Updated MY26 Corvette goes on sale in UK
Always hankered after America's supercar? There could hardly be a better time to scratch the itch...
We’re confirmed fans of the C8 Corvette. In fact, you may recall that it featured among our favourite cars of the year in 2025. Which was hardly a difficult call to make: it looks good, sounds great and is, even in its most affordable format, thrillingly fast. Plus, of course, you get a choice of Stingray (the 482hp V8 one), E-Ray (the 644hp V8 hybrid one), and Z06 (the mental 640hp V8 one). All of them, let’s not forget, with right-hand drive. Wonders never cease, eh?
Moreover, you’ll be delighted to hear that all versions - including both the 6.2-litre and 5.5-litre V8 - are fundamentally as we left them. The MY26 updates are all of the relatively minor sort, many of them to do with spec and colour choices. The most significant difference is found in the cabin, where a redesigned interior now features a larger 12.7-inch centre console screen, an expanded 14-inch instrument cluster and, in case that weren’t enough, an all-new 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, which can be personalised with the driver’s preferred shortcuts.
This improved sense of functionality extends to the introduction of some new physical buttons (hallelujah), specifically a Drive Mode Selector and a switch that provides access to the Performance Traction Management system. The latter sounds particularly convenient as there’s a new PTM Pro setting, which ‘turns off electronic stability and traction control while maintaining ABS and certain E-Ray-specific front axle controls, helping drivers achieve maximum vehicle command and engagement with minimal intervention.’ Marvellous.
On the practical side, there’s a new wireless charging pad positioned alongside some redesigned cupholders, and Chevrolet has even gone to the trouble of providing passengers with a new grab handle (based on customer feedback, we assume). The same probably goes for the relocation of the HVAC controls, with ‘the new housing helping to create a more open, shared cabin environment between driver and passenger.’
If you’re less interested in the comfort of your passenger and more concerned about live data, you’ll be delighted to learn that the performance app that was previously the preserve of the E-Ray is now standard across the lineup and offers driver’s access to acceleration timers, a G-force gauge, tyre pressure and temperature indicators, and (in the E-Ray) an eAWD gauge to show what the front axle is doing. Moreover, there’s a Performance Data Recorder that lets you record and review high-def video to improve your driving technique. Or just show off to your mates.
There are new colours and finishes, too (we like the sound of Roswell Green Metallic), and the new option of switchable electrochromic glass in the coupe’s targa roof - although probably the best news is that despite all the renovating, UK Corvette prices are unchanged from last year. So you’ll still pay between £95,460 for the cheapest Stingray 2LT coupe and up to £184,650 for a convertible Z06 (the E-Ray, which might be the one to have if you’re planning year-round use, is from £153,400). There is a fledgling dealer network to cater to your needs, as well, including Arnold Clark and Clive Sutton. So there really is no excuse, should you be shopping for a six-figure supercar, not to pop the C8 on your shortlist. We definitely have.
The cars are not cheap, but I'm glad they exist even though I won't be buying one (two reasons - not buying American while Agent Orange is in power, awkward looks). While not a bargain, they are not out of kilter on price compared with their competitors.
The price of the entry level car looks about right to me. Similar price and performance to the Emira V6 or Cayman GTS (although I think the Cayman is out of production now?). It's just a shame it's so damned ugly!
Not cheap, but hey what is now? In the same breath for the breadth of their ability nor are they expensive.
What are they up against; Maserati McPure, that’s close to £300,000 with a decent specification. 992.2 Turbo S that’s £200,000 plus.
Just my idle thoughts.
On the positive side - it's not a 911.
On the negative side - over £100k for a car with negligible dealer support.
GT3 RS is 250k new:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606303...
The Z06 is every bit as capable & special rarer as well as being a minimum of 70k less, a base Carrera is around 120k new,
So imo the pricing is right, the Stingray in 3LT spec or GrandSport are the picks from the range.
Over here they're overlooked due to lack of badge recognition/dealer support, when people actually drive them they're generally impressed & surprised by how nice they are inside as well as the drive.
I have only driven Stingrays but they impress I can only imagine how well the rest of the range performs.
Lack of dealers is a pain but the cars can take big miles.
The bass model is just over £100k, for a big N/A V8 mid-engine sports car that is rocket fast, looks exotic (albeit not "beautiful"), handles amazingly, has cheap running costs and is reliable. For the money, it's one of the best sports cars money can buy.
Then you have the Z06, a lot more money, but an NA flat plane crank V8 that screams and has performance on par with cars £100k more expensive. Nobody else is putting an NA flat plane crank V8 in their cars any more, it's truly special.
Both the base model and higher end models are amazing value for money for what you get, will cost less to own, will be more reliable, will perform just as well... They tick every box.
The only "negative" is the badge on the bonnet and the country it comes from. It's old perceptions about quality etc that just simply aren't true and if you want a sports car, I genuinely can't see any reason why someone would pick a 911 over this. The 911 does look nicer and has nicer materials inside but this is just so much more fun and silly. It might look a bit awkward, but you only live once, why not just be a bit fun, enjoy that soundtrack and embrace the exotic looks even though they don't quite work.
The bass model is just over £100k, for a big N/A V8 mid-engine sports car that is rocket fast, looks exotic (albeit not "beautiful"), handles amazingly, has cheap running costs and is reliable. For the money, it's one of the best sports cars money can buy.
Then you have the Z06, a lot more money, but an NA flat plane crank V8 that screams and has performance on par with cars £100k more expensive. Nobody else is putting an NA flat plane crank V8 in their cars any more, it's truly special.
Both the base model and higher end models are amazing value for money for what you get, will cost less to own, will be more reliable, will perform just as well... They tick every box.
The only "negative" is the badge on the bonnet and the country it comes from. It's old perceptions about quality etc that just simply aren't true and if you want a sports car, I genuinely can't see any reason why someone would pick a 911 over this. The 911 does look nicer and has nicer materials inside but this is just so much more fun and silly. It might look a bit awkward, but you only live once, why not just be a bit fun, enjoy that soundtrack and embrace the exotic looks even though they don't quite work.
Doesn't reflect the underlying quality of the car, but it has neither the cachet nor subtlety of the Porsche.
Its quick but not super quick. Long accelerator peddle. I have never floored it and thought 'wow!', unlike my GTR. However transmission kicks down like lightning.
Seats are high in the car, kind of like E92.
Soft-close is sometimes finiky in front trunk.
Rear trunk gets hot.
Hard to listen to a podcast when > 70mph with targa top off. Some buffeting because you are high up in the car.
Ground clearance is surprising, much better than my GTR was in that respect. Hardly ever scrapes even on my steep drive.
The handling and brakes are excellent, better than my GTR. It just dances through the corners without feeling the weight.
The modes work well and the car can be very quiet and smooth one moment, then noisy and stiff the next! Brakes change a lot with the modes also, as well as steering, transmission, suspension etc.
Suspension is superb, best thing about the car. Consistent traction, handles bumps beautifully.
I am getting 16mpg (US gallon) in town, 24mpg on highway. On the highway it uses 8th a lot then goes to 7th when there are inclines.
I like the indicator where it tells you your tires have warmed up!
When using launch control, it sometimes gets squirly and sideways. Nowhere near as bad as a C7/C6.
It remembers settings. If you turn off the lane assist for example, it remembers and leaves it off.
Dash etc is very responsive. It's Android.
My friend had one also and got rid of it, said it was 'boring'. To me its really quick in the real world as its very composed and has massive traction. I was following some Hyundai 'N' hot hatch and he was trying to lose me. I didn't even have to try in the corners.
Its not some fire-breathing beast, its the opposite. More chassis than power. Like an American NSX.
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