One of the surprises for the 2026 model year that no one really saw coming was the new RPO CF8 Electrochromic Roof Panel that combines the traditional one-piece removable roof panel with a see-thru window in the center. That window is made from an electrochromic dimming glass, so with a touch of a button you can select one of the three available settings that controls the amount of ambient light into the cockpit.
We’ve so far have yet to experience the functions of the new roof panel for ourselves, but our opinion is that it’s another pretty cool option for Coupe owners who want to let some additional light into the cabin without taking off the roof panel. We can also see those who would normally buy a Convertible select it on a ZR1 Coupe, so they get more light into the cabin while also being able to have the split window design. Regardless of your reasons to have it, we do find it be a bit pricey with the CF8 roof priced at $3,000.
The new roof panel is a free flow option on all 2LT/2LZ and 3LT/3LZ trims for the Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1. However, buyers should keep in mind that there is no body-color option for it. The panel features a Carbon Flash Metallic finish with the Electrochromic window in the center. We haven’t seen one on a ZR1 or ZR1X, but we assume that roof panel will remain visible carbon fiber.
Today the question has come up as to whether it’s something that can be added later and the answer is a definitive NO. The Electrochromic Roof Panel has a special wiring harness that is only added on those 2026 model year Corvettes ordered with the CF8 option. This means you can’t order it over-the-parts-counter and install it later.
So with the pricing where it is the fact that it’s only available as a factory install, we can see this RPO as only being added on a very low percentage of builds.
Source:
midenginecorvetteforum.com
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Does the new clear electronic roof panel replace the old clear panel option on the coupe, or is that old option still available too.
The side panels on the roof are body color. Look at both photos in the article.
I think it’s funny that a rather large body panel with electrochricness is expensive but a few square inches of carbon fiber interior bits at 5 or $6000 is not?
The last sentence is why exactly you should get this option!!
Unsurprising it cannot be retrofitted. This is a gen 1 version, and that’s probably why only 50% of the panel is covered. Future versions should hopefully improve that significantly. Shame that this isn’t an HTC option. Expand the coverage area to 80%+ of the roof and offer it on HTC, and it’s a no-brainer 3k option.
It’s ugly. I don’t understand why Corvette needs 50 different ways to have a convertible car, but no fixed roof coupe option. That’s the only way I could see an electrochromic roof option being viable, is if it couldn’t be removed in the first place. Otherwise you have a sunroof looking piece of glass on a targa panel. Just looks weird IMO.
I love the glass roof option, but this does seem kind of cool. I always feel like the glass roof makes the interior feel bigger for some reason.
$3k is like one carbon fiber dash knob for a 911, I’ll bet lots of buyers opt for this.
That’s good I don’t like convertibles, glass roof tops. I wish my 2025 Corvette ZO6 was a hard top not a Targa. Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X should be a true hard top.
If I’m in a car that does more than 200 mph… I want a solid roof. Anything else is just showing off. Which why I’ve always hated convertibles of any kind.
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