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| June 24, 2025 | Volume 21 Issue 24 |
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2026 Corvette ZR1X: Next-gen American hypercar with AWD
[All images and videos courtesy of Chevrolet]
Chevrolet's new all-wheel-drive (AWD) 2026 Corvette ZR1X is worthy of the storied ZR1 designation. With a total of 1,250 hp available, electrified all-wheel drive, and a 0- to 60-mph time of under 2 sec, ZR1X is a true, next-gen American hypercar and the most advanced Corvette ever. All Corvettes are getting a new interior too.
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.
"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 cars and delivering world-class performance at every level."
VIDEO: Meet the 2026 ZR1X Corvette.
America's hypercar starts with the ZR1's LT7 V8, generating more power than any other V8 produced by an American auto manufacturer -- 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication, this hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft engines powering the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. This mighty V8 includes:
- Dual 76-mm turbochargers;
- A "maniturbo" exhaust design that combines the manifold and turbocharger housing to get the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible, improving throttle response by decreasing time needed to build boost; and
- Dynamic anti-lag controls that maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations so boost is available rapidly when throttle is reapplied.
Where ZR1 embodies the rear-wheel-drive precedent set by prior generations, the Corvette team added all-wheel-drive capability for a new take on performance. ZR1X benefits from the foundation set in 2024 by E-Ray, the first-ever AWD Corvette, combining a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor driving the front axle with V8 propulsion turning the rear axle. 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.
Interestingly, a Stealth Mode runs on the electric motor only too, so you can leave the house early without waking the whole house (or the whole neighborhood).
VIDEO: Corvette ZR1X: The most advanced Corvette ever.
Two propulsion systems, one mission
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.
VIDEO: Electrified AWD: The 2026 ZR1X Corvette.
PTM Pro (Performance Traction Management Pro), new for 2026 on all Corvettes, was designed with ZR1X in mind. The Chevrolet engineers say 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.
Commanding 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-in. front and rear rotors -- the largest-diameter rotors ever offered on Corvette. The rotors are carbon ceramic, constructed with continuously woven carbon fiber threads.
This is the most resilient production car braking system tested within GM, and during testing, engineers saw J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph.
VIDEO: Performance: The 2026 ZR1X Corvette.
ZR1X is offered in two chassis configurations that both feature magnetic ride control, which adjusts 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 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 lb of downforce at top speed and comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.
All new Corvettes get a new interior too
For the 2026 model year, the entire Corvette lineup -- Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X -- will feature a thoroughly reimagined cabin with larger and more advanced driver-centric displays and fresh interior colorways, finishes, and materials.
Overhead view of 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 convertible with new interior. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.
Corvette's new interior focuses on ultimate craftsmanship and provides customers with an elevated, modern appearance, offering bespoke customization options that include a Corvette-first asymmetrical interior colorway, available in Jet Black and Adrenaline Red. Four additional new interior color schemes, available on all models, include Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray with Habanero accents, Santorini Blue, Very Dark Atmosphere (a rich chocolate brown paired with Jet Black and Natural Tan accents), and Ultimate Suede with contrast stitching. Customers can even spec a mixed seating option in Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver's seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat.
The cabin of the new 2026 Corvette welcomes both driver and passenger, beginning with a new three-screen layout and reimagined console design. The updated driver-centric cockpit includes a larger 12.7-in. diagonal center console display, an expanded 14-in. diagonal driver information center, and an all-new 6.6-in. diagonal touchscreen auxiliary display to the left of the steering wheel.
Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red interior available on 2026 Corvette ZR1X. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.
The center console has been reconfigured to place all crucial controls at the driver's fingertips. For 2026, the drive mode selector has been redesigned and relocated in line with the gear selector. In its place, a new wireless phone charging pad is integrated below the infotainment system, with a cover to keep the phone in place. The volume knob remains a priority in the center console display and is now bigger and features a lit base for better visibility.
The HVAC controls have been repositioned under the center display, creating a more open environment between driver and passenger and enabling space for an integrated passenger grab handle. The passenger side also adds a new USB-C port strategically placed below the grab handle.
VIDEO: 2026 refreshed interiors: Corvette.
Standard on ZR1 and ZR1X and available on E-Ray and Z06, a new carbon fiber display hood over the driver information center screen enables further customization and ties into carbon fiber options already offered on Corvette.
Santorini Blue interior on 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.
The three new configurable driver-centric displays are larger with sharper colors, more agility, and added functionality. The addition of an all-new 6.6-in. diagonal touchscreen auxiliary display gives dedicated, driver-configurable space for instrumentation such as trip mileage or Performance Traction Management, making important information easier to access.
Tour, Sport, and Track display designs have also been modernized with new animations and cleaner graphics for the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges. Drivers can select a preferred screen layout or let the theme change with the corresponding drive mode.
Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red interior on 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.
All gauges are available in the touchscreen auxiliary display and Performance App in the center console display. They can also be sent from the app to the driver information center in Tour and Sport for further customization.
Sky Cool/Medium Ash Gray interior on 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.
Also, the available Performance Data Recorder has undergone a complete user interface overhaul. With system improvements and larger screens, the enhanced PDR offers real-time data analysis in-car and the ability to record high-definition video of every driving session. Drivers are empowered to analyze their performance and make data-driven adjustments for optimal results based on speed trace analysis, side-by-side video playback, and automated "speed tips" based on driving data through the center console display.
Every ZR1X will be built in America at General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts, with every LT7 engine hand-assembled by the master engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Further details on price and availability will be shared closer to production. This car could well be the most expensive Corvette ever. Starting price guesstimates vary wildly online, from a low of $180,000 to $225,000+. We will see soon!
Learn more and get updates at chevrolet.com/upcoming-vehicles/2026-corvette-zr1x.
Source: Chevrolet
Published June 2025
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