Chevrolet has just dropped the big one: It announced the new 1,250 horsepower Corvette ZR1X, which picks up where the “standard” ZR1 leaves off.

Front 3/4 view of Corvette ZR1X Convertible with ZTK Performance Package in Black. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.

Chevrolet teased this vehicle on social media and some wondered if the ZR1X would be the rumored Corvette SUV. But that was obviously not the case.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 5.5L LT7 twin-turbocharged DOHC V8.

Many thought the ZR1X  would be called the Zora (after Zora Arkus-Duntov, the vehicle’s legendary first chief engineer). The ZR1X uses the ZR1’s twin-turbocharged LT7 engine and adds to it the E-Ray’s electric motor and battery pack. The high-voltage battery pack and electric motor drive the front wheels, with V8 propulsion turning the rears.

For those keeping score at home, the 5.5-liter LT7 (with its flat-plane crank and dual throttle bodies) makes 1,064 horsepower and the electric motor is rated at 186 HP. There are those of us in the congregation who remember when the base engine in the Corvette (1975) only made 165 hp and the optional L82 350 a less-than-exciting 210. The ZR1X is 1,040 ahead of that. Yikes!

Chevy’s keeping the lid on performance, but estimates the 0-60 time will be under 2-seconds and the quarter-mile in the 8-second zone at over 150 mph.

No mention is made of the transmission, but we assume it will be a variation of the Tremec DCT used in all Corvettes.

One Plus One Equals 1,250

According to Chevrolet, 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 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 through 160 mph before disconnecting, directly benefitting ZR1X’s quarter-mile acceleration stats and on-track balance.

Two Propulsion Systems

The eAWD chassis controls system designed for E-Ray has undergone a significant upgrade for ZR1X. With the benefit of experience on this electrified AWD architecture, the development team applied knowledge from E-Ray to solutions specifically for the LT7’s character and capability. The result is evident in on-road drivability and on-track performance. ZR1X is constantly monitoring driver inputs and vehicle conditions to blend power at both axles for responsiveness and traction management.

On track, ZR1X utilizes specialized energy strategies designed to maximize electrified output based on track session demands and driver preferences:

• Endurance – Engaging the Charge+ button adjusts the battery’s energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent eAWD output for a full tank of fuel

• Qualifying – Optimum power strategy for the ultimate lap time

• Push-to-Pass – Max available power on-demand

• PTM Pro, new for 2026 on all Corvettes, was designed with ZR1X in mind. PTM Pro delivers the purest driving experience. While this setting turns off traction and stability control, the following features remain active:

• Regen Brake Torque Vectoring – engineered to recover peak energy without sacrificing agility

• Front Axle Pre-Control – actively manages inside front brake pressure to enable maximum corner-exit traction

• Launch Control – customizable settings enable rapid acceleration from a rest

• Ultimate authority on-road and at the track

The ZR1X balances impressive power with robust brakes specifically developed with this car in mind. The J59 braking package, standard on ZR1X and an option on ZR1, is a clean-sheet design intended for superior heat resistance and ultra-responsive braking.

Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers are mated to 16.5-inch front and rear rotors — the largest diameter rotors ever offered on Corvette. The rotors are carbon ceramic, constructed with continuously woven carbon fiber threads.

Two Chassis Configurations

ZR1X is offered in two chassis configurations that both feature magnetic ride control — adjusting to the vehicle’s mode, driver inputs and the road surface for optimal control. The standard chassis, accompanied by Michelin PS4S tires, makes for a comfortable touring car on-road and a highly capable Corvette at the track. The available ZTK Performance Package incorporates higher spring rates and is firmer. Paired with the grip of Michelin’s Pilot Cup 2R tires, this is said to be the pinnacle of Corvette performance.

Customers can equip the high-downforce Carbon Aero package to a standard chassis ZR1X, adding dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor and a highly effective rear wing. This package is capable of 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed and comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is the ultimate expression of the no-compromise eighth generation platform. It’s an all-day comfortable tourer, a straight-line rocket, and a racetrack weapon, all in one. Like every iconic sports car in the Corvette lineup, ZR1X will be available in coupe or hardtop convertible body style.

There’s no word yet on the ZR1X price, but if you have to ask …