As the Corvette E-Ray is beginning to wind down before production ends next Friday, May 29th, we noticed a change in the free gift that Chevy sends out to all new customers after purchase. While we’ve talked about these cool thank you gifts a few times previously, here’s a quick recap.
As a “Thank You” to buyers of the C8 Corvette, Chevrolet has been sending a “Speed Shape” model which is accompanied with a display base that features the owner’s VIN number. The models themselves are all painted in the same exterior color as the owner’s new Corvette, with the exception being the E-Ray model which was done in crystal (or glass) so you can see the E-Ray’s etched electric drivetrain inside it. The base of the E-Ray’s model is shaped to perfectly hold the car on it, and underneath the cutout is the buyer’s exterior color which shows through the glass model.
We’ve also written about some of the delays that owners have had in receiving their thank you gifts with some owners waiting over a year to get theirs while others receive their speed shape models within a couple of months or so following delivery. We learned that owners could put a request in about a missing thank you gift by calling 313-572-1025 or emailing [email protected]. Make sure you include your VIN if you do email.
So going back to this story, it appears that the newest E-Ray owners are now getting a “painted” speed shape model instead of the see-thru glass model. Within the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen some posts on the forums and social media of E-Ray owners sharing their new painted versions.
On the MidEngineCorvetteForum, a user named “Strake” showed off his Speed Shape which is painted in Riptide Blue. He does have a low VIN of #396 so we are wondering if all 2026 E-Ray owners are getting painted versions or did GM change this midway through the production year. Strake blames the “bean counters” for it and we whole-heartedly agree with the sentiment! In his MECF post, Strake said the following:
It appears that GM went back to providing the speed model in body color for the Eray gift in lieu of the Clear model as provided for 2025, which depicts the engine and electric motor / battery. Don’t know what was given out in 2024. Don’t know if all the 2026 vehicle gifts went back to painted to match colors or if it was a mid-year change. Bean counters….. at it again !
Mine arrived today. Car was delivered late November 2025. I still quite appreciative of the gift though !!!!
While the E-Ray glass models were very cool and as unique as the car itself, the painted Speed Shape models show the unique E-Ray badge on the back deck instead of the Cross flags badge that is shown on the Z06 models. So, E-Ray owners are still getting a model that is dedicated to their car, it’s just no longer available in glass.
I’d be curious enough to know whether or not GM made this change midway through the 2026 model year. If you received a glass E-Ray speed shape for a 2026 Corvette, let us know and please share your vin sequence number with us as well.
Source:
MidEngineCorvetteForum.com
Related:
GM’s Bean Counters Killed Another Function on C8 Corvettes Halfway Through the 2026 Model Year
[PICS] First Look at the Corvette ZR1’s Owner Gift Packs
[PICS] This is the Gift You Get from GM When You Purchase an E-Ray
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I got VIN # 346 in the first year, 2024. Mine is clear with the Red Mist under the clear glass.
Proudly displayed in my office and on the dashboard when I’m at car shows. It ALWAYS get comments and photos.
After 14 months still no ERAY model received for our Sebring Orange HTC😢. Have called 10 times to no avail! UGH!
Earning Per Share and Mary’s bonus.
More proof that E-Ray’s “Coca-Cola” with cane sugar is being replaced by the Grand Sport X’s “Coke Classic” with High Fructose Corn Syrup.
God dammit, GM.
The E-Ray is waaay underrated. And the name might be better than Grand Sport X.
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