Nürburgring takeover: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and ZR1 now the fastest cars from an American manufacturer

TLDR The Chevrolet Silverado celebrates a legacy spanning more than 100 years of Chevy truck expertise, evolving from a premium trim level introduced in 1975 to its own model in 1999. Silverado sales remain strong, with Chevrolet selling more than 580,000 light- and heavy-duty trucks in 2025—its best sales performance in five years—and strong momentum continuing into 2026. The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado builds on that legacy with a focus on durability as one of the longest-lasting full-size trucks on the road. GM executive engineer Jeff Luke shares his personal connection to the Silverado, recalling the 1985 Chevy C/K Silverado he ordered with his father, who spent 40 years working at GM. The 1985 Silverado represented the top trim level of its era, offering premium features for the time, though it was far simpler than today's trucks. The 2027 Silverado showcases how far the nameplate has evolved, featuring more than 60 inches of digital displays, an available 11.5-inch passenger screen, and Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance with trailering capability. While today's Silverado is packed with cutting-edge technology, the story highlights the enduring appeal and personal memories that have made the Silverado a favorite across generations. First introduced in 1975 as the top trim level of the Chevrolet C/K series pickup trucks, the Silverado earned its own model designation in 1999. Over the years, the Silverado has represented a proud nameplate built on more than 100 years of Chevy truck expertise. Last year, Chevrolet sold more than 580,000 light- and heavy-duty Silverados, its strongest sales performance in five years. That’s 67 Silverados every hour, or one every 54 seconds; we’re seeing that same great sales momentum in 2026. As excitement for the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado builds, the next-generation truck carries forward our legacy of making the longest-lasting full-size trucks on the road 1. Jeff Luke can attest to that longevity. Today, Jeff is Executive Chief Engineer – Global Transmissions, Drive Units and Racing Propulsion Programs at General Motors. When he started with GM in 1986, he was carrying on the Chevy truck legacy that ran through his family. His father John started working for GM in 1952 at the Oshawa, Canada plant and stayed until his retirement in 1992 after 40 years. From the historical archives: 1985 Chevrolet C10 Series Silverado Fleetside pickup While Jeff’s mom also worked at GM for a while (alongside some of his uncles and cousins), John and Jeff specialized in trucks across several generations. For Jeff, a particular 1985 Chevy C/K Silverado was a member of their family and played a big role in their history. “Dad and I ordered it together,” he says. “It was finished in two-tone cream and metallic brown, which was a rarer combination than the blue-on-blue or red and cream. We ordered this truck very specifically because it was the premium trim level at the time.” Positioned above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne variants, the Silverado was at the top of the line, equipped with a 305-cubic-inch V8 engine and plenty of options. Even so, Jeff says, that was very basic compared to today’s vehicles. Standard features included an AM/FM radio and manual crank windows, while power windows were available. Passenger arms got more of a workout back then. 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country while towing. Ultimately, Jeff ended up driving the truck most of the time, including when he was at school at General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan. “Years ago, you could buy a new truck every six months and trade them in,” Jeff says. “At the time, trucks would appreciate in value, so if you traded them every six months you could stay ahead. I did that for several years and always got the Silverado trim level.” The Next-Generation 2027 Silverado is now available with more than 60 inches of total diagonal digital displays (including an all-new 11.5-inch diagonal passenger screen) and GM’s Super Cruise 2 driver assistance technology with segment exclusive trailering. Those features weren’t even a twinkle in the engineering team’s eye back when Jeff got his first Silverado, but look how far it has come. Still, Jeff misses that old 1985. “I wish I still had that Silverado,” he says with a grin. Want to learn more about the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado? Read more in the launch story here. 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck in Summit White.

For the 2026 model year, Chevrolet is offering the Stars & Steel Collection, a curated lineup of vehicles that celebrates American craftsmanship. The collection spans the Corvette, Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, and Silverado EV — all of which are proudly assembled in the United States 2 — with unique design elements and select exclusive upgrades. Adam Barry, senior creative exterior designer for the General Motors Performance Studio, is the designer behind the collection. He sat down with GM News to explain the thoughts behind the design process and highlight the unique features these special editions include. What makes the Stars & Steel editions different? Chevrolet Colorado Stars & Steel Edition Each Stars & Steel model features curated exterior and interior color combinations and graphics inspired by the American flag. The challenge, Barry said, was finding the perfect balance, conveying American craftsmanship and performance without going overboard. "To visually communicate American technology, horsepower, and restraint, while not slathering on too much red, white, and blue,” is how Barry described his goal. Making this work across five very different vehicles was no small task. “This motif had to work on so many vehicles and so many different body panels,” he said. For example, the Silverado HD’s hood is wildly different from the Corvette’s; the Colorado's front fenders would never fit a Silverado EV. “That was a challenge,” Barry added. “It took a lot of time to find the balance, to figure out how to make them all fit together … and it took a design that was very bold and very simple to carry through all that.” The flag-inspired stripes and the 250th logo appear across the entire Stars & Steel model lineup. The stripes have a tone-on-tone look: on a black vehicle, the stripes are dark gray; on a white vehicle, a slightly darker hue is used. The colors, as Barry put it, "are just different values of each other." In addition to flag-themed graphics, Stars & Steel Chevrolets feature standard black wheels. The Corvette, Silverado EV, and Silverado 1500 get red brake calipers, the Colorado gets red tow hooks, and the Silverado HD boasts upgraded towing capability. Can you find the Easter eggs? 2026 Corvette Z06 Stars & Steel Special Edition in Arctic White. The GM design team hid a few surprises in the Stars & Steel design theme. Barry’s favorite is featured on the Corvette. A stylized American flag incorporates the phrase "1776 to 2026" in the bottom line, an element Barry described as "complicated to execute, but something that I knew was possible." He designed it to be somewhat hidden. Most owners might not spot it until they’re up close washing their car. The right designer for the job Barry may have been the perfect designer for the Stars & Steel project. He was born in Cherry Hill and raised in Marlton, New Jersey, both suburbs within a 13-mile radius of Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4 th, 1776, the official founding of the United States of America. Thirteen miles, just like the original 13 colonies. That’s not the only coincidence. “As a kid, my school would take field trips to this historic section of Philly to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and walk the cobblestone streets,” Barry said. Right outside Independence Hall is a statue of Commodore Barry, an American naval officer during the Revolutionary War, widely considered the father of the American Navy. Naturally, Adam Barry’s classmates couldn’t resist calling him “Commodore” after seeing the statue. Among the GM Design team, Barry played a strong role in the Stars & Steel special editions, though he's reluctant to take too much credit. He was quick to acknowledge the teamwork among designers, engineers, and marketing colleagues within GM. "It turned out to be a great opportunity that really affected the entire plan for Chevrolet for the year,” he added. Bold looks, plenty of options: Chevrolet Corvette 2026 Corvette ZR1X Stars & Steel Special Edition in Black The Stars & Steel Limited Edition is available on all Corvette models, from the entry-level Stingray to the ZR1X. Buyers can choose between Arctic White paint with Satin Silver stripes and a Santorini Blue interior, or a black exterior with Satin Black stripes and Adrenaline Red interior. Other Stars & Steel Corvette enhancements include special sill plates, an interior plaque showing the build sequence number, and available red accents on the brake calipers, seatbelts, and floor mats. Wheel options include Black Gloss, Carbon-Flash, or weight-saving Carbon Fiber. Black exhaust tips are included, too. Production of the Stars & Steel Edition Corvette is limited to 250 units. When asked if the Corvette is his favorite Stars & Steel model, Barry said, “yeah, of course,” without hesitation. It's the car that inspired the GM Design team to expand the Stars & Steel project across multiple Chevrolet models, and the one he worked on every day in the Corvette studio. Stars & Steel Corvettes include: Arctic White with a Santorini Blue interior or Black with an Adrenaline Red interior American Flag inspired full-length stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics on doors and spoiler ends (when properly equipped) Unique sill plates and interior plaque featuring build sequence number Black Gloss, Carbon-Flash, or available Carbon Fiber Wheels (depending on model) Red accents: Edge Red Calipers, Red Seat belts, Floor Mats with Red Stitching and Edge Red Engine Cover on select models Black exhaust tips & select accessories by model Huge capability with high style: Silverado EV 2026 Silverado EV Stars & Steel Special Edition in Black The Silverado EV Stars & Steel Special Edition is based on the Silverado EV RST, and is available in Summit White with Satin Silver graphics, or in Black with Satin Black graphics, and a Black / Sky Cool Gray interior. Blacked-out 24-inch wheels, black nameplates, and an upgraded brake system further differentiate this truck. The braking upgrade includes red six-piston Brembo front calipers paired with 15.7-inch rotors. The Stars & Steel Silverado EV includes: American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics 24" High-Gloss Black wheels All-new Brembo heavy duty brake system with red six-piston front calipers and larger 15.7-inch brake disc for improved pedal feel, fade resistance and stopping power in all conditions Black Nameplates The bestseller gets even better: Silverado 1500 2026 Silverado 1500 Stars & Steel Special Edition in Summit White The Silverado 1500 is Chevrolet’s best-selling nameplate. Nearly 363,000 were sold in 2025, and the Stars & Steel Special Edition gives buyers a new option to choose from. Based on the RST Crew Cab, short box, four-wheel-drive model, it’s available in Black with Satin Black graphics or Summit White with Satin Silver graphics, and a Jet Black interior. The truck rolls on 22-inch gloss-black wheels, with assist steps for easy entry and blacked-out exterior badging. A spray-in bedliner protects the cargo box, while a roll-top bed cover adds functionality. 2026 Silverado 1500 Stars & Steel Special Edition in Summit White The Stars & Steel Silverado 1500 is powered by the 6.2L V8, augmented with a performance air intake. An upgraded Brembo braking system with red six-piston front calipers is also included. The standard Convenience Package II adds a seven-speaker Bose sound system, a sliding back window, a trailer brake controller, a universal home remote, and more. A sunroof is included as well. The Stars & Steel Silverado 1500 includes: American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics 22" High-Gloss Black wheels Brembo performance brake system with red six-piston front calipers for ultimate braking confidence in towing and daily driving Black exhaust tips Performance air intake 6" Black rectangular assist steps Protection Package including Spray-on bedliner and wheelhouse liners Dark Essentials blacked-out badging Soft roll Bed Cover with logo Convenience Package II and sunroof Immense capability: Silverado HD 2026 Silverado HD Stars & Steel Special Edition The Silverado HD Stars & Steel Special Edition model comes standard with the 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine that delivers 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. Based on the LTZ Crew Cab Trail Boss with four-wheel drive, the Stars & Steel edition offers the above-mentioned Summit White or black exterior color scheme over a black interior. It comes with a spray-in bed liner, high-clearance assist steps, a power sunroof, and 20-inch High Gloss Black wheels. The Z71 off-road package comes standard as well, which provides off-road suspension, hill-descent control, and skid plates. Customers also get the LTZ Convenience Package II and the LTZ Plus Package. Together, these options groups provide amenities like ventilated front bucket seats, a wireless device charger 3, a power-operated tailgate, a Bose premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, heated outboard rear seats, and more. The Stars & Steel Special Edition includes the Gooseneck/Fifth Wheel Prep Package and the Max Trailering Package, which ups the towing rating to 21,600 pounds 4. The Stars & Steel Silverado HD includes: American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics Trail Boss Package w/ Spray In Bedliner 20” High-Gloss Black Wheels Z71 Off-Road Package LTZ Convenience Package II Off-Road High Clearance Assist Steps LTZ Plus Package Power Sunroof Max Trailering Package Gooseneck/5th Wheel Prep Package Soft Roll Bed Cover Floor Liner Package Agile and efficient: Chevrolet Colorado 2026 Colorado Stars & Steel Special Edition in Summit White For those who want Stars & Steel capability in a midsize pickup package, Chevrolet offers the Stars & Steel Colorado, based on the Trail Boss Crew Cab and powered by the 2.7L turbocharged engine with standard four-wheel drive. Along with the quintessential Stars & Steel exterior appearance package, the Colorado adds red recovery hooks, rocker panel guards, underbody skid plates, a spray-in bedliner, a black exhaust tip, and all-weather floor liners. The Trail Boss Convenience Package II and the Midnight Edition option groups are also standard. The former includes heated front seats, remote start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless phone charger, uplevel interior materials, and more, while the latter adds a range of visual upgrades like 20-inch gloss-black wheels, black nameplates, a 40-inch off-road light bar, and accessory power-distribution box. The Stars & Steel Chevrolet Colorado includes: American Flag inspired stripes in Satin Silver or Satin Black and “250” flag graphics Midnight Package w/Sport Bar & Light Bar Dark Essentials Badging 20” High Gloss Black Wheels Convenience Package 2 Technology Package Skid Plate Package Black Exhaust Tip Red Tow Hooks Black Rocker Protectors Spray-on Bedliner Soft Roll Bed Cover Floor Liners Here’s to the next 250 years Close-up of the America 250 logo on the 2026 Colorado Stars & Steel Special Edition. From the Corvette to the Silverado HD, the Stars & Steel Collection celebrates America’s 250 th birthday. Far bigger than the vehicles themselves, though, is the mission behind this special edition. With every Stars & Steel vehicle sold, Chevrolet will donate $250 to nonprofits that support America’s veterans. The initiative launched in January 2026 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a Stars & Steel-inspired 2026 Corvette ZR1X — a one-of-one car — sold for $2.6 million. Every dollar went to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and military service members, and builds smart homes for injured veterans and first responders.

Chevrolet's iconic sports car reaches a historic milestone while remaining one of the best performance values on the road The Chevrolet Corvette has always represented American performance at its best. For more than 70 years, it has evolved from a stylish two-seat roadster into one of the world's most respected sports cars—earning comparisons with exotic European supercars while remaining attainable for everyday enthusiasts. Now, Chevrolet has reached another major milestone. The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has officially surpassed 200 mph in a validated top-speed run, making it the most affordable new production vehicle capable of reaching the 200-mph mark. Starting at $73,495, the Stingray delivers supercar-level performance without a six-figure price tag. For sports car enthusiasts throughout Seattle, Burien, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Auburn, and the greater Puget Sound region, it's another reminder that Corvette continues to raise the bar for performance, engineering, and value. A Historic Milestone for an American Icon Breaking the 200-mph barrier has long been reserved for ultra-exclusive supercars costing hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. The 2027 Corvette Stingray changes that. Chevrolet achieved the milestone using a base 1LT Stingray, demonstrating that extraordinary performance isn't limited to the highest trim levels or special editions. The increase comes thanks to Chevrolet's new 6.7-liter Gen-6 LS6 V8, producing 535 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. It's a significant achievement that highlights how far the Corvette has come since the first model debuted in 1953 with a top speed of about 105 mph. What Makes the 2027 Corvette Stingray So Special? The new Stingray isn't just faster. It's more refined, more capable, and more technologically advanced than ever before. Highlights include: Official 200 mph top speed New 6.7L LS6 naturally aspirated V8 535 horsepower 520 lb-ft of torque Available 0–60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds with the Z51 Performance Package Mid-engine balance for exceptional handling Dual-clutch 8-speed transmission Driver-focused digital cockpit Whether you're carving through mountain roads or enjoying a scenic drive along the Washington coast, the Stingray delivers a driving experience that few vehicles can match. Supercar Performance Without the Supercar Price One reason the Corvette has remained so popular is its ability to deliver extraordinary performance for the money. According to Chevrolet, the 2027 Stingray is now the least expensive new vehicle capable of reaching 200 mph. That means buyers can enjoy performance typically associated with exotic brands while benefiting from: Chevrolet engineering Nationwide dealer support Everyday drivability Proven reliability Lower ownership costs than many imported supercars For many enthusiasts, that's what has always made Corvette unique. Technology Keeps Improving Alongside Performance While headlines focus on horsepower, today's Corvette is also packed with modern technology. Drivers benefit from features such as: Large digital displays Performance Data Recorder (available) Wireless smartphone integration Selectable drive modes Available Magnetic Ride Control Advanced driver information systems The result is a sports car that's surprisingly comfortable and connected during everyday driving. So, whether you're commuting through Seattle or heading out for a weekend escape, the Stingray feels just as modern as it is fast. Built for Drivers Who Love to Drive The Corvette isn't designed for one type of owner. It's popular among: Weekend touring enthusiasts Performance driving enthusiasts Collectors Empty nesters Professionals looking for an attainable dream car Drivers upgrading from European sports cars Many owners discover that the Corvette is more practical than they expected, with comfortable seating, usable cargo space, and excellent highway manners. Frequently Asked Questions How fast is the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray? The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has an officially validated top speed of 200 mph, making it the most affordable new production vehicle capable of reaching that milestone. How much horsepower does the new Corvette Stingray have? The new 6.7-liter LS6 V8 produces 535 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. How quickly can the Corvette accelerate? When equipped with the available Z51 Performance Package, the 2027 Stingray can accelerate from 0–60 mph in as little as 2.8 seconds. Is the Corvette practical enough for everyday driving? Yes. Thanks to its comfortable cabin, modern technology, front and rear cargo compartments, and refined ride quality, many owners drive their Corvettes regularly rather than saving them only for weekends. Why has the Corvette remained so popular? The Corvette offers an exceptional combination of performance, technology, design, and value. Few sports cars deliver comparable capability at its price point. The American Legend That Keeps Raising the Bar The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray proves that innovation and tradition can coexist. By combining a powerful new LS6 V8, cutting-edge engineering, and everyday usability, Chevrolet has created a sports car that continues to redefine what's possible at its price point. Reaching the 200-mph milestone is more than just a number—it's a testament to decades of engineering excellence and Corvette's ongoing evolution. Whether you're a lifelong Corvette fan or simply appreciate world-class performance, the latest Stingray demonstrates why Chevrolet remains one of the most exciting names in American automotive engineering. At Chevrolet of Burien, we're proud to represent a brand that continues to build vehicles that inspire drivers throughout Seattle, Burien, Renton, Kent, Auburn, and the entire Pacific Northwest. If you'd like to learn more about the Corvette lineup or future Chevrolet performance models, our team is here to help.