The latest Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was already an insane performer, but the new hybrid version—ZR1X—takes things to a whole new level. With a staggering 1,250 horsepower and mind-blowing acceleration, this car is set to crush speed records and redefine what we thought possible for a production car.
Just a few weeks ago, we described the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as "patently absurd." This was mainly thanks to its twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 1,064 horsepower and 826 lb-ft of torque. When Chevy debuted the ZR1, they called it "America’s hypercar," positioning it against top-tier European supercars like the Mercedes-AMG One, McLaren 765 LT, Lamborghini Revuelto, Ferrari SF90, and Porsche’s upcoming 992-generation 911 GT2 RS.
Even with a 0-60 mph time of just 2.3 seconds and a top speed of 233 mph, the ZR1 still had one major thing missing compared to its European counterparts: hybrid electrification. That’s where the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X comes in, with a hybrid powertrain that significantly boosts power, torque, and speed.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clear up a common misconception. Despite General Motors registering the trademark "Zora" multiple times to honor Corvette’s godfather, Zora Arkus-Duntov, and the widespread speculation that the ZR1X might carry that name, Chevrolet has opted to keep "Zora" in the vault—for now.
It’s still unclear which Corvette will ultimately earn the legendary "Zora" badge, but if the ZR1X doesn’t make the cut, that leaves us wondering if Chevy has bigger plans for that name in the future. Whatever the case, we’ll have to wait to see what’s in store.
So, what makes the ZR1X so special? The ZR1X combines the ZR1’s powerful twin-turbo 5.5L V8 engine with a hybrid electric motor that adds 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This gives the ZR1X a total output of 1,250 horsepower. What’s even more impressive is that this new hybrid system, paired with all-wheel drive, allows the ZR1X to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds and complete the quarter mile in less than 9 seconds at over 150 mph.
If those claims hold up during testing, the Corvette ZR1X will undoubtedly challenge for the title of the fastest production car we’ve ever tested. Right now, that title belongs to the all-electric Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach, which achieves 0-60 mph in 1.89 seconds.
The ZR1X’s hybrid system includes a 1.9 kWh battery pack, which alternates between providing power boosts for speed and regenerative charging. While the battery capacity is the same as the E-Ray’s, the ZR1X team has optimized the system for more usable energy, resulting in a higher max voltage, which accounts for the increased horsepower and torque over the E-Ray’s system.
That being said, don’t expect the ZR1X to achieve a top speed of 233 mph while using its electric motor. The hybrid system cuts off once the car exceeds 160 mph. This isn’t a dealbreaker, though, as the ZR1X’s pure performance numbers still put it in elite company.
To handle all that extra power, the ZR1X features an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that ensures better traction and stability. Using a variety of data points, the system blends power from both the combustion engine and the electric motor to maintain optimal traction and chassis stability. The ZR1X also comes with Chevy’s new Performance Traction Management (PTM Pro) system, which disables stability and traction control while allowing features like launch control, front-brake pressure adjustment, and regenerative brake-torque vectoring.
In terms of braking, the ZR1X comes equipped with Alcon carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring 10-piston front calipers (a GM first) and six-piston rear calipers. These brakes, paired with 16.5-inch rotors, deliver impressive heat management and stopping power, enabling the car to decelerate at up to 1.9 g when braking from 180 mph to 120 mph.
ZR1X also offers magnetic suspension dampers, bespoke Michelin PS4 or Cup 2 R tires, and optional carbon-fiber wheels for an extra $13,995. Unlike the standard ZR1, the ZR1X will feature the updated 2026 Corvette interior and screen package from the get-go. The only visual differences between the ZR1 and ZR1X are the larger brakes and the "X" badging.
Chevrolet hasn’t officially revealed the price for the ZR1X yet, but experts predict it will start between $190,000 and $200,000, compared to the standard ZR1’s starting price of $174,995. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, but Corvette dealers haven’t opened their order books just yet. So, if you want to get your hands on this hypercar, you’ll want to reach out to your favorite dealer soon.
For Corvette enthusiasts, the ZR1X is a dream come true—a hypercar that combines raw power, innovative hybrid technology, and the legendary Corvette performance. The question now is: Who will be the lucky ones to experience this monstrous machine first?