-air updates.
Services include Google Maps built-in, Google Assistant with in-app, vehicle and smart home commands, Google Play Store, and the all-new Chevrolet Mobile App with remote commands, diagnostics, vehicle location and more.
Safety features include automatic emergency braking, front-pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with departure warning, forward-collision alert, automatic high-beam control, following-distance indicator, high-definition front and rear-view cameras, side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-park assist and rear-camera mirror
The heart of the Corvette remains its direct-injection LT2 6.2-litre V8 with active fuel management and stop-start technology, with or without electrical assistance. It’s mated with the M1L mated sharp-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The powertrain is unchanged for model-year 2026.
“When it comes to updating a vehicle as iconic as the Corvette, the recipe is clear – improve the experience for the driver and passenger without detracting or distracting from the drive experience,” says Jess Bala, managing director of GM Australia and New Zealand.
The Stingray, pictured above, costs from $203,990 for 2LT Coupe. The 3LT Coupe is $232,990 and the 3LT Convertible is $242,990. The E-Ray starts at $302,990.
These recommended retail prices include GST, but exclude statutory charges and dealer-delivery fees.
The 2026 Corvette Stingray
Its Z51 performance package has, as standard, performance Brembo brakes, performance suspension and exhaust, rear-axle ratio, electronic limited-slip differential, Z51-specific front splitter and rear spoiler, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance ZP tyres – 19-inch front and 20-inch rear, and a heavy-duty cooling system.
Features include head-up display, Bose Performance 14-speaker system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two wireless phone-charging points, heated and ventilated seats and heated steering wheel, high-definition front and rear-vision cameras.
There’s a removable roof with the coupe and power-retractable hardtop for the convertible with front-lift memory that raises up to 50mm in less than three seconds up to 38kph and an enhanced performance data recorder, pictured below.
The 3LT’s specifications
Coupe or convertible are the 3LT’s body shapes. Inside, there are jet-black nappa leather with GT2 seats and black seatbelts.
The 3LT boasts 20-spoke gloss-black forged wheels, bright-red brake calipers, black exhaust tips, carbon-flash exterior badges, mirrors and spoiler, an engine appearance package and red engine cover.
The coupe comes with a body-colour non-transparent roof, while the convertible has a carbon-flash painted roof and nacelles. Exterior colour options for both are arctic white, torch red, blade silver, black, riptide blue, red mist and sebring orange.
What comes with the 2LT
This coupe-only model exterior specifications include five-split spoked gloss-black forged wheels, dark-grey brake callipers, black exhaust tips, carbon-flash exterior badges, flash mirrors and spoiler, and a body-colour roof.
Its exterior colours are white, red, silver and black, and inside are jet-black mulan leather-appointed with GT1 seats with black seatbelts.
The Corvette E-Ray
This model has the same engine specifications as the Stingray. Its electrification system is a single motor and gearset with a permanent magnetic driver motor and 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery for 119kW of power and 169Nm of torque. The powertrain produces combined figures of 488kW and 806Nm.
Standard features include the ZER performance package and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tyres, performance suspension with magnetic ride control and taller spoiler wicker for track usage.
Exclusive to the E-Ray is stealth mode. When engaged, it can be driven using only electric power from start-up for four-six kilometres up to 72kph. The LT2 engine automatically engages if the car goes above 72kph, if extra torque is requested by driver or if the battery pack is depleted.
The E-Ray shares wider exterior proportions with the Z06, and a low, wide stance with crafted body styling with comes in at 9.4cm more than the Stingray. Standard ground effects and spoiler contribute to the aerodynamics, there are matching body-colour accents and exclusive model badging.
It also has a removable roof, carbon-ceramic brakes, GT2 seats with nappa leather and carbon-fibre trim standard, a leather-wrapped interior, sueded microfibre-wrapped upper interior trim, and carbon-fibre steering-wheel trim and paddles.
The 3LZ’s specifications
The coupe boasts five-spoke gloss-black forged aluminium wheels, red brake callipers, black exhaust tips, carbon-flash exterior badges, body-colour mirrors spoiler, and visible carbon-fibre splitters and rockers.
Then there’s the engine appearance package and red engine cover along with the body-colour roof. Exterior colour options are arctic white, torch red, blade silver, black, riptide blue and red mist.
