Through some leaky Chevrolet dealers, we now know what changes will happen for the 2021 C8 Corvette. Didn’t it seem like just last week that Corvettes started showing up on dealership lots? Now we’re salivating over what changes will take place for the 2021 models. But, the reason things have ramped up is twofold. First, the UAW strike at GM pushed Corvette production back. Then, the coronavirus shut down every manufacturers’ assembly lines. It is a question mark if Chevy will even be able to produce the 2020 C8s it has received orders for. Some of those orders may have to become 2021 models depending on how long the shut down will last.

There is only one 2021 C8 Corvette mechanical change

Chevy was going to open up orders in May. In anticipation for that dealers received ordering info and that’s how we got it. There will only be one mechanical change. The rest are color, trim, and option package changes. 

The Magnetic Ride Control that came with the Z51 performance package can now be ordered separately. With the Z51 package, you had to step up to an additional $5,000. That got you the ride control plus a higher rear end gear ratio, Brembo brakes at all four corners, summer tires for tracks, performance exhaust, and some added aero pieces here and there. Now you can forego those options and still get the ride control for some twisties fun. 

2021 C8 colors carry over except for Long Beach Red

Optional colors for 2020 cost almost a grand more. Long Beach Red was one of those colors, and it has been discontinued. So, if you get your Long Beach Red 2020 you’ll have a rare color to brag about. We expect that some will have to opt for a different color if their order gets shifted to the 2021 models.

The replacement for that color is Red Mist Tintcoat and Silver Flare. You may want to check out these new colors if you ordered LB Red but have yet to receive your C8. Another discontinuation is the black wheel center cap with the Corvette Jake logo. 

That goofy “Jake” logo on the wheel caps was mercifully discontinued

You don’t remember Jake? It was that goofy skull/Corvette flags logo that Chevy thought would be its Mustang horse, or maybe its Lambo bull? Who knows. It would seem that Corvette owners mostly passed on it and so those of you that did will surely have collector’s items. Though, we would suspect that this part would be easy for the aftermarket to knock off, so don’t get your hopes too high.

If you were hoping to order a 2021 with the carbon fiber ground effects you saw on 2020 C8s, you’re out of luck. Chevy couldn’t produce them fast enough to fill orders for the 2020s and so it didn’t want to get in a bind for 2021. A carbon fiber tall wing and door intake trim will be part of the carbon fiber parts options.

There will be some new stripe and trim options

A “Stingray R” trim package will be available. Also available for the first time since the 1960s is a Stinger Stripe down your frunk. Or, if you’re in need of more stripes there are full-length racing stripes in orange, blue, silver, Carbon Flash, yellow or red. 

Like we said orders will be taken starting in May so check out online what is available, make your choices, and pray there aren’t production delays for the 2021 Corvettes.