The Corvette ZR1X – American Hypercar

For 2026, Chevrolet unveils the most ambitious and electrifying iteration of its flagship performance car to date, the Corvette ZR1X. With a combined 1,250 horsepower, electrified all-wheel drive, and race-bred technology engineered to redefine the American hypercar, the Corvette ZR1X delivers on every front.

Born from the same architecture that birthed the Z06 and E-Ray, the Corvette ZR1X becomes the apex predator in the Corvette food chain. It’s the ultimate manifestation of power, traction, and advanced engineering—proof that America can build a car that competes with, and beats, anything from Maranello, Woking, or Stuttgart.

Corvette ZR1X Combines Twin-Turbo Fury and Electric Precision

Under the hood of the Corvette ZR1X is the new LT7 twin-turbocharged V8, a flat-plane crank, dry-sump 5.5-liter monster hand-built to exude precision and rage. On its own, this engine pushes 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The turbos are placed directly in the exhaust manifold for near-instant spool, and dynamic anti-lag tech keeps boost on tap even when you lift.

Borrowing from lessons learned with the E-Ray, the ZR1X’s front motor adds 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, pushing the total output to an incredible 1,250 hp. There’s no mechanical connection between the gas and electric axles, but GM’s eAWD software perfectly choreographs the dance between the two systems. The result? A 0-60 time under 2 seconds and a sub-9-second quarter-mile at over 150 mph. This is Corvette’s fastest-accelerating production car—ever.

Corvette ZR1X Masters Power with Brains and Balance

The genius of the Corvette ZR1X lies not just in its headline figures, but in how those numbers are translated into performance. The all-wheel-drive system is fully integrated with performance traction management modes, including PTM Pro, which disables traction and stability control while preserving high-level functions such as regenerative torque vectoring, front axle pre-control, and customizable launch control.

Three drive settings—Endurance, Qualifying, and Push-to-Pass—let you fine-tune how the hybrid energy is deployed on track. Whether you’re running hot laps or carving through back roads, the ZR1X remains engaged, intuitive, and frighteningly fast.

Its battery pack sits low within the chassis spine and uses regenerative braking to charge—no plug-in needed. While it shares its 1.9 kWh capacity with the E-Ray, the ZR1X’s upgraded energy deployment system gives it a sharper, longer-lasting edge on the circuit.

Corvette ZR1X Brakes Hard, Corners Harder

To tame 1,250 horses, Chevrolet engineered an entirely new J59 carbon-ceramic braking system featuring Alcon 10-piston front calipers, 6-piston rears, and 16.5-inch rotors—the largest ever on a production Corvette. This setup isn’t just for show. During testing, ZR1X achieved 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph.

The chassis is available in two configurations: the standard setup with Magnetic Ride Control and Michelin PS4S tires for spirited road use, and the ZTK Performance Package which adds stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Cup 2Rs. For those seeking maximum grip, the Carbon Aero package includes dive planes, a rear wing, and underbody strakes that produce 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed.

Corvette ZR1X Interior and Craftsmanship Match the Power

Inside, the Corvette ZR1X introduces a refined, high-tech cockpit. A reimagined console and three-screen digital layout offer real-time telemetry via the Performance App. Premium materials, bold color options, and track-focused design cues elevate the interior into exotic territory.

As with every Corvette since 1981, the ZR1X will be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with the LT7 engine assembled by hand at the Performance Build Center. This car is not just fast. It’s proudly and meticulously American.

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