ha ha me too (not more money). I love my 24 but I pulled the trigger on a 26 (picking it up next week). I wanted to wait on the GS which I absolutely believe is coming out next year. Then I started thinking if I plan to trade my car in next year I should do it now. Lots of service to-do's $$ are coming up. Plus when the GS does come out the Stingray market is going to get flooded. Prices will be dirt when that happens. Lastly if that does happen and I have to have a GS at least our 26's will hold a higher value.

 

The next model year changes have historically been announced at the Corvette Bash each year at the end of April. My bet is the Grand Sport will be announced April of 2026 for the 2027 model year to breath new life into the Stingray for the last 2 or 3 years of the C8 generation. The rumor is that the C9 will be coming out in 2028 for the 2029 model year. Even if that time frame is extended another year...we are looking at the tail end of the C8 generation.

 

I have a 24 SR I do like the look of the new interior. However what I do not like is the 96 thousand dollar price tag of a 2LT with the options I now have.

 

OP - Since this will be your first Vette (congratulations), and you are not in a hurry to purchase it, I suggest you spend the next few months talking to local owners, look for a local Corvette club to join and learn about the C8, and test drive several current models to see what you like and do not like. Since we are relatively close to MY27, suggest you wait to see what GM offers, especially if you would like a GS. Take your time, enjoy the learning process and search, then once your decision is made, find the best deal you can and order the Vette just the way you want it. Good luck.

As far as the blue-tinted, clear roof is concerned, I first tried one on my 2004 and loved it. It "opens" the interior, and it is nice to look up and see sky, even tinted sky. On very hot summer days, I did notice heat on my hair-challenged head so I wore a hat. Then I found a tinted film, sold by Zip Corvettes in Virginia, on the Forum, and installed it to reduce the heat. It uses static cling to stay on and cuts the heat. I have installed this film on my 2008, 2013 GS, and now 2019 GS. When I order my C8 GS, I will order the tinted. clear roof and install the same film.

Since you live in OH, as others have pointed out, you have several good Chevy dealers to pick from. I do not know why people have an issue with Rick "Corvette" Conti. Check out his You Tube channel to see what he offers for yourself. I have talked with him at Corvette events and found him to be honest, very well-informed on Corvettes, and very pleasant. If I lived closer to OH, I would buy Vettes from him. Take the time to meet and get to know people yourself, don't be swayed by negative on-line opinions. Again, good luck.

 

Ah yes, the fabled C8 GS. Nothing like forgoing 7 model years of C8, just on the vain outside chance that GM builds the LARP C8.

 

Life is too damned short, why wait another year if the GS doesn't ever come out. Build you a nice 2026 Stingray with all of the options that you desire and go for it.

 

I pulled the trigger on mine, a black on black stingray. Can't wait.