Power Meets Precision: ZR1X Highlights
- LT7 Twin-Turbo V8 Engine:
- 1,064 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
- 828 lb-ft of torque @ 6,000 rpm
- Front-Axle Electric Motor:
- 186 horsepower
- 145 lb-ft of torque
- GM-Estimated Performance:
- 0-60 mph: Under 2 seconds
- ¼-mile time: Under 9 seconds with a top speed over 150 mph
“From the start, we engineered the mid-engine Corvette platform with ZR1X in mind,” said Ken Morris, GM Senior VP. “It’s the most revolutionary Corvette to date, delivering world-class performance across the board.”
Next-Gen Hybrid Powertrain
The ZR1X begins with the all-new LT7 twin-turbo 5.5L V8, a masterpiece of engineering producing over 1,000 hp to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hand-built and race-inspired, this powerplant features
- Dual 76-mm Turbochargers
- Integrated Turbo-Manifold (“Maniturbo”) for rapid boost response
- Dynamic Anti-Lag System for instant throttle re-engagement
The V8 is paired with a front-mounted electric motor—the evolution of the 2024 Corvette E-Ray system. Using a non-plug-in hybrid system, the ZR1X recovers and redeploys energy through regenerative braking. Its 1.9 kWh battery is centrally mounted for optimal balance and was developed for track-ready endurance and quick cycling between charge and discharge. The result: electric power on demand through 160 mph.
Electrified Handling: Smarter, Faster, Sharper
ZR1X’s upgraded eAWD system and chassis management software use real-time inputs to distribute power seamlessly between front and rear axles. Multiple drive modes let the driver tailor the car’s behavior for any performance scenario:
- Endurance Mode: Optimizes battery usage for long sessions
- Qualifying Mode: Maximum power for the fastest lap
- Push-to-Pass: Instant boost for overtaking
- PTM Pro (new for 2026): Full driver control with retained performance aids like Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, Front Axle Pre-Control, and customizable Launch Control
Stopping Power to Match
ZR1X features the J59 braking package, engineered specifically for high-performance use:
- Alcon 10-piston front/6-piston rear calipers
- 16.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors—the largest ever on a Corvette
- Deceleration power up to 1.9G from high speeds
Chassis & Aero: Two Setups for Your Driving Style
Every ZR1X includes Magnetic Ride Control and comes in two chassis variants:
- Standard Setup—Tuned for comfort and track-day fun with Michelin PS4S tires
- ZTK Performance Package—Stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires for maximum grip
Add the available Carbon Aero Package for serious downforce.
- Dive planes, underbody strakes, hood gurney lip, and a race-inspired rear wing
- Generates up to 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed
- Standard on ZTK-equipped ZR1X models
Design, Comfort, and Craftsmanship
The 2026 ZR1X debuts alongside Corvette’s refreshed interior—a fully digital three-screen setup, reimagined console, new color palettes, and premium materials. Whether you choose the coupe or hardtop convertible, the ZR1X blends daily comfort with track-conquering capability.
Every ZR1X will be hand-built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, using U.S. and globally sourced parts. Each LT7 engine is personally assembled by master engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center.
The New King of Corvettes
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X isn’t just the next chapter in Corvette history—it’s a complete redefinition. Comfortable enough for long drives, brutally fast in a straight line, and surgically sharp on a racetrack, the ZR1X is the ultimate expression of Chevrolet performance.
Pricing and availability will be announced closer to the vehicle’s official production launch.
Otherworldly power, impressive traction
America’s hypercar starts with the ZR1’s LT7 V8, generating more power than any other V8 produced by an American auto manufacturer—1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication, this hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft engines powering the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. This mighty V8 includes:
- Dual 76-mm turbochargers
- A “maniturbo” exhaust design that combines the manifold and turbocharger housing to get the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible, improving throttle response by decreasing time needed to build boost
- Dynamic anti-lag controls that maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations so boost is available rapidly when throttle is reapplied
Where the ZR1 embodies the rear-wheel drive precedent set by prior generations, the Corvette team added all-wheel drive capability for a new take on performance. ZR1X benefits from the foundation set in 2024 by E-Ray, the first-ever AWD Corvette, combining a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor driving the front axle with V8 propulsion turning the rear axle. There is no physical connection between the two power sources on ZR1X, and the electrified propulsion system does not require a plug-in—charging takes place through regenerative efforts from the front drive unit.
ZR1X’s battery pack, located low and centralized within the rigid spine of the chassis, was designed specifically to rapidly cycle between applying bursts of power and charging. This robust pack has been tested at tracks around the world and conquered Corvette’s 24-hour track durability test. While the battery capacity is 1.9 kWh, like the E-Ray, the usable energy has grown to provide greater lapping capability. This improvement raises the peak operating voltage, which increases the power output from the front drive unit.
The compact electric motor on the front axle is capable of 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque on demand. While retaining the same shape and size of the E-Ray front drive unit, the ZR1X unit pairs strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment to generate an additional 26 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque. The front axle is engaged and can apply power up to 160 mph before disconnecting, directly benefitting ZR1X’s quarter-mile acceleration stats and on-track balance.
11,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine plus 186 horsepower from the eAWD (electric drive unit).
2On a closed course only. Based on initial vehicle movement.
3Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, of U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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