Chevrolet is on a mission to create the next, great American hypercar. It has unveiled its all-wheel-drive hybrid Corvette ZR1X.
Unveiled on June 17, this vehicle is what Chevrolet calls its most advanced Corvette ever. It combines a monstrous engine from the ZR1 with the improved version of the E-Ray’s hybrid system to deliver a jaw-dropping 1,250 horsepower.
The ZR1X features the LT7 twin-turbo V8 engine that delivers 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. The front-axle motor adds 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
The hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V8 includes dual 76-mm turbochargers and dynamic anti-lag controls to maintain turbo speed when off-throttle. Chevrolet paired this engine with an eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.
According to Chevrolet, the hybrid system does not require the owner to plug it in. The system has regenerative charging while driving.
How fast is this ZR1X? Chevrolet says it can go from 0-60 mph in under 2.0 seconds. The automaker says its American hypercar can travel the quarter-mile in under 9.0 seconds with a speed of more than 150 mph at the finish line (trap speed).
“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris.
“This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars3 and delivering world-class performance at every level.”
The ZR1X pairs touring with track days
One fascinating feature of the new ZR1X is the addition of Push-to-Pass. This is a common term in open-wheel racing series, but what does it mean for Chevrolet’s production car?
Basically, this mode delivers maximum power on demand. The driver needs to put the Corvette in one of the Performance Traction Management modes, hit the required buttons, and then hold on for dear life while flooring the gas pedal.
Is the ZR1X ridiculous? A little, but every hypercar worth its weight borders on ridiculous. That’s what makes them fun.
Yet, Chevrolet made it clear that the American hypercar does not have a singular purpose of going fast. The automaker says that it is “an all-day comfortable tourer, a straight-line rocket, and a racetrack weapon, all in one.”
The PTM Pro drive mode — new for 2026 — turns off traction and stability control. It keeps launch control, front axle pre-control, and regenerative brake torque vectoring active to maximize driver control.
Chevrolet also upgraded the brake package for the ZR1X, which will also move to the ZR1 with the 2026 model year. The J59 braking package takes Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers and mates them to 16.5-inch front and rear rotors. These are the largest rotors ever offered on a Corvette.
Chevrolet says that the J59-equipped Corvette achieved 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph during testing.
Downforce? The new Corvette offers that as well. The ZR1X has two chassis configurations for consumers. The standard chassis sits on Michelin PS4S tires while delivering comfort on the road and performance at the track.
The over-the-top ZTK Performance Package has higher spring rates, dive planes, and underbody strakes. It adds a rear wing and a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor. Chevrolet says that this provides 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed.
Those who don’t want the ZTK Performance Package with the higher spring rates and the Pilot Cup 2R tires can purchase the Carbon Aero Package. This takes the standard ZR1X and adds the dive planes, underbody strakes, rear wing, and hood gurney lip.
The ZR1X will go on sale by the end of 2025. Chevrolet will reveal the pricing details at a later date.