Jan 18, 2026
rear-view-of-corvette-zr1x-on-drag-strip-preproduction-model-shown-actual-production-model-may-vary
Rear view of Corvette ZR1X on drag strip. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary.

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X stands as the most technologically advanced Corvette ever produced and now holds the title of the quickest American production car on the market. It is also the fastest way to cover a quarter mile for a vehicle priced under $1 million.

Final performance validation for the Corvette ZR1X was completed in October 2025 at US 131 Motorsports Park, a venue chosen to reflect real-world driving environments where Corvette owners push their cars to the limit. On a fully prepped drag strip, the ZR1X recorded an astonishing quarter-mile time of 8.675 seconds at 159 mph¹. The run was completed on pump gas, using standard-equipment tires and a production, 50-state-legal engine calibration. During the same pass, the ZR1X achieved a blistering 0–60 mph time of just 1.68 seconds¹.

The ZR1X reached 60 mph in under 100 feet, producing a peak acceleration force of 1.75G. According to General Motors President Mark Reuss, this level of performance validates the decision to move Corvette to a mid-engine platform. “When we made the revolutionary shift to a mid-engine platform, this is the type of performance we knew was possible,” Reuss said.

For testing, the vehicle was equipped with the ZR1X’s standard aerodynamic setup, standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and available carbon-fiber wheels. The performance was not a single standout run, as the same test car completed multiple consecutive quarter-mile passes, all clocking in under 8.8 seconds.

corvette-zr1x-completes-the-quarter-mile-in-8-675s-at-159-57-mph-preproduction-model-shown-actual-production-model-may-vary
Corvette ZR1X completes the quarter mile in 8.675s at 159.57 mph.

Powering the 2026 Corvette ZR1X is a twin-turbocharged LT7 V8 engine paired with a front-axle electric motor, producing a combined output of 1,250 horsepower². This electrified all-wheel-drive system delivers immense traction and instant acceleration off the line.

The record-setting run was driven by Corvette development engineer and test driver Stefan Frick, who utilized Corvette’s standard Custom Launch Control system. Available across the Corvette lineup—from Stingray to ZR1X—this feature precisely manages wheel spin, clutch engagement, and other critical parameters. Drivers can fine-tune launch RPM and wheel slip targets via the auxiliary driver display to maximize acceleration performance.

“There are many different parts and subsystems on this car, with teams across the company responsible for them,” Frick explained. “We were all motivated by the mission to break into the eights—this is a powerful example of the in-house skill at GM, and the level of performance we developed into this car.”

Even on an unprepped surface, the Corvette ZR1X remains exceptionally quick. When equipped with the available ZTK Performance Package, it can complete the quarter mile in 8.99 seconds⁴ and accelerate from 0–60 mph in 1.89 seconds⁴.