With the 2027 Corvette model year soon upon us, we are excited about the new content coming that includes the Grand Sport, a next generation base V8, and a number of new options and equipment. However, that also means that GM will also be deleting some options to make way for the new stuff. Here’s a list of everything that is going away with the 2026 model year.
While this post is supposed to be about the options, we are also saying farewell to the Corvette E-Ray which was Chevy’s first electrified performance hybrid that offered owners the first eAWD driving experience in Corvette’s 70+ years. With just three years of production, it joins the C5’s Fixed Roof Coupe as one of the only models in Corvette’s long history that was replaced with a totally new model during the generation. Often derided and misunderstood, the E-Ray is a blast to drive and is still one of the quickest Corvettes ever produced.
We’ve known about the two exterior color changes now for quite some time. As the Assembly Plant is currently limiting production to 10 exterior colors, the addition of Pitch Gray Metallic and Admiral Blue Metallic means that two existing colors are going away. Those colors are (GJV) Riptide Blue and my beloved (GXL) Hysteria Purple Metallic. Both of these colors enjoyed strong quantities during 2025 but slipped towards the bottom of the take-rate charts for 2026.
Also joining them in the retirement home is the bespoke (GRF) Blade Silver Matte that was exclusively featured on the Corvette ZR1X Quail Silver Editions.
For the interior, we were very surprised to learn that the (EMT) Sky Cool/Medium Ash Gray with Habanero Accents was being retired. This was one of GM’s most luxurious appearing interiors in our book and it was available with 7 of the 10 exterior colors including the Quail Silver Editions. GM will be offering the (HAG) Asymmetrical Santorini Blue/Jet Black interior as its replacement.
For the 2026 model year we had two special edition Corvettes offered, and both were extremely limited.
The (USA) Stars & Steel Editions is Chevrolet’s salute to the 250th Anniversary of America. A total of 250 units were offered in either Arctic White or Black and each included a special graphics package featuring elements of the American Flag.
The (ZRA) Quail Silver Editions for the Corvette ZR1X used the aforementioned Blade Silver Matte exterior with the Sky Cool/Medium Ash with Habanero accents interior to create one of the most unique limited-edition models ever offered, and certainly the most expensive with units starting at $241,395. We don’t have an exact figure on how many were built, but somewhere between 50-60 seems like a good bet.
And finally, GM will be refreshing its wheel offerings for the Stingray and Z06, however only the Stingray is getting a new wheel.
The addition of the (QE6) 10-spoke Gloss Black forged aluminum wheels will replace both the (Q9Y) 10-spoke Gloss Black forged aluminum wheels and the (QE5) 5-split spoke Gloss Black forged aluminum wheels. We find it interesting that Chevy is keeping the Q9I 20-Spoke Gloss Black Wheels for the Stingray which were featured on nearly every constraint report for 2026.
Also going away are the (SOC) Satin Graphite Spider-design wheels and the (STE) 10-Spoke Polished wheels for the Z06.
Are you sad to see any of these options headed for retirement when 2026 ends? I am both happy to see Hysteria Metallic end as it will make the color more interesting while also potentially helping a certain E-Ray with its value as the years pass, but also sad to see it go as it was my favorite in the lineup. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source:
GM Fleet Order Guide
Related:
With 2027 Corvette Prices Released, We are Seeing Some Huge Increases in a Number of Popular Options
Chevrolet Prices the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport 1LT Coupe Starting at $88,495 with Shipping
The 2027 Corvette Order Guide is Now Available to View and Download
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I had a purple E-Ray hang with me on I-79 last week. It had a high wing on it. Really a show stopper of a car. He took off as I exited.
The “asymmetrical interior” seems mostly boy racer and pretty dumb to me, especially as a replacement for a tasteful gray with orange accents that enhances more exterior colors, but to each his own.
I was sad last year when they got rid of Rapid Blue and Tension blue seats.
I did like the (EMT) interior but wasn’t available on a 2026 Stingray 2LT. It would have went well with the Sebring Orange exterior paint I chose. I went with the Natural on Competition Seats. Also, I did go with the (QE5) gloss black wheels on my Corvette. In my opinion it has a classic look like the old aftermarket Cragar SS back in the 1970’s!
Just got my 26 eray 3lt number 958 convertible in Hysteria with Very Dark Atmosphere interior. I think the eray and the Hysteria are killer combos. I am sure the GSX will be a worthy gen2 but we all know Gen 1 Corvettes tend to hold value better than most.
The bottom photo displays a 7 double spoke wheel or a 14 spoke wheel, not 5, 10 or 20 spokes.
The purple wasn’t purple enough anyway. They could’ve done it way better. Looked dark blue. Good riddance and try again later
I wasn’t able to get a 26 allocation so now I’m trying for 27 (thanks GM for ANOTHER year of constant Aero package constraints!)….and they are getting rid of the wheel I wanted, the (STE) 10-Spoke Polished Wheels. Dang it! This is the second time a wheel I wanted was going away. I guess I’ll get the Nickle one. At least it’s $1K instead of $2K. Will help offset the price increase of the car itself.
I don’t like black wheels at all yet they have a ton of those. But when it comes to something metallic colored or shiny, oh no can’t have that.
I hate to see the Graphite wheels vanish, I thought they were a good compromise to solid black and chrome. And they looked good with all the exterior colors.
I won’t miss blue or blurple. Blue #5 for the C8 wasn’t necessary, but that’s what will sell. Would have been preferable to get a proper purple or a proper green.
They should have offered satin finish ER 5 spokes. Deleting EMT as an option would make more sense if they offered more SCG on the 3LT/3LZ (eg. door cards). The lack of stitching & matching belt options on it–also was no bueno.
Would have been great if they’d offered santorini suede center sections and santorini stitching/belts–with this same combo. Would have looked amazing.
It’s also too bad to see the E-Ray’s 5-spoke wheels go away. They are super easy to wash and make it easier to wash the brake calipers.
Riptide Blue was a great color they should have kept it. We need a Gray interior not the Sky Cool Gray that is white but a Gray. The Gray Sky Cool Gray (White) was ok but not with orange accents it limits it too much to an orange exterior color. We have too many “Fire” colors Torch Red, Red Mist, Orange, and Yellow. We need more “Cool” colors blues, silver, and grays. Same with interiors more interiors that go with cool colors. Way too many Red fire colors and interiors that go with just those colors. That’s my 2 cents.
100% Lee,
Accelerate Yellow was “cool” by comparison, but GM went right back to the “fire” Competition Yellow. I love SCG, but I do think that MG was a great addition to it. Give the MG interior an option for color stitching and belts–and you really have something. Santorini blue interior is nice, but not available in suede–especially with 2-tone seats.
I’d also love some oddball things like 2-tone Atmosphere seats with Natural accents.
And we still need a decent British Racing Green or Hunter Green. Roswell is just a half-way between neon green (also something missing) and a proper dark green.