2026 Chevrolet Corvette update brings less quirky cabin
The distinctive interior design detail, comprising a strip of climate control buttons placed on a divider next to the passenger side of the centre console, has been removed.
The climate controls are now positioned below the infotainment touchscreen, one of a number of changes made to Chevrolet's supercar for 2026.
We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm when the updated Corvette will come here.
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The changes apply to the whole range, which comprises Stingray, Z06, E-Ray and ZR1 variants. All bar the latter are sold in Australia, for which the
ZR1 has been ruled out
because it's not produced in right-hand drive.
The 2026 Corvette updates centre on the interior, which gains an extra screen – a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen on the opposite side of the steering wheel from the infotainment touchscreen, which displays configurable information like trip data.
Said infotainment screen is now a 12.7-inch unit, up from 8.0 inches, and features Google built-in which allows you to download apps like Google Chrome and HBO Max through the Google Play store. This means you can stream movies and browse the internet while you're parked.
The digital instrument cluster has grown from 12 inches to 14 inches and can be had with a carbon-fibre display hood.
The E-Ray's Performance App, which shows live power and torque flow, has now been made available across the entire Corvette lineup.
Viewable on the auxiliary display and infotainment screen, available information now also include gauges for G-force, tyre pressure and oil pressure, as well as temperature for the oil, coolant and transmission fluid.
Chevrolet also says you can send these gauges from the app to the digital instrument cluster in Tour and Sport mode 'for further customisation'.
Hardware and software updates bring revised graphics with sharper colours and fresh animations to the screens, including to the Performance Data Recorder.
Chevrolet has made improvements aimed at making crucial controls more accessible to the driver, with the drive mode selector redesigned and relocated.
Instead of a wheel underneath a wrist rest, a somewhat finicky arrangement, there's now a rocker switch in line with the gear selector.
A wireless phone charging pad now sits in the place of the old wrist rest and drive mode wheel, and a cover keeps your phone in place.
The volume knob has grown larger and features an illuminated base, while the cupholders have been redesigned and feature ambient lighting. In 2LT/2LZ and 3LT/3LZ trims, these cupholders are highlighted with real aluminium.
While there's a row of physical buttons under the touchscreen for the climate control, the heated and ventilated seat functions have moved to the touchscreen as part of an anchored bar at the bottom of the display.
Head-up display controls have also moved to the touchscreen.
The 2026 Corvette also debuts four new interior colourways, available on all variants. These are:
The latter sees a Jet Black suede across 'nearly all interior surfaces', and is customisable with stitching and seatbelts finished in either Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue or Competition Yellow.
If you opt for the Adrenaline Red interior, you can specify a mixed seating option with a 'racing-inspired' Adrenaline Red Competition driver's seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat.
Finally, the E-Ray's Charge+ button – which activates a mode intended to replenish battery charge more quickly – has been moved to the steering wheel, while a new USB-C port has been added to the passenger side of the cabin below the grab handle.
It's not just interior changes that Chevrolet has delivered for 2026.
The Performance Traction Management system gains a new PTM Pro mode, which turns off the electronic stability control and traction control and leaves anti-lock brakes and, in the E-Ray, certain front axle controls active.
The Corvette ZR1's ZTK performance package gains a new brake package with 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers plus carbon-ceramic discs which are the largest ever fitted to a production Corvette.
The Corvette is the latest GM product to get an electrochromic roof, allowing you to toggle between three tint options for the targa roof glass at the push of a button.
There are two new metallic exterior finishes – Roswell Green and Blade Silver – plus a new asymmetrical exterior centre stripe, available in Edge Red/Carbon Flash.
Body-colour rocker panels are standard on the E-Ray and available on the Z06, while the blue brake calipers previously exclusive to the ZR1 are now available on the E-Ray and Z06.
Australian deliveries of the current C8 Corvette – the first mid-engine generation of Chevrolet's sports car – commenced in 2022.
The E-Ray and Z06 joined the Stingray in 2024. All are built in right-hand drive at GM's Bowling Green, Kentucky plant in the US, unlike other Chevrolets sold here which are remanufactured locally in right-hand drive.
GM Specialty Vehicles delivered 225 Corvettes in 2022, rising to 338 in 2023 and 441 in 2024.
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The first of a new "specialty sport era of electrification", according to Honda, the new two-door sports car will share components, including its front-wheel drive underpinnings, with the Civic hatchback. This includes Honda's 'e:HEV' hybrid powertrain – also offered in the Accord – using a four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, but the Prelude will be the first to feature Honda's S+ Shift technology. The S+ Shift technology simulates gear changes using paddle shifters. There won't be a manual transmission, with the company's global electrification boss previously ruling out such an option for the Prelude. The US version – and most likely Australian version, too – will also use the same high-performance Brembo brakes as the Civic Type R, and use a Prelude-specific version of the Type R's front and rear suspension. Honda says the Prelude will embody "the joy of maneuvering", claiming its "low and sleek body" will contribute to its "glider-like exhilaration". Its cabin – which appears to carry over a significant number of parts from the Civic – will use a blue-and-white theme, and will use a more bolstered driver's seat with the front passenger seat reprofiled for "moderately wrapped comfort". The Prelude isn't the only sports car name Honda has revived. Once one of several Honda sports cars in showrooms – including the S2000 roadster and the legendary NSX – the Prelude previously sat above the Integra in the brand's lineup. The Integra, last offered in Australia in 2006, was reintroduced in China in 2021 and the US in 2022, where it remains sold under the 'Acura' premium Honda sub-brand – but has been ruled out for showrooms here. Following the demise of the NSX and coupe versions of the Civic and Accord over the past decade, Honda no longer sells any two-door coupes globally, something the launch of the Prelude will rectify. 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Click here to get a great deal. This week, Honda Australia told media, including CarExpert, the Prelude will return to showrooms in mid-2026. "We're thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup next year," said Honda Australia director Rob Thorp. "Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal across generations of Honda customers, old and new." No vehicle specifics, such as equipment levels, pricing or otherwise, were announced. "The Prelude … we can't share a lot of stuff – I want to say so many things, but I think the really important thing is that such an iconic nameplate that's had such rich brand heritage and history, is a model we're bringing back to Australia next year," said Mr Thorp. The Prelude is set to go on sale in the US – Honda's biggest volume market by far – in late 2025, ahead of its debut in Europe before its Australian arrival. The first of a new "specialty sport era of electrification", according to Honda, the new two-door sports car will share components, including its front-wheel drive underpinnings, with the Civic hatchback. This includes Honda's 'e:HEV' hybrid powertrain – also offered in the Accord – using a four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, but the Prelude will be the first to feature Honda's S+ Shift technology. The S+ Shift technology simulates gear changes using paddle shifters. There won't be a manual transmission, with the company's global electrification boss previously ruling out such an option for the Prelude. The US version – and most likely Australian version, too – will also use the same high-performance Brembo brakes as the Civic Type R, and use a Prelude-specific version of the Type R's front and rear suspension. Honda says the Prelude will embody "the joy of maneuvering", claiming its "low and sleek body" will contribute to its "glider-like exhilaration". Its cabin – which appears to carry over a significant number of parts from the Civic – will use a blue-and-white theme, and will use a more bolstered driver's seat with the front passenger seat reprofiled for "moderately wrapped comfort". The Prelude isn't the only sports car name Honda has revived. Once one of several Honda sports cars in showrooms – including the S2000 roadster and the legendary NSX – the Prelude previously sat above the Integra in the brand's lineup. The Integra, last offered in Australia in 2006, was reintroduced in China in 2021 and the US in 2022, where it remains sold under the 'Acura' premium Honda sub-brand – but has been ruled out for showrooms here. Following the demise of the NSX and coupe versions of the Civic and Accord over the past decade, Honda no longer sells any two-door coupes globally, something the launch of the Prelude will rectify. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude interior revealed with lots of Civic parts Content originally sourced from:
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2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5: Higher prices, more equipment for new mid-size luxury SUV
Audi Australia has released pricing and specifications for its third-generation Q5 mid-size SUV range, including the new SQ5 performance flagship, ahead of its arrival in local showrooms "in the coming weeks". Now available to order, the 2025 Audi Q5 lineup starts at $81,000 before on-road costs – an increase of $7600 over the outgoing entry-level Q5 – and the six-cylinder SQ5 is priced from $106,400 plus on-roads in 'edition one' form, which is down from $119,084 before on-roads for the previous SQ5. However, the regular SQ5 will cost $122,400 plus on-roads, marking a rise of just over $3000. The existing Q5 is Audi Australia's best-selling model so far this year, with sales up 19.7 per cent on the first half of 2024. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Diesel and all-wheel drive 'quattro' versions make up the five model grades of the third-generation Q5 and SQ5 landing in showrooms next month. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to arrive in Australia in 2026, although this has not officially been confirmed since two PHEV variants were shown overseas. The lineup starts with the Q5 TFSI powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, matched as standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It comes with a 0-100km/h claim of 8.6 seconds and combined fuel economy of 5.7L/100km. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, artificial leather upholstery, aluminium inlays as well as climate control and an eight-speaker 160W stereo. The cabin also includes a 14.5-inch OLED centre touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus an electronic tailgate. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, while automatic parking and a 360-degree camera are also standard on every Q5/SQ5. The turbo-diesel models are next, with the Q5 TDI quattro and the Q5 TDI quattro Sport priced at $87,600 and $94,100 before on-road costs respectively. Both use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering 150kW/400Nm, teamed with a seven-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. They also share the same 7.4-second 0-100km/h claim and 5.4L/100km combined fuel consumption figure. Equipment levels match the entry-level Q5 TFSI, but the Q5 TDI quattro Sport adds larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and sports seats with 'S' logos embossed, plus an interior treatment featuring brushed aluminium inlays. The SQ5 is offered in an 'edition one' grade for $106,400 and in regular guise for $122,400, both before on-road costs. Both are powered by a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid V6 petrol engine producing 270kW/550Nm, and combine a seven-speed automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ5 has an official 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km. On top of the Q5's standard equipment, the SQ5 edition one adds black 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, black mirror caps, with brushed aluminium inlays inside the cabin. The standard SQ5 runs 21-inch alloy wheels – with three designs to choose from at no additional cost – and all exterior paint colours are no-cost options apart from Sakhir gold metallic, which is priced at a lower $1300. For every other Q5 and S5, Arkona White is standard at no additional cost, with all other colours costing $2000 on top, apart from Sakhir gold which is priced at $3300. The SQ5 also has a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo with a 16-channel subwoofer, amplifier and total output of 685W, as well as faster-charging USB ports, with a pair of 60W outlets up front and two 100W ports in the rear. MORE: Everything Audi Content originally sourced from: Audi Australia has released pricing and specifications for its third-generation Q5 mid-size SUV range, including the new SQ5 performance flagship, ahead of its arrival in local showrooms "in the coming weeks". Now available to order, the 2025 Audi Q5 lineup starts at $81,000 before on-road costs – an increase of $7600 over the outgoing entry-level Q5 – and the six-cylinder SQ5 is priced from $106,400 plus on-roads in 'edition one' form, which is down from $119,084 before on-roads for the previous SQ5. However, the regular SQ5 will cost $122,400 plus on-roads, marking a rise of just over $3000. The existing Q5 is Audi Australia's best-selling model so far this year, with sales up 19.7 per cent on the first half of 2024. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Diesel and all-wheel drive 'quattro' versions make up the five model grades of the third-generation Q5 and SQ5 landing in showrooms next month. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to arrive in Australia in 2026, although this has not officially been confirmed since two PHEV variants were shown overseas. The lineup starts with the Q5 TFSI powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, matched as standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It comes with a 0-100km/h claim of 8.6 seconds and combined fuel economy of 5.7L/100km. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, artificial leather upholstery, aluminium inlays as well as climate control and an eight-speaker 160W stereo. The cabin also includes a 14.5-inch OLED centre touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus an electronic tailgate. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, while automatic parking and a 360-degree camera are also standard on every Q5/SQ5. The turbo-diesel models are next, with the Q5 TDI quattro and the Q5 TDI quattro Sport priced at $87,600 and $94,100 before on-road costs respectively. Both use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering 150kW/400Nm, teamed with a seven-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. They also share the same 7.4-second 0-100km/h claim and 5.4L/100km combined fuel consumption figure. Equipment levels match the entry-level Q5 TFSI, but the Q5 TDI quattro Sport adds larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and sports seats with 'S' logos embossed, plus an interior treatment featuring brushed aluminium inlays. The SQ5 is offered in an 'edition one' grade for $106,400 and in regular guise for $122,400, both before on-road costs. Both are powered by a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid V6 petrol engine producing 270kW/550Nm, and combine a seven-speed automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ5 has an official 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km. On top of the Q5's standard equipment, the SQ5 edition one adds black 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, black mirror caps, with brushed aluminium inlays inside the cabin. The standard SQ5 runs 21-inch alloy wheels – with three designs to choose from at no additional cost – and all exterior paint colours are no-cost options apart from Sakhir gold metallic, which is priced at a lower $1300. For every other Q5 and S5, Arkona White is standard at no additional cost, with all other colours costing $2000 on top, apart from Sakhir gold which is priced at $3300. The SQ5 also has a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo with a 16-channel subwoofer, amplifier and total output of 685W, as well as faster-charging USB ports, with a pair of 60W outlets up front and two 100W ports in the rear. MORE: Everything Audi Content originally sourced from: Audi Australia has released pricing and specifications for its third-generation Q5 mid-size SUV range, including the new SQ5 performance flagship, ahead of its arrival in local showrooms "in the coming weeks". Now available to order, the 2025 Audi Q5 lineup starts at $81,000 before on-road costs – an increase of $7600 over the outgoing entry-level Q5 – and the six-cylinder SQ5 is priced from $106,400 plus on-roads in 'edition one' form, which is down from $119,084 before on-roads for the previous SQ5. However, the regular SQ5 will cost $122,400 plus on-roads, marking a rise of just over $3000. The existing Q5 is Audi Australia's best-selling model so far this year, with sales up 19.7 per cent on the first half of 2024. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Diesel and all-wheel drive 'quattro' versions make up the five model grades of the third-generation Q5 and SQ5 landing in showrooms next month. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to arrive in Australia in 2026, although this has not officially been confirmed since two PHEV variants were shown overseas. The lineup starts with the Q5 TFSI powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, matched as standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It comes with a 0-100km/h claim of 8.6 seconds and combined fuel economy of 5.7L/100km. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, artificial leather upholstery, aluminium inlays as well as climate control and an eight-speaker 160W stereo. The cabin also includes a 14.5-inch OLED centre touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus an electronic tailgate. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, while automatic parking and a 360-degree camera are also standard on every Q5/SQ5. The turbo-diesel models are next, with the Q5 TDI quattro and the Q5 TDI quattro Sport priced at $87,600 and $94,100 before on-road costs respectively. Both use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering 150kW/400Nm, teamed with a seven-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. They also share the same 7.4-second 0-100km/h claim and 5.4L/100km combined fuel consumption figure. Equipment levels match the entry-level Q5 TFSI, but the Q5 TDI quattro Sport adds larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and sports seats with 'S' logos embossed, plus an interior treatment featuring brushed aluminium inlays. The SQ5 is offered in an 'edition one' grade for $106,400 and in regular guise for $122,400, both before on-road costs. Both are powered by a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid V6 petrol engine producing 270kW/550Nm, and combine a seven-speed automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ5 has an official 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km. On top of the Q5's standard equipment, the SQ5 edition one adds black 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, black mirror caps, with brushed aluminium inlays inside the cabin. The standard SQ5 runs 21-inch alloy wheels – with three designs to choose from at no additional cost – and all exterior paint colours are no-cost options apart from Sakhir gold metallic, which is priced at a lower $1300. For every other Q5 and S5, Arkona White is standard at no additional cost, with all other colours costing $2000 on top, apart from Sakhir gold which is priced at $3300. The SQ5 also has a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo with a 16-channel subwoofer, amplifier and total output of 685W, as well as faster-charging USB ports, with a pair of 60W outlets up front and two 100W ports in the rear. MORE: Everything Audi Content originally sourced from: Audi Australia has released pricing and specifications for its third-generation Q5 mid-size SUV range, including the new SQ5 performance flagship, ahead of its arrival in local showrooms "in the coming weeks". Now available to order, the 2025 Audi Q5 lineup starts at $81,000 before on-road costs – an increase of $7600 over the outgoing entry-level Q5 – and the six-cylinder SQ5 is priced from $106,400 plus on-roads in 'edition one' form, which is down from $119,084 before on-roads for the previous SQ5. However, the regular SQ5 will cost $122,400 plus on-roads, marking a rise of just over $3000. The existing Q5 is Audi Australia's best-selling model so far this year, with sales up 19.7 per cent on the first half of 2024. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Diesel and all-wheel drive 'quattro' versions make up the five model grades of the third-generation Q5 and SQ5 landing in showrooms next month. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version is expected to arrive in Australia in 2026, although this has not officially been confirmed since two PHEV variants were shown overseas. The lineup starts with the Q5 TFSI powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, matched as standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It comes with a 0-100km/h claim of 8.6 seconds and combined fuel economy of 5.7L/100km. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED Matrix headlights, artificial leather upholstery, aluminium inlays as well as climate control and an eight-speaker 160W stereo. The cabin also includes a 14.5-inch OLED centre touchscreen with built-in sat-nav, voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus an electronic tailgate. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, while automatic parking and a 360-degree camera are also standard on every Q5/SQ5. The turbo-diesel models are next, with the Q5 TDI quattro and the Q5 TDI quattro Sport priced at $87,600 and $94,100 before on-road costs respectively. Both use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel offering 150kW/400Nm, teamed with a seven-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. They also share the same 7.4-second 0-100km/h claim and 5.4L/100km combined fuel consumption figure. Equipment levels match the entry-level Q5 TFSI, but the Q5 TDI quattro Sport adds larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and sports seats with 'S' logos embossed, plus an interior treatment featuring brushed aluminium inlays. The SQ5 is offered in an 'edition one' grade for $106,400 and in regular guise for $122,400, both before on-road costs. Both are powered by a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid V6 petrol engine producing 270kW/550Nm, and combine a seven-speed automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. The SQ5 has an official 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km. On top of the Q5's standard equipment, the SQ5 edition one adds black 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, black mirror caps, with brushed aluminium inlays inside the cabin. The standard SQ5 runs 21-inch alloy wheels – with three designs to choose from at no additional cost – and all exterior paint colours are no-cost options apart from Sakhir gold metallic, which is priced at a lower $1300. For every other Q5 and S5, Arkona White is standard at no additional cost, with all other colours costing $2000 on top, apart from Sakhir gold which is priced at $3300. The SQ5 also has a 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo with a 16-channel subwoofer, amplifier and total output of 685W, as well as faster-charging USB ports, with a pair of 60W outlets up front and two 100W ports in the rear. MORE: Everything Audi Content originally sourced from:
