

Hypercar Arrival: Chevrolet has revealed the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, its most powerful and advanced model yet. It combines a 1,064 hp twin-turbo V8 with a front electric motor, resulting in a total output of 1,250 hp. This hybrid, all-wheel-drive Corvette accelerates from 0–60 mph in under two seconds and completes the quarter-mile in under nine. It’s a production car, not a limited-run model, and will go on sale by late 2025.

Twin Powertrain: The ZR1X uses the 5.5-litre flat-plane crank LT7 V8 from the ZR1, producing 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque at the rear. An upgraded version of the E-Ray’s front-axle motor adds 186 hp and 145 lb-ft, powered by a 1.9 kWh battery. Unlike plug-in hybrids, it charges via regenerative braking. The front motor contributes power up to 160 mph before disengaging for high-speed combustion-only driving.

Acceleration Edge: The ZR1X outpaces many hypercars with its AWD setup and electric assist. GM claims a 0–60 mph time under 2.0 seconds and a sub-9-second quarter-mile at over 150 mph. These figures are achieved even on unprepped surfaces. The Corvette team also introduced a push-to-pass function, delivering instant peak power by pressing a steering wheel button while in Performance Traction Management modes.

Speed and Control: Top speed is estimated at 233 mph. The car maintains 1.3g of acceleration through multiple gears, making it one of the quickest production vehicles in the world. Special energy strategies, such as “Qualifying” and “Endurance” modes, optimise battery usage based on driving conditions. A new PTM Pro mode disables stability systems while keeping front axle and regen features active for performance driving.

Upgraded Brakes: To manage the massive power, the ZR1X gets standard J59 carbon-ceramic brakes—the biggest ever on a Corvette. The 16.5-inch rotors use carbon-fibre threads and are paired with Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear callipers. The system delivers up to 1.9g of deceleration, with proven results during testing at Germany’s Nürburgring and Michigan tracks. These brakes will also be optional on the regular ZR1.

Chassis Choices: ZR1X offers two chassis setups. The base version includes Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and Magnetic Ride Control for street and track comfort. The ZTK Performance Package adds stiffer springs and Michelin Cup 2R tires for peak grip. An optional Carbon Aero package with dive planes, underbody strakes, and a large rear wing offers 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed, improving high-speed stability.

Interior Redesign: Inside, the ZR1X features the updated 2026 Corvette cabin with three digital screens. The central touchscreen is 12.7 inches, with a 14.0-inch gauge cluster and a new 6.6-inch display for performance settings. Physical HVAC controls move to the dash, and a new console with a drive-mode selector replaces the old button-heavy layout. Materials include carbon fibre, Alcantara, and metal, keeping the look sporty yet refined.

Production Details: The ZR1X will be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, alongside the rest of the Corvette family. Every LT7 engine is hand-assembled by GM’s master builders. The ZR1X joins a lineup that now includes the Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, ZR1, and ZR1X—making this the most diverse and performance-focused Corvette generation ever. There is no production limit; GM will build as many units as customers order.

Expected Pricing: Chevrolet has not announced final pricing yet, but estimates suggest the ZR1X will start around $210,000 for the coupe and go up to $275,000 for fully loaded convertible models. That positions it as the most expensive Corvette ever, but still far below hypercars like the Ferrari F80 or McLaren W1, which cost upwards of $2 million. Chevy aims to offer hypercar performance at a competitive price.
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