Ferrari-Crushing 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Unleashed With 1,250 Hp
The Chevrolet Corvette lineup, which already featured Stingray, E-Ray and Z06 models, got a huge boost for 2025 with the addition of the 1,064-horsepower Corvette ZR1. That’s not where the story ends, incredibly. The company is introducing an even more extreme model for 2026. Meet the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X.
Developed to take on exotic supercars such as the Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1, this new Corvette was part of the plan all along, apparently. “From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior vice president Ken Morris.
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An Electrified ZR1
Capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in less than two seconds and running the quarter-mile in less than nine seconds, the ZR1X is a race track monster. When it comes to the engine, the twin-turbocharged LT7 V8 from the ZR1 (1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque) still sends power to the rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Up front, just like the E-Ray, there’s an electric motor that creates an all-wheel drive setup, except that it generates 186 horsepower (+26) and 145 lb-ft (+20), respectively.
“We didn’t change the battery chemistry, and the overall capacity is still 1.9 kWh. What we did change is what we call the usable battery energy. So we increased that by about 26%. That range of energy is what allows us to deliver more power to the front drive unit and achieve additional torque and performance from the front axle,” Chevrolet’s chief engineer Josh Holder explained.
By combining the power of the V8 and the electric motor (the latter can deliver maximum output at speeds up to 257 km/h), the Corvette ZR1X produces 1,250 horsepower. Take a minute to really wrap your head around that figure.
A Track-Ready ZR1
In order to extract maximum performance on the track, the Corvette ZR1X is optimized in every way. For example, a “maniturbo” exhaust design 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. Furthermore, dynamic anti-lag controls maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations so boost is available rapidly when throttle is reapplied.
The car also utilizes three 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
- Qualifying – Optimum power strategy for the ultimate lap time
- Push-to-Pass – Max available power on-demand.
What about braking? Standard on the ZR1X and optional on the ZR1, the J59 package uses Alcon brakes. This means 10-piston calipers at the front, 6-piston calipers at the rear, and 16.5-inch carbon ceramic discs at all four corners. During testing, Chevrolet saw J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9G of deceleration from 290 to 193 km/h. That’s seriously impressive once again.
The 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 in real time. The standard chassis is accompanied by Michelin PS4S tires, while the available ZTK Performance Package incorporates Michelin’s Pilot Cup 2R tires along with higher spring rates. In case that wasn’t clear enough, this Corvette will eat tarmac.
Updated Cockpit
On the road, the new ZR1X promises to be civilized, according to Chevrolet. We’ll need to see this for ourselves, of course. In the meantime, we can tell you that customers will have a choice of coupe and hardtop convertible body styles. Also, the high-downforce Carbon Aero package (dive planes, underbody strakes, hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, highly effective rear wing), which is capable of 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed, comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.
And remember, all 2026 Corvette models benefit from an updated cockpit featuring a new three-screen layout and reimagined console design, plus real-time vehicle data provided by the built-in Performance App, new colours and high-quality materials.
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X will be built at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. It should arrive in dealerships by the end of this year, with prices to be announced closer to launch.
