2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R Launch Edition revealed

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R Launch Edition has been revealed and locked in for Australia, with the limited-run sports car to be priced from $235,000 plus-on-roads when deliveries begin in January 2026.

Created to help usher in the 2026 model year C8 Corvette, the US carmaker’s local outfit GMSV (General Motors Specialty Vehicles) has announced that it will import just 50 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray R Launch Edition for both Australia and New Zealand, with no confirmation on how many cars are going to each market.

Based on the 3LT Stingray Coupe, that’s priced at $201,990 (plus ORCs) for the 2025MY, the new special edition comes with plenty to help justify its $33,010 price premium.

Included is a lighter carbon-fibre roof, a new Stingray R Appearance pack, a set of forged alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), bright red brake calipers, black exhaust tips, a red engine cover and a carbon-fibre finish for the mirror caps, spoiler badges and exterior trim.

Inside, the special edition comes with Jet Black Nappa leather GT2 seats that are combined with red seatbelts, more carbon-fibre trim and a unique Stingray R build plaque.

As part of the MY26 upgrades the C8 Corvette special also bags a new triple screen layout – that includes a 12.7-inch central touchscreen and a 14.0-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a further 6.6-inch auxiliary display. There’s also a redesigned centre console that frees up space for a wireless phone charger.

The new infotainment includes Google Built-in and is now capable of being updated over-the-air and works with Chevrolet’s latest Mobile App, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As standard there’s a 14-speaker premium sound system, with more modern USB-C charging ports.

The mid-mounted 6.2-litre LT2 V8 produces 368kW and 637Nm and combines with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to enable the special ’Vette to launch from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

Full details of the rest of the MY26 C8 Corvette range have yet to be announced. However, it will include the entry Stingray, E-Ray hybrid and flagship Z06, but not the ZR1 as it has already been ruled out for right-hand drive.

A similar announcement is expected to be made regarding the wild ZR1X that will feature a monstrous 932kW/1250Nm twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 hybrid.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au