Chevrolet Introduces the 2026 Corvette ZR1X AWD Hypercar

Chevrolet recently revealed an all-wheel drive Corvette with the ZR1 designation: the 2026 Corvette ZR1X. With 1,250 horsepower and electrified all-wheel drive, ZR1X is a true American hypercar and the most advanced Corvette ever, stated company officials in a press release. With the ZR1 and ZR1X, Chevrolet claims that it now has the most powerful American performance car duo of any auto manufacturer.

ZR1X features:

• LT7 twin-turbo V-8: 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm
• Front-axle motor: 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque
• GM-estimated 0-60: Under 2 seconds
• GM-estimated 1/4 mile: Under 9 seconds, with trap speed over 150 mph

“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.”

Power & Performance of the Corvette ZR1X

The new hypercar starts with the ZR1’s LT7 V-8, generating 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain and dry-sump lubrication, the hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V-8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft engines powering the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. This V-8 includes:

• Dual 76mm turbochargers.
• A “maniturbo” exhaust design that combines the manifold and turbocharger housing to get the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible, improving throttle response by decreasing the time needed to build boost.
• Dynamic anti-lag controls that maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations, so boost is available rapidly when throttle is reapplied.

The Corvette team says that it added all-wheel drive capability for a new take on performance. ZR1X benefits from the foundation set in 2024 by E-Ray, the first-ever AWD Corvette, combining a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor driving the front axle with V-8 propulsion turning the rear axle. There is no physical connection between the two power sources on ZR1X, and the electrified propulsion system does not require a plug-in; charging takes place through regenerative efforts from the front drive unit.

ZR1X’s battery pack, located low and centralized within the rigid spine of the chassis, was designed specifically to rapidly cycle between applying bursts of power and charging. Chevrolet tested this pack at tracks around the world and says that it conquered Corvette’s 24-hour track durability test. While the battery capacity is 1.9 kWh like E-Ray, the usable energy has grown to provide greater lapping capability. This improvement raises the peak operating voltage, which increases the power output from the front drive unit.

The compact electric motor on the front axle is capable of 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque on demand. While retaining the same shape and size of the E-Ray front drive unit, the ZR1X unit pairs strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment to generate an additional 26 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque. The front axle is engaged and can apply power through 160 mph before disconnecting, directly benefiting ZR1X’s quarter-mile acceleration stats and on-track balance.

Two Propulsion Systems Working Together in the ZR1X

The eAWD chassis control system designed for E-Ray has undergone a significant upgrade for ZR1X, stated company officials. The development team applied knowledge from E-Ray to solutions specifically for the LT7’s character and capability. ZR1X is constantly monitoring driver inputs and vehicle conditions to blend power at both axles for responsiveness and traction management.

On track, ZR1X utilizes 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 and consistent eAWD output for a full tank of fuel.
• Qualifying – Optimum power strategy for the ultimate lap time.
• Push-to-Pass – Max available power on-demand.

PTM Pro, new for 2026 on all Corvettes, was designed with ZR1X in mind to deliver the purest driving experience. While this setting turns off traction and stability control, the following features remain active:

• Regen Brake Torque Vectoring – Engineered to recover peak energy without sacrificing agility.
• Front Axle Pre-Control – Actively manages inside front brake pressure to enable maximum corner-exit traction.
• Launch Control – Customizable settings enable rapid acceleration from a rest.

The ZR1X Is Built for on and off the Track

The ZR1X balances impressive power with robust brakes, specifically developed with this car in mind. The J59 braking package, standard on ZR1X and an option on ZR1, is a clean-sheet design intended for superior heat resistance and ultra-responsive braking.

Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers are mated to 16.5-inch front and rear rotors—the largest diameter rotors ever offered on a Corvette. The rotors are carbon ceramic, constructed with continuously woven carbon fiber threads.

“This is the most resilient production car braking system we’ve tested within GM. And during testing, we saw J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph,” noted the press release.

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. The standard chassis, accompanied by Michelin PS4S tires, makes for a comfortable touring car on-road and a highly capable Corvette at the track. The available ZTK Performance Package incorporates higher spring rates and is firmer. Paired with the grip of Michelin’s Pilot Cup 2R tires, this is the pinnacle of Corvette performance, according to Chevrolet.

Customers can equip the high-downforce Carbon Aero package to a standard chassis ZR1X, adding dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor and a highly effective rear wing. This package is capable of 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed and comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.

The Pinnacle of Corvette Performance

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X is the ultimate expression of the no-compromise eighth-generation platform, according to the company. It’s an all-day comfortable tourer, a straight-line rocket, and a racetrack weapon, all in one. Like every sports car in the Corvette lineup, ZR1X will be available in coupe or hardtop convertible body style. ZR1X enters the market with Corvette’s updated interior revealed last month. A new three-screen layout and reimagined console design, real-time vehicle data provided by the built-in Performance App, and new colors and high-quality materials all highlight the 2026 Corvette interior.

Every ZR1X will be built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts, with every LT7 engine hand-assembled by the master engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Chevrolet says further details on price and availability will be shared closer to production.