Just when we thought the Corvette couldn’t possibly get any crazier after the 1,064 horsepower Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet just announced yet an even more powerful Corvette. Meet the new 2026 Corvette ZR1X, the wildest Corvette ever made.
What is the ZR1X?
The new Corvette ZR1X challenges how people view the Corvette nameplate. We say this because this new Vette has AWD. And it’s a hybrid.
It’s also the most powerful Corvette ever made. And if you’re wondering how Chevy has pulled this off, the answer is actually pretty simple: they combined the Corvette ZR1 and the Corvette E-Ray together (hence the X in ZR1X, we suspect). The result was a 1,250 horsepower electrified monster.
Speed and Power
That 1,250 horsepower comes from two different propulsion systems. Most of the power comes from the ZR1’s LT7 5.5L V8 which pumps out 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque. The LT7 remains largely unchanged from the ZR1. The big changes come from the electric motor which produces the remaining 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. While the electric motor is taken directly from the E-Ray, Chevy’s engineers beefed it up before implementing it on the ZR1X. As a result, you’ll never have to charge the batteries. In fact, you can’t charge it: Chevy says the batteries charge themselves through capturing energy dispersed in the front axles.
Oh, and that all-wheel drive we mentioned earlier? Well, it’s not your traditional AWD system. The V8 powers the rear wheels, while the electric motor powers the front wheels- that much isn’t revolutionary. What this means, however, is that 0-60 mph happens in under two seconds, and the quarter mile in under nine seconds at over 150 mph. What is revolutionairy, however, is when the ZR1X goes above 160 mph, the electric motors deactivate, meaning your Corvette becomes RWD like the regular ZR1 beyond that.
More Than a Dragster
While that fancy eAWD certainly does help the 0-60 mph and quarter mile times, Chevy’s done more than just add power on the new ZR1X. For example, the ZR1X comes with three different energy presets which determine how the electric battery’s power is deployed. The first is Endurance, which when paired with a full tank of fuel, optimizes the battery for consistent usage over extended laps. The Qualifying preset sets the battery to disburse more power over less time, meaning the battery will drain faster in exchange for a faster lap time. The last preset is Push-to-Pass, which as you might’ve guessed, gives users all 1,250 horsepower at the push of a button.
Beyond that, the Corvette ZR1X comes standard with the J59 braking package. Previously an optional extra on the ZR1, the J59 package gives the ZR1X high-performance Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers. These are paired with 16.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors (both front and rear), so stopping shouldn’t be much of an issue.
The ZR1X comes with two chassis configurations. The first is the standard chassis, tuned to handle both on and off-track performance, and comes with Michelin PS4S tires. Option two is the track-oriented ZTK Performance Package, which has higher spring rates, is firmer and comes with grippier Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires. Customers can also equip their ZR1X with the Carbon Aero package, which allows for 1,200 lbs for downforce thanks to, among many other bits, a rear wing.
While Chevy hasn’t announced pricing for the ZR1X, we do know that it’ll be available as both a coupe and a hardtop. Car and Driver reports that production will begin later in 2025, so buyers won’t have to wait too long until they can get their hands on a ZR1X.
