As pre-launch images for the revolutionary eighth-generation Corvette began surfacing, it soon became apparent that the center console design for the mid-engine beast would be a bone of contention for some enthusiasts–rivaling the angst felt when the first-year C6 borrowed the Cobalt’s steering wheel. This “unique” C8 design soon became known in enthusiast circles as the “wall of buttons,” and revisions to this controversial interior element have been hoped for (and anticipated) for years. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. If/when any pop-ups occur, please click to make them disappear and continue enjoying the article. One requires two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
Rumors began circulating as early as the middle of 2022 that the wall would be falling down, and now, as we prepare for 2026 production, newly leaked images appear to confirm the rumors. There are many Corvette-dedicated journalists and YouTubers out there covering the ins and outs of the 2026 C8 interior changes, but for today’s feature, we will focus solely on notable enthusiast and YouTuber Justin at HorsePowerObsessed. Justin has been at this for a while, recently surpassing the 100,000 subscriber milestone, and is leading the way with interior updates, notably with two recent breaking videos.
Today’s video from Justin has pictures leaked from a source “deep within GM.” But before we get to Justin’s pictures and video, let’s take a trip back to 2019 as our founder and contributor, Scott Kolecki, gives us some insights as to why GM designed the dash the way they did. Here’s an excerpt, with the option to save and read for later.
GM Design Manager Explains the C8’s Interior
Another Example of Form Meets Function In the Cockpit Of the Mid-Engine Corvette
“By now you’ve heard it said of the Corvette that “form follows function.” This statement has held true with many design elements of the Corvette since the introduction of the C7 Corvette Stingray in 2014. With the evolution of the mid-engine Corvette – the statement has never been more true. In fact, according to GM interior design manager Tristan Murphy, the cockpit of the Mid-Engine Corvette exudes “form meets function” in more ways than one.
‘The whole point of [getting] that engine behind you is it allows you to have a much lower cowl…you no longer have to sit above the engine, and you can get these really great sightlines,” Murphy said. “And that’s what a mid-engine car does. The last thing we want to do was have this amazing downvision, then have this typical tall instrument panel. It was about, how do we change the game and how do we reconstruct a dashboard here to be as low and as thin as possible? That was the mission statement of the whole car…” Continue Reading Or Save For Later
As HorsePowerObsessed’s video begins, Justin enthusiastically remarks, “Sure enough one of my inside sources leaked some images showing what the interior is going to be like and they also let me know where some of the buttons are going to be moved to since that wall of buttons is no longer going to exist to some degree…”
Here is one of the initial photos that was captured before Justin procured the leaked ones–as you can see, better pictures were needed, and HPO delivered!
Justin continues and goes on to proclaim, “Now I’m finding out today odds are very good that wall of buttons is completely gone because it has been confirmed through these images that the center console is going to be completely redesigned to now include a grab handle just like the C7 Corvette had–there is a pass through grab handle that will be visible from the passenger side as well and right underneath that grab handle is going to be the cell phone charger…”
AGAIN: “It has been confirmed through these images that the center console is going to be completely redesigned…”
The new grab handle design:
The revised cell phone wireless charging cubby:
Where is the “great wall of buttons” going? According to Justin, “You can clearly see on the top of that grab handle there are no buttons so the Great Wall of buttons is gone. And I have a good idea where these buttons have been relocated to because the same source that shared these images with me told me that all of the AC or HVAC control buttons are going to be moved underneath the infotainment system screen…”
Another notable change Justin highlights is the open cupholders–yep, C8 owners are losing their cupholders with a sliding lid. The community’s reaction to this change should be fun to track.
A better look with some finished texture and stitching:
Justin’s sources also provided him with an image showing the vast array of wireless charging pad colors.
As a bonus, GM engineers decided to tweak the C8’s door panel.
Justin shared this rendering of what some of the changes will look like.
Featured Video
For a deeper dive, please visit our featured video and check out even more interior details from the source himself!
Video Preview From HPO:
“The latest 2026 Chevrolet Corvette interior images showcase an exciting Corvette redesign that’s pushing boundaries. As part of the next gen Corvette evolution, we’re seeing dramatic changes in the cabin layout and technology integration. The corvette news keeps getting better with fresh chevrolet innovations appearing in these leaked photos, revealing stunning car specs that will set new standards.”
Top Video Comments:
- “I just hope there are still buttons and everything isn’t going to the screen. I know I’m old school but I love buttons!” @gst3574
- “This looks like a regression. I’m keeping my cool cockpit version.” @TheWityful
So, faithful CorvSport readers, what do you think about these interior changes? Are you CORVETTE OBSESSED like we are? The team of renowned authors and contributors at CorvSport hopes you sense our passion for the iconic Corvette, and our vast database of articles and guides should prove it–5000+ features since Scott Kolecki founded CorvSport over 15 years ago! Join the fastest-growing Corvette community on our Facebook page, with over 171,000 followers (52,000 since January 2023!). Meet other hardcore enthusiasts and say hello. This is Douglas B. signing off–click here if you would like to see more of my features.
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