If you ever wondered what would happen if a Corvette ZR1 was electrified, Chevy has the answer: an absolute track monster with a 0-60 mph time of less than two seconds.
You read that right.
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X, with its electrified all-wheel drive, produces 1,250 combined horsepower with an estimated ¼ mile time under nine seconds and a trap speed of more than 150 mph.
There’s a lot to unpack here.
First, the basics. Corvette engineers have essentially taken what they’ve learned with the E-Ray – the hybrid AWD Corvette launched in 2024 – and applied it to the ZR1. In the case of the ZR1X, the electric motor and battery pack power the front axle, while the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 used in the ZR1 powers the rear.
The electric motor produces 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. The motor is the same shape and size as the one used in the E-Ray, but the use of, “strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment,” reads a Chevy press release, enables the ZR1X motor to generate an additional 26 hp and 20 lb-ft. versus the one used in the E-Ray.
Is there a plug?
No. Charging of the electric drive is done through “regenerative efforts”, Chevy says, which likely includes energy recovered from braking. Chevy also notes the two drive systems are not physically connected in any way.
Output from the flat-plane crank twin-turbo V8 remains the same as the one used in the ZR1 (1,064 hp / 828 lb-ft.), as it sends power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine, known as the LT7, is hand-built and features a flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication. Chevy notes in its statement announcing the ZR1X that the “Gemini small-block V8” was developed alongside similar non-turbo engines used in its racing programs.
The ZR1X also has an upgraded chassis control system and features three distinct modes that Chevy has designed for on-track performance. The modes, or “energy strategies” are as follows:
Endurance – the Charge+ button adjusts battery energy storage for extended lapping and consistent eAWD for a full tank of fuel
Qualifying – optimum power strategy for the quickest lap time
Push-to-Pass – as the name suggests, this overtaking feature uses maximum available power
The ZR1X also comes with standard PTM Pro, a new 2026 feature for the Corvette lineup which, when engaged, turns off traction control and stability control, but keeps other systems engaged. These are Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, Front Axle Pre-Control, and Launch Control.
Other key chassis features for the ZR1X include a massive, and we mean truly gigantic, braking system. The package, which GM calls J59, uses Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston calipers that are paired with 16.5-inch carbon ceramic front and rear rotors. This system is optional on the ZR1.
The ZR1X also comes with two chassis configs, both of which have GM’s magnetic ride control. Standard rubber is Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, but Cup 2Rs are available with the ZTK Performance package which also comes with firmer springs. The Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, hood gurney lip (located over the front heat extractor), and rear wing. The package generates 1,200 pounds of downforce, Chevy says.
The 2026 Corvette ZR1X will be available in coupe and hardtop convertible and goes into production later this year. It will incorporate the updated interior Chevy is rolling out across the Corvette lineup for 2026. More info on that is available here.
ZR1X availability and pricing info has not been released, but Chevy says it will be announced closer to the start of production.
Photos courtesy of Chevrolet
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