GM unveils quickest Corvette ever with ZR1X ‘hypercar’ going 0-60 mph in less than two seconds
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GM unveils quickest Corvette ever with ZR1X ‘hypercar’ going 0-60 mph in less than two seconds
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is a souped-up version of the Corvette E-Ray hybrid. “It is the most advanced Corvette we’ve ever produced,” GM marketing manager says. The vehicle’s top speed is 233 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds. It’s part of GM’s plans for a highly profitable “Corvette family” that ranges from $70,000 to $200,000.”We continue to be the pinnacle of performance,” says marketing manager Megan Dalley.
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X with Carbon Aero package GM
DETROIT — General Motors is once again expanding its Corvette lineup with a new high-performance, hybrid variant of the quintessential American sports car. The Detroit automaker on Tuesday revealed the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X “hypercar” — a souped-up version of the Corvette E-Ray hybrid that went on sale in 2023. It features similar performance outputs to the automaker’s current Corvette ZR1, including a twin-turbo V-8 engine, but has faster acceleration thanks to “electrification” technologies. “It is the most advanced Corvette we’ve ever produced. America’s true hypercar has arrived,” said Megan Dalley, Corvette marketing manager, during a media event. “We are putting the world on notice with this car, showing what Corvette and America’s true supercar is capable of.” A “hypercar” is considered a step above a “supercar,” based on performance aspects of a vehicle such as speed, acceleration and 0-60 mph times. They’re both above a traditional “sports car.”
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X GM
The Corvette ZR1X’s top speed is 233 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds, according to GM. The vehicle’s LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine that’s shared with both ZR1 models is rated at 1,064 horsepower and 828 foot-pounds of torque, the company said. Adding to the performance of the ZR1X is an electric axle that makes the vehicle all-wheel drive and gives it an additional 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, GM said. “It brings performance, electrification and all-wheel drive to further enhance the unthinkable ZR1,” said Josh Holder, Corvette chief engineer. “It brings learnings from the ZR1 and the E-Ray, and combines them to create an unbelievable driving experience.” The ZR1X brings Corvette’s lineup to five different models — making it the broadest since the vehicle was introduced in 1953. It’s part of the automaker’s plans for a highly profitable “Corvette family” that ranges from the “everyman’s sports car” Corvette Stingray, which starts around $70,000, to the ZR1 that can top $200,000. “Corvette is a very profitable vehicle for the company, and we continue to be the pinnacle of performance,” Dalley said.
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X GM
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X 2026: Fastest ever at 0-60 in under 2s – Mix Vale
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X 2026 is a hybrid hypercar set to redefine automotive performance. The model blends a twin-turbo V-8 engine with electrification technologies, achieving a top speed of 233 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds. Available as a coupe or convertible, it will reach dealerships by late 2025, bolstering the profitability of the Corvette lineup. Production will take place at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant, a historic hub for the brand. While pricing remains undisclosed, the vehicle is expected to exceed the $200,000 mark of the standard Zr1, reflecting its premium status. The launch underscores the automaker’s strategy to expand the Corvette family, now featuring five distinct models, including the ZR0, E-Ray, ZR06, and Z1X—the broadest and most lucrative Corvette line since the brand’S inception. The ZR 1X will be built on a dedicated line, ensuring artisan quality and customization.
The ZR1X builds on the Corvette E-Ray, launched in 2023, and incorporates elements from the ZR1 but offers superior acceleration thanks to all-wheel drive and an electric axle. GM aims to position the ZR1X as a direct competitor to European hypercars by combining raw power with cutting-edge technology. The launch underscores the automaker’s strategy to expand the Corvette family, now featuring five distinct models.
Key ZR1X highlights : Top speed of 233 mph. 0-60 mph in under two seconds. Twin-turbo V-8 engine with 1,064 horsepower. Electric axle adding 186 horsepower.
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The model was showcased at a press event, where GM executives emphasized its significance for the brand. The ZR1X is not just a car but a statement of innovation and performance.
A milestone in Corvette history
Since its debut in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has been a symbol of accessible performance. The 2026 ZR1X, however, marks a turning point, thrusting the model into hypercar territory. While pricing remains undisclosed, the vehicle is expected to exceed the $200,000 mark of the standard ZR1, reflecting its premium status. Production will take place at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant, a historic hub for the brand.
Unlike other Corvette models, the ZR1X integrates electrification with all-wheel drive, a major leap forward. Its LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine, shared with the ZR1, delivers 828 lb-ft of torque, while the electric axle adds 145 lb-ft. This setup ensures superior handling, particularly during high-speed cornering and launches.
GM also highlighted the ZR1X’s design, available with the Carbon Aero package, featuring carbon fiber aerodynamic elements. The coupe includes a split rear window, a nod to the 1963 Corvette, reinforcing ties to the brand’s heritage.
Unprecedented technology and performance
The ZR1X is the culmination of years of engineering, merging technologies from the E-Ray and ZR1. All-wheel drive, enabled by the electric axle, enhances stability at high speeds. GM claims the model delivers an “unbelievable driving experience,” with precise tuning of suspension and aerodynamics.
ZR1X technical specifications : Total power: 1,064 hp (V-8) + 186 hp (electric). Torque: 828 lb-ft (V-8) + 145 lb-ft (electric). Top speed: 233 mph. Transmission: dual-clutch automatic. Drivetrain: all-wheel drive (AWD).
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Electrification, though limited to the front axle, provides instant response, slashing acceleration times. This positions the ZR1X as a rival to models like the Bugatti Chiron and Rimac C_Two, potentially at a more accessible price point.
The hybrid system also aligns with market trends demanding greater efficiency without compromising performance. While GM has plans for a fully electric Corvette, the ZR1X proves hybrids remain vital in the shift toward electric mobility.
The Corvette family and profitability
The Corvette lineup is among GM’s most lucrative, with models ranging from $70,000 (Stingray) to $200,000 (ZR1). As the flagship, the ZR1X strengthens this strategy, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors. The expansion to five models—Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, ZR1, and ZR1X—is the broadest since the Corvette’s inception, catering to diverse audiences.
Global demand drives the lineup’s profitability. In 2024, GM sold approximately 34,000 Corvettes in the U.S., a 5% increase from 2023, per industry data. The ZR1X is expected to sustain this growth, particularly among buyers seeking exclusivity.
The Bowling Green plant, operating at full capacity, has received $439 million in upgrades since 2014. The ZR1X will be built on a dedicated line, ensuring artisanal quality.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X – Photo: Disclosure
Design and customization
The ZR1X captivates not only with performance but also with its aggressive styling. The Carbon Aero package includes carbon fiber spoilers, diffusers, and side skirts, reducing weight and enhancing aerodynamics. The coupe’s split rear window pays homage to the 1963 model, while the convertible offers open-air driving.
Buyers can customize the interior with premium materials like Alcantara leather and carbon fiber accents. GM will offer exclusive color options, including metallic and pearlescent hues that highlight the car’s sculptural design.
Customization options : Carbon Aero package with carbon fiber components. Interior with Alcantara leather and carbon fiber trim. Alloy wheels in various finishes. Exclusive colors like Velocity Yellow and Sebring Orange.
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The design underwent wind tunnel testing to optimize airflow, ensuring stability at extreme speeds. The adaptive suspension, tuned for track use, allows the ZR1X to transition seamlessly between circuits and roads.
The future of the Corvette lineup
GM plans to keep innovating within the Corvette family, though the timeline for a fully electric model remains unclear. In 2022, the automaker announced intentions for a Corvette EV, but slower-than-expected EV adoption may have delayed plans. A Corvette SUV is also under consideration, though unconfirmed.
For now, the ZR1X represents GM’s engineering pinnacle. It will be showcased at events like the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2025 before hitting dealerships. The car is expected to draw buyers from brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, which dominate the hypercar segment.
Production will be limited, enhancing exclusivity. While GM hasn’t disclosed unit numbers, the ZR1 saw about 2,000 units produced annually, suggesting a similar run for the ZR1X.
Competition in the hypercar market
The ZR1X enters a fiercely competitive segment, where brands like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Rimac set high benchmarks. Its edge lies in pricing, likely well below the $2 million mark of a Chiron. GM leverages performance, technology, and heritage to gain market share.
Direct competitors : Bugatti Chiron: 1,500 hp, 261 mph, $3 million. Rimac C_Two: 1,914 hp, 256 mph, $2.4 million. Pininfarina Battista: 1,900 hp, 217 mph, $2.5 million.
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The ZR1X’s relative affordability and all-wheel drive make it more versatile than many rivals, especially in varied conditions. It appeals to enthusiasts seeking a track-ready hypercar for occasional use.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X interior – Photo: Disclosure
Rigorous engineering and testing
The ZR1X’s development involved extensive testing at tracks like Nürburgring in Germany and Laguna Seca in the U.S. GM tuned the chassis to withstand forces at 233 mph. Michelin-developed tires, exclusive to the model, ensure grip at high speeds.
The magnetic suspension, featured in other Corvettes, was recalibrated for precision. Standard carbon-ceramic brakes reduce stopping distances, critical for such a fast car.
Electrification required new cooling systems for the electric axle, ensuring consistent performance during extended drives. GM tested the ZR1X in extreme climates, from deserts to snowy tracks, to guarantee reliability.
Legacy and innovation
The Corvette ZR1X is more than a car—it’s a milestone for GM. It showcases the automaker’s ability to rival the world’s top brands while preserving the Corvette’s core: accessible performance and driving thrills. Partial electrification signals GM’s commitment to innovation, while the design honors its past.
The model will be a centerpiece for GM in 2025, with marketing campaigns targeting enthusiasts and collectors. It will appear at global events, cementing its status as an American icon.
Availability and expectations
The Corvette ZR1X will open for orders in late 2025, with deliveries starting in early 2026. Pricing remains undisclosed, but analysts estimate $250,000 to $300,000, depending on options. The model will be sold globally, focusing on the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
Initial reception has been strong, with experts praising its blend of power and technology. The ZR1X is expected to attract both loyal Corvette buyers and new customers seeking a competitively priced hypercar. GM anticipates it will further elevate the brand’s reputation in high-performance vehicles.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/chevy-corvette-zr1x-hybrid-gm.html