If you’ve ever sat in a Chevrolet Corvette and wondered what those random climate control buttons were doing on that weird bridge next to the passenger seat, you’re not alone. Good news: Chevrolet has finally listened and completely redesigned the 2026 Corvette interior, making it way more user-friendly.
What’s Actually Changed in the New Corvette?
The biggest change? That infamous “bridge of buttons” is gone forever. You know, those climate controls that were awkwardly placed on a divider next to the passenger side. Chevrolet moved them to a much more logical spot – right below the main touchscreen where you’d expect them to be.
But that’s just the beginning. The 2026 Corvette gets a comprehensive interior overhaul that affects every single variant: Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, and ZR1. Australian buyers will get access to all except the ZR1, which isn’t available in right-hand drive.
Screen Size Upgrades That Actually Matter
Here’s where things get interesting. The main infotainment screen jumps from 8.0 inches to 12.7 inches – that’s a massive upgrade that’ll make everything easier to see and use. Plus, there’s now a brand-new 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen positioned opposite the main screen.
The digital instrument cluster also grows from 12 inches to 14 inches, giving you more space for all that crucial driving information. You can even get it with a carbon-fiber display hood if you want to go full racing aesthetic.
| Feature | 2025 Model | 2026 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Main Infotainment Screen | 8.0 inches | 12.7 inches |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 12 inches | 14 inches |
| Auxiliary Screen | None | 6.6 inches |
| Google Built-in | No | Yes |
| Wireless Phone Charging | No | Yes |
| Drive Mode Selector | Wheel under wrist rest | Rocker switch |
Google Integration Changes Everything
The new 12.7-inch screen comes with Google built-in, which means you can actually download apps like Google Chrome and HBO Max through the Google Play store. While you’re parked (obviously), you can stream movies or browse the internet. It’s like having a tablet built into your Corvette.
Performance Monitoring Gets Better
Remember the E-Ray’s Performance App that showed live power and torque flow? Now every Corvette variant gets it. You can view real-time data including:
- G-force measurements
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Oil pressure readings
- Temperature gauges for oil, coolant, and transmission fluid
All this information displays on both the auxiliary screen and main infotainment system. In Tour and Sport modes, you can even send these gauges to the digital instrument cluster for maximum customization.
Finally, Controls That Make Sense
Drive Mode Selector Gets Fixed
The old drive mode selector was honestly pretty annoying – a wheel underneath a wrist rest that felt clunky to use. The 2026 Corvette replaces it with a simple rocker switch positioned right next to the gear selector. Much more intuitive.
Where did that wrist rest go? It’s now a wireless phone charging pad with a cover to keep your device secure. Smart move, Chevrolet.
Volume Control and Cup Holders
Even small details got attention. The volume knob is larger now and features an illuminated base so you can find it easily. The cup holders were completely redesigned and include ambient lighting. If you go for the 2LT/2LZ or 3LT/3LZ trims, those cup holders get real aluminum highlights.
Interior Color Options That Pop
Chevrolet is introducing four new interior colorways for 2026, available across all variants:
Jet Black Suede Package
This option covers nearly all interior surfaces in Jet Black suede. You can customize it with stitching and seatbelts in Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue, or Competition Yellow.
Mixed Seating Configuration
For the Adrenaline Red interior, there’s a unique racing-inspired setup: an Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat paired with a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat. It’s asymmetrical but purposeful.
What Moved to the Touchscreen
Not everything stayed as physical buttons. Heated and ventilated seat controls moved to the touchscreen as part of an anchored bar at the bottom of the display. Head-up display controls also migrated to the screen.
Some people might not love losing physical buttons for these functions, but the implementation seems thoughtful rather than just change for change’s sake.
E-Ray Specific Updates
The E-Ray’s Charge+ button, which activates a mode to replenish the battery faster, moved to the steering wheel for easier access. There’s also a new USB-C port on the passenger side below the grab handle.
Beyond Interior Changes
Performance Traction Management Pro
The Corvette gets a new PTM Pro mode that turns off electronic stability control and traction control while keeping anti-lock brakes active. On the E-Ray, certain front axle controls stay engaged too.
ZR1 Brake Package
The ZR1’s ZTK performance package includes a new brake setup with 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers, plus carbon-ceramic discs that are the largest ever fitted to a production Corvette.
Exterior Updates Worth Noting
The 2026 Corvette introduces an electrochromic roof that lets you toggle between three tint levels for the targa roof glass. There are two new metallic finishes: Roswell Green and Blade Silver, plus a new asymmetrical center stripe in Edge Red/Carbon Flash.
Body-colored rocker panels come standard on the E-Ray and are available on the Z06. The blue brake calipers previously exclusive to the ZR1 are now options for the E-Ray and Z06.
Australian Availability
GM Australia hasn’t confirmed exactly when these updates will arrive, but given that Corvette deliveries started in 2022 with 225 units, growing to 338 in 2023 and 441 in 2024, demand is clearly there.
All Australian Corvettes are built in right-hand drive at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky plant, unlike other Chevrolets sold locally that get converted to right-hand drive after production.
FAQs
Q: When will the 2026 Corvette arrive in Australia?
A: GM Australia hasn’t confirmed timing yet, but updates typically follow the US launch by several months.
Q: Will the ZR1 variant come to Australia?
A: No, the ZR1 isn’t available because it’s not produced in right-hand drive configuration.
Q: Can I still get physical climate controls?
A: Yes, there’s a row of physical buttons under the touchscreen for climate functions.
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