Chevrolet has unveiled an all-wheel-drive Corvette that truly deserves the legendary ZR1 title: the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. With an astounding 1,250 horsepower and electrified all-wheel-drive performance, the ZR1X stands as a genuine American hypercar and represents the most advanced Corvette to date. Together with the ZR1, Chevrolet now offers the most powerful performance car duo ever produced by an American automaker.
Key Features of the ZR1X:
- LT7 Twin-Turbo V8: 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm
- Front-Axle Electric Motor: 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque
- GM-estimated 0-60 mph: Under 2 seconds
- GM-estimated ¼ Mile Time: Under 9 seconds, with a trap speed of over 150 mph
“From the very beginning, we designed the mid-engine Corvette platform with the ZR1X in mind,” said Ken Morris, General Motors Senior Vice President. “This is the most groundbreaking platform in Corvette’s history, offering a diverse range of American sports cars while delivering exceptional performance at every level.”
Unmatched Power and Traction
The ZR1X starts with the ZR1’s LT7 V8 engine, producing more horsepower than any other V8 engine built by an American manufacturer — 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V8, hand-assembled with a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication, was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines found in the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. Key highlights of this V8 include:
- Dual 76-mm Turbochargers
- “Maniturbo” Exhaust Design, integrating the manifold and turbo housing to minimize throttle lag by reducing the time needed to build boost
- Dynamic Anti-Lag Technology, which maintains turbo speed when off-throttle for quick boost recovery upon acceleration
While the ZR1 emphasized rear-wheel drive, the ZR1X takes performance to new heights by incorporating all-wheel-drive. Benefiting from the 2024 E-Ray’s innovative electrified AWD system, the ZR1X combines a high-voltage battery and electric motor to power the front axle, while the V8 drives the rear. These two systems are entirely independent, and the electrified drivetrain does not require external charging — energy is regenerated via the front drive unit.
The ZR1X’s battery pack, positioned low within the car’s chassis for optimal weight distribution, is engineered to handle rapid power bursts and quick charging cycles. This pack, though sharing the same 1.9 kWh capacity as the E-Ray, now provides enhanced energy efficiency for better lap times. This improvement increases the peak operating voltage, further enhancing power output from the front motor.
The compact electric motor on the front axle offers 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque when needed. Although the ZR1X’s front electric motor mirrors the E-Ray unit’s size and shape, it is strengthened with upgraded components, resulting in an additional 26 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque. The front axle operates up to 160 mph before disengaging, significantly improving ZR1X’s quarter-mile performance and track handling.
Two Systems, One Unified Mission
The eAWD system, initially developed for the E-Ray, has been significantly refined for the ZR1X. The integration of the LT7 engine’s specific characteristics allows the ZR1X to seamlessly blend power from both axles, ensuring responsive handling and traction in all driving conditions. On the track, ZR1X automatically adjusts to track session needs and driver preferences, optimizing performance through:
- Endurance Mode – Tailored to extend battery life and provide consistent all-wheel-drive power for prolonged track sessions
- Qualifying Mode – Maximized power strategy designed to achieve the fastest lap times
- Push-to-Pass Mode – Instantaneous full-power delivery at the driver’s command
Additionally, PTM Pro, debuting in 2026 across all Corvettes, is optimized for the ZR1X. This setting provides the most pure driving experience by disabling traction and stability control but retaining:
- Regenerative Brake Torque Vectoring – For energy recovery without compromising agility
- Front Axle Pre-Control – Adjusting brake pressure to optimize corner-exit traction
- Launch Control – Customizable settings for rapid acceleration from a standstill
Maximum Control On and Off the Track
The ZR1X’s performance is matched by its braking prowess. The J59 Brake Package, standard on the ZR1X and optional on the ZR1, is a new design focused on superior heat resistance and highly responsive braking performance.
Featuring Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers paired with 16.5-inch carbon-ceramic rotors, this is the most advanced braking system ever tested by GM. During testing, Corvettes equipped with the J59 package were able to achieve an incredible 1.9G of deceleration from 180 mph to 120 mph.
ZR1X offers two chassis configurations, both featuring magnetic ride control for optimal suspension tuning based on driving mode, road conditions, and driver input. The standard setup, paired with Michelin PS4S tires, provides a blend of comfort and track capability, while the available ZTK Performance Package offers a firmer suspension and is paired with Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires, elevating the ZR1X’s performance to the highest level.
For those seeking even more downforce, the Carbon Aero Package is available, adding dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood lip, and an effective rear wing that generates up to 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed. This package is standard on ZTK-equipped ZR1X models.
The Ultimate Corvette Performance Car
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is the pinnacle of the eighth-generation Corvette, offering a no-compromise performance package. Whether you’re looking for an all-day tourer, a blistering straight-line rocket, or a precision track machine, ZR1X delivers. It will be available in both coupe and hardtop convertible body styles, featuring the newly updated Corvette interior, which includes a modern three-screen layout, a redesigned console, real-time vehicle data via the Performance App, and new premium materials and color options.
Every ZR1X will be assembled at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, with components sourced from the U.S. and worldwide. Each LT7 engine will be meticulously hand-assembled by GM’s expert engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Pricing and availability details will be shared closer to production.
1,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine combined with 186 horsepower from the front electric motor.
2 On a closed course only, based on initial vehicle movement.
3 Assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky using both U.S. and globally sourced components.
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