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Sneak Peek: the Corvette ZR1X

Meet the ZR1X — the most powerful production Corvette ever with 1,250 hp, hybrid eAWD, and supercar performance!
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X - chevrolet.com
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X - chevrolet.com

Supercar Status? Confirmed.

The ZR1 would be the fastest, most powerful Corvette ever! That’s what we were told not too long ago. Well, the ZR1X just swept in and said, ‘Hold my beer.’ The ZR1X even outshines the ZR1 when it comes to the numbers. That officially makes it the most powerful production Corvette ever. For anyone who wanted the Corvette to achieve ‘supercar status,’ the ZR1X makes the case for them

Horsepower Meets Brainpower

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Sebring Orange - chevrolet.com
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Sebring Orange - chevrolet.com

1,250 horsepower. Zero to 60 in under two seconds! That’s a mic drop.

The heart of this machine is the new LT7 5.5-liter DOHC V8 engine with twin-turbocharging and a flat-plane crankshaft. Alone, this generates a staggering 1,064 horsepower. That’s then augmented by another 186 horsepower from the eAWD (electric All-Wheel Drive) on the front axle. All that power is managed by a rapid 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

But don’t let the raw numbers fool you. The ZR1X isn’t just about brute force. It also adjusts traction, stability, and power through driver-selected modes, each one engineered to optimize performance across a variety of real-time driving conditions.

The sophisticated PTM Pro mode unlocks the ZR1X’s full track potential with sharper handling, the fastest possible track times, and complete control in high-performance situations. Switching into Regen Brake Torque Vectoring mode recovers energy under braking without sacrificing handling, and Front Axle Pre-Control is a mode that keeps things tight under throttle.

That’s the kind of tech usually found in Formula One — not something you might be driving to Cars and Coffee. This Vette can still be your daily driver, though. Thanks to some smart engineering, the ZR1X includes an electric-only Stealth Mode that quietly cruises for 4 to 5 miles at up to 45 mph on electric power alone. It’s supercar speed when you want it, but silence when you need it.

Style with Science

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Exterior - chevrolet.com
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Exterior - chevrolet.com

I’ll admit I prefer the looks of a C3, a C4, or a C5 over any C8, but the ZR1X revived a nice throwback feature. The split rear window is back, and the ZR1X does look pretty awesome from above. It mixes fresh with familiar, but the split-rear isn’t just for looks.

Vents and a louvered spine at the rear window improve engine bay cooling. Carbon-fiber hatch intakes draw even more cold air to keep engine temps down. Up front, the hood isn’t just there for looks either. A flow-through intercooler design helps extract heat while feeding airflow to the engine bay.

Ten exterior color options include Torch Red, Riptide Blue Metallic, and Blade Silver. Thankfully, we’ve also got Competition Yellow as an option. Add in the Carbon Fiber Aero Package — with a massive rear spoiler, underbody strakes, and more — and the ZR1X generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce. So, there’s style, speed, and science all in one package!

A Cabin That Keeps Up

Slide into the ZR1X and you’ll get a race-inspired cabin that’s equal parts comfort and cockpit. Digital displays dominate the dash, literally wrapping the driver with controls and a clear view of vehicle data at a quick glance. The fully customizable Performance App, for example, gives you live visuals of the horsepower, torque, and more. All the controls are within easy reach, too.

The interior color can be selected out of 20 different options, including dual-toned or full-on blue, red, black, gray or natural shades. Depending on your trim, you’ve got options:

  • The 1LZ gives you a 10-speaker Bose stereo system, HD rear camera support, and GT1 or Competition Sport seats
  • The 3LZ takes it up a notch with a 14-speaker Bose setup, carbon-fiber and sueded microfiber trim throughout the cabin, and Napa leather seats with heating, ventilation, and memory settings.

Wireless phone chargers and a Head-Up Display round out the cabin amenities.

Not Here Yet – But Close

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Track - chevrolet.com
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Track - chevrolet.com

So how do you get your hands on one of these beasts? It’s coming, but you have to wait just a little longer. As of now, the ZR1X hasn’t hit dealership lots. But Chevrolet is collecting emails for more updates and availability alerts.

You can also subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media channels because as soon as we get more info, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, relive the evolution with our Through the Years look at the Chevy Corvette.

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Jesse Batson

Jesse Batson earned his journalism degree from South Dakota State University. No stranger to newsgathering and reporting, Jesse spent 13 years in TV news. 10 of those years were spent working in Charlotte, NC, home of NASCAR. A highlight of his time there was being able to take a lap around the Charlotte Motor Speedway. His interest in vehicles, starting with Matchbox cars, a Big Wheel, and the Transformers, evolved into taking photos of motocross events. Now, he puts his research skills to use on car culture, reviews, and comparisons.

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