Chevrolet has unveiled its most audacious high-performance car ever: the 2026 Corvette ZR1X. Packing a staggering 1,250 horsepower and advanced electrified all-wheel drive, the ZR1X not only redefines what a Corvette can be – it makes a compelling case as the first production hypercar from a mass-market American automaker.
And with it, Chevrolet now claims the most powerful duo of American performance cars ever built, thanks to the arrival of both the ZR1 and the even more radical ZR1X.
A Hypercar-Level Powertrain
At the heart of the ZR1X is the new LT7 twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8, a flat-plane crank masterpiece that generates 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. Paired with an electric front axle motor contributing an additional 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, the ZR1X reaches a GM-estimated total output of 1,250 horsepower – making it the most powerful car Chevrolet has ever produced.
“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior vice president Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars and delivering world-class performance at every level.”
With the combined power of gas and electrons, the ZR1X rockets from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds and clears the quarter-mile in under nine seconds at more than 150 mph.
The ZR1X takes the electrified layout pioneered by the 2024 Corvette E-Ray and turns up the voltage – literally. While the LT7 powers the rear wheels, the front axle features a compact electric motor. The system is not plug-in; instead, the 1.9-kWh battery recharges through regenerative braking, optimized to handle high-performance driving conditions.
ZR1X’s front motor can deliver maximum torque up to 160 mph before disconnecting, enhancing traction on launch and stability at speed. With upgraded internals over the E-Ray, the ZR1X’s front motor makes 26 more horsepower and 20 more lb-ft of torque.
Next-Level Engineering and Drive Modes
The car’s performance software suite – heavily updated from E-Ray – integrates multiple drive modes designed for specific track scenarios:
Endurance Mode: Optimizes battery usage for consistent lap times over a full fuel tank.
Qualifying Mode: Maximizes output for single-lap performance.
Push-to-Pass: Delivers peak output instantly when the driver demands it.
New for 2026, PTM Pro provides advanced control even in “everything off” scenarios. It includes regenerative brake torque vectoring and intelligent front-axle braking for enhanced agility. Launch control also gets an upgrade, with customizable settings for different surface conditions or personal preference.
Race-Bred Braking and Chassis Options
Stopping all that speed is the new J59 carbon-ceramic braking package, featuring Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers clamping on 16.5-inch rotors – the largest ever fitted to a Corvette. The system is engineered for extreme heat resistance and consistent feel, achieving up to 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph in GM testing.
Buyers can choose between two chassis configurations, both featuring Magnetic Ride Control: ‘Standard Setup’ is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, perfect for grand touring and spirited driving, while the ZTK Performance Package comes with Cup 2R tires, stiffer springs, and the Carbon Aero option – adding underbody strakes, dive planes, and a massive rear wing capable of producing 1,200 lbs of downforce.
Built in America, Engineered to Lead the World
Every 2026 Corvette ZR1X will be built at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, with hand-built LT7 engines assembled at the Performance Build Center by master technicians. The model will be offered in coupe and hardtop convertible body styles.
Inside, the ZR1X debuts the refreshed 2026 Corvette interior layout with three digital screens, a reimagined center console, new premium materials, and real-time performance data from the built-in Performance App.
Final pricing and availability will be announced closer to the ZR1X’s production launch. With extreme performance, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and an uncompromising motorsports pedigree, the 2026 Corvette ZR1X stands as the pinnacle of Chevrolet’s legendary sports car lineage.
Source: Chevrolet
