Chevrolet unveils Corvette ZR1X
Chevrolet are expanding their C8 Corvette lineup for 2026 with the release of the ‘ZR1X’. Described as the true American hypercar, the ZR1X combines engineering from the existing RWD ZR1 and AWD E-Ray to create a package that’s not only more powerful than any previous Corvette, but also more powerful than any other V8 vehicle produced in the USA.
“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars and delivering world-class performance at every level.”
The Corvette ZR1X will be released later this year as a 2026 model, available as both a coupe and hardtop convertible. It’s highly unlikely the ZR1X will be coming to Australia, as Chevrolet don’t produce the ZR1 in RHD. That will leave local buyers with the Corvette Stingray, Z06 and E-Ray to choose from.
Twin Power
As the name suggests, the ZR1X is based on the existing Corvette ZR1, using that model’s mid-mounted ‘LT7’ 5.5-litre, twin-turbo V8 that produces 793kW and 1,122Nm (1,064hp and 828lb/ft), matched to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 5.5 V8 was developed alongside a naturally-aspirated version for the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R racecars, adding dual 76mm turbos and a special exhaust system that combines the manifold and turbo housing to improve throttle response and minimise turbo lag.
As the ZR1 is rear-wheel drive, the addition of all-wheel drive capability, via the electric motor and hybrid system from the E-Ray, provides additional traction and performance. Capacity from the E-Ray battery is unchanged at 1.9kWh, but Chevrolet says they’ve been able to improve “usable energy” in its application to the ZR1X.
Raising the peak operating voltage increases the electric motor’s output from 120kW (161hp) and 165Nm (121lb/ft) to 138kW (186hp) and 196Nm (145lb/ft). There is no connection between the electric motor and twin-turbo V8, and no requirement to plug in, with battery regeneration achieved through braking.
Pairing of a twin-turbo V8 on the rear axle and enhanced electric motor on the front axle produces a claimed 932kW (1,250hp) and 1,319Nm (973lb/ft) in the ZR1X. The front motor provides power at speeds up to 160mph (257km/h) before disconnecting.
Acceleration is yet to be measured, but Chevrolet estimates the ZR1X can sprint from 0 to 60mph (0-97km/h) in under 2 seconds, with the quarter mile covered in less than 9 seconds, hitting 150+mph (241+km/h) at that mark.
Enhanced AWD
Along with improvements to the battery system, the E-Ray’s ‘eAWD’ architecture has also been enhanced for the ZR1X. Specific changes were made to suit the LT7 V8’s character, with constant monitoring of output from both axles to maximise responsiveness and traction.
To suit specific track applications, eAWD output can be altered, too. An ‘Endurance’ setting adjusts the battery’s energy storage strategy for extended laps, while ‘Qualifying’ delivers optimum power over a single lap. A ‘Push to Pass’ function delivers a short burst of additional electric power for overtaking.
In harmony with this, a new PTM Pro (Performance Traction Management Pro) mode turns off the traction and stability control, but maintains launch control, regenerative braking torque vectoring and the related pre-control on the front axle for cornering that manages inside brake pressure to maximise corner-exit traction.
Brakes and Suspension
A ‘J59’ braking package that'll be standard on the ZR1X and will optional for the 2026 ZR1 was developed specifically for high-performance applications. It combines 419mm carbon ceramic discs – the largest ever fitted to a Corvette - with Alcon 10-piston calipers at the front and 6-piston at the rear. This powerful package is said to generate 1.9G in deceleration from 289km/h to 193km/h (180mph to 120mph).
Two chassis set-ups will be available, both with Magnetic Ride Control, tuned specifically for street or track applications. For comfortable road driving, the standard set-up offers softer springing and uses Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ‘ZTK Performance Package’ combines stiffer suspension with stickier Pilot Cup 2R tyres for what Chevrolet calls “the pinnacle of Corvette performance”.
A Carbon Aero package that’s optional for the road-spec chassis and standard with the ZTK package adds a rear wing, gurney flap over the front heat extractor, dive planes and underbody strakes.
Freshened Interior
The ZR1X will come to market with interior upgrades applied to the rest of the 2026 Corvette range. This consists primarily of a redesigned centre console and new screen layout, with new colour options also added.
The centre console’s infotainment screen (driver’s right) has been enlarged to 12.6 inches, with the instrument screen widened to 14 inches. An all-new addition is a 6.6-inch screen to the driver’s left that allows specific information to be displayed without having to flick through the other displays. Both outer screens are angled toward the driver, with the combination configurable in a choice of Tour, Sport or Track themes, prioritising specific information for each.
Like the screen configuration, changes to the centre console are driver-focussed, including a repositioned drive mode selector. A wireless phone charge pad with cover sits under the infotainment screen, with heating and air conditioning controls repositioned below this. Volume control for the sound system has been enlarged and illuminated, while a grab handle and USB-C port have been added for the passenger.
Cupholders have been redesigned, while a new carbon fibre instrument hood that’s standard on the MY26 Corvette ZR1 will be optional for the Z06 and E-Ray.
Cosmetic changes to the cabin for 2026 include four new interior finishes, along with the option of an asymmetrical colour allocation. Seen in some European hypercars, but a first for Corvette, this trims the (LHD) driver’s seat and control area in Adrenaline Red, while the passenger seat and rest of the cabin is trimmed in Jet Black.
Of the new interior colour options, Sky Cool and Medium Ash Grey with Habanero contrasts monotone grey trim with bright orange stitching on the steering wheel, seats and centre console. Santorini Blue is a rich, almost electric mid-blue that’s applied to the seats, door and dash trims. Very Dark Atmosphere is a combination of Chocolate and Jet Black with Tan accents, while Ultimate Suede combines sueded microfiber in Jet Black with seat belts and accent stitching in either Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue or Competition Yellow.
“The design team considered every element — from materials, to stitching, to layout of the interior - for the 2026 Corvette,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Global Chevrolet. “Paired with the new screens and technology, the refreshed interior enables a refined experience for the driver and the passenger.”
