Karmactive Team
General Motors has unveiled what it calls “America’s true hypercar” – the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. This new model combines raw power with hybrid technology to create the most powerful Corvette ever built.
The ZR1X delivers an eye-popping 1,250 horsepower, setting a new record for GM. This power comes from combining two systems: a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 1,064 horsepower that drives the rear wheels, and an electric motor generating 186 horsepower that powers the front wheels.
“It is the most advanced Corvette we’ve ever produced. America’s true hypercar has arrived,” said Megan Dalley, Corvette Marketing Manager. “We are putting the world on notice with this car, showing what Corvette and America’s true supercar is capable of.”
What makes the ZR1X stand out is its incredible speed. GM claims it can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds and complete a quarter-mile run in less than 9 seconds with a trap speed exceeding 150 mph. The top speed reaches 233 mph with the standard setup or 225 mph with the high-downforce package.
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Josh Holder, Corvette Chief Engineer, explained: “It brings performance, electrification and all-wheel drive to further enhance the unthinkable ZR1. It brings learnings from the ZR1 and the E-Ray, and combines them to create an unbelievable driving experience.”
The ZR1X builds on technology from the E-Ray hybrid model that launched in 2023. While using the same 1.9 kWh battery capacity as the E-Ray, engineers increased the usable energy by 29 percent. This allows for better performance during track driving.
Unlike many hybrids, this car doesn’t need to be plugged in. The system recharges itself through regenerative braking as the car is driven.
For stopping power, GM developed new brakes with 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers paired with 16.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors – the largest ever on a Corvette. These brakes can produce up to 1.9g of deceleration force.
The ZR1X will be built at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky and is expected to go on sale by late 2025. GM hasn’t announced pricing yet, but industry experts predict it will be the most expensive Corvette ever.
“The ZR1X launches Corvette into true hypercar territory and sets a new benchmark for full-line automakers,” said Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis for AutoPacific. “What’s striking is the range it crowns: From the attainable Stingray to the electrified E-Ray, and now the ZR1X, the C8 lineup spans a remarkable spectrum of performance.”
For comparison, the current 2025 ZR1 starts at $174,995. Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global Mobility noted that despite the high price tag, Corvettes tend to offer good value compared to other ultra-sports cars.
“If you’re doing product progression correctly, every new Corvette is the most advanced Corvette yet,” Brinley said. “This is power beyond what most vehicles can do.”
The ZR1X comes with either a coupe or convertible body style. The coupe features a split rear window as a nod to the classic 1963 Corvette.
Inside, the 2026 model year brings a completely redesigned dashboard with three digital screens: a 14-inch gauge cluster, a 12.7-inch center touchscreen, and a 6.6-inch auxiliary screen. The wall of buttons found in earlier C8 models has been removed, with climate controls now moved to the dashboard.
For track enthusiasts, GM created new driving modes including “Endurance” for consistent power over long sessions, “Qualifying” for maximum lap time performance, and “Push-to-Pass” for on-demand power boosts.
The ZR1X completes the Corvette lineup, which now includes five models: Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X. This range allows GM to offer Corvettes at various price points and performance levels.
Ken Morris, GM Senior Vice President, highlighted that this ultimate version was planned from the beginning: “From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind. This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history.”
