As some of you may remember, Chevy introduced the Corvette E-Ray in 2023, which was the first-ever AWD Corvette in Corvette history. It’s funny when you think about how more than 660 horses doesn’t sound very exciting anymore, thanks to the so-called “hypercars” that are out there. Which is probably why Chevy is introducing the Corvette ZR1X, billed as the most powerful Corvette ever. The Corvette ZR1X will go on sale later this year as a 2026 model and will be available in two trims: 1LZ and 3LZ.
Visually, the ZR1X looks exactly like the ZR1 we saw last year, with features such as the flow-through hood, side inlets, and a variety of standard carbon fiber bits, including the front splitter, rocker panels, split rear window surround, roof panels and side air inlet inserts. The ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero Package gets you the wing spoiler, underbody strakes, hood lip gurney and carbon-fiber dive planes. Chevy claims that these all work together to generate over 544 kg (1,200 lbs) of downforce (with the optional ZTK Performance Package), the highest downforce of any production Corvette in history.
The ZR1X comes with the J59 braking package. Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers are mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon ceramic rotors — the largest diameter rotors ever offered on a Corvette. Chevy claims that the J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph (290 – 193 km/h). The ZR1X is offered in two chassis configurations, both featuring magnetic ride control — adjusting to the vehicle’s mode, driver inputs and the road surface for optimal control. The standard setup includes Michelin PS4S tires. The aforementioned ZTK Performance Package incorporates higher spring rates and is firmer, and also comes with Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires.
Let’s get the numbers out of the way then, shall we? The ICE is an LT7 twin-turbo V8 (5.5L) paired with an 8-speed DCT, producing 793 kW (1,063 bhp/1,078 metric hp) and 1,123 Nm (828 lb-ft), driving the rear wheels. The e-motor at the front offers 139 kW (186 bhp/189 metric hp) and 197 Nm (145 lb-ft) of torque. The combined figures would be 932 kW (1,267 metric hp/1,250 bhp) and 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft).
Chevy estimates a 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) sprint time of less than 2 seconds and a ¼ mile run time of less than 9 seconds. The battery pack is a tiny 1.9 kWh lithium-ion unit, same as in the E-Ray, positioned between the seats in the central tunnel. It allows for an electric-only Stealth Mode for a quiet departure. You can drive up to 8 km (5 mi) and at speeds of up to 72 km/h (45 mph).
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