Ever since the C8 Stingray debuted as a 2020 model, Chevrolet has been consistently raising the midengine Corvette‘s level of performance, often with strategies never used before on a factory model. In 2024, it introduced the E-Ray, the first Corvette with an electric front motor and all-wheel drive. Last year, Chevy announced the latest Corvette ZR1 would have a 5.5-liter DOHC V8 with twin turbos. There was talk that a range-topping model combining the ZR1’s engine and the E-Ray’s electric front-axle motor would wear the name “Zora” in tribute to Zora Arkus-Duntov, the man nicknamed the “Father of the Corvette.” Now, Chevy has revealed that model: the 2026 Corvette ZR1X (though a stretch, let’s pretend the X stands for “Xora”).
The ZR1X is available in two basic forms (coupe and convertible) and two chassis configurations: the standard setup with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, and a firmer version equipped with the ZTK Performance Package which adds higher spring rates and Michelin Pilot Cup 2 R rubber. A Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a Gurney flap over the front heat extractor, and a rear wing that, in unison, generate up to 1,200 pounds of downforce. It is available on the base ZR1X and standard on the ZR1X ZTK.
Both chassis receive the J59 braking package’s 16.5-inch carbon ceramic rotors (the largest discs in Corvette history) and Alcon 10-piston front/6-piston rear calipers as standard equipment—and the ability to pull 1.9G while decelerating from 180 to 120 mph.
The ICE half of the ZR1X—a hand-built LT7 twin-turbo 5.5-liter DOHC V8 that cranks out 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque—goes unchanged. In many ways, so does the E-Ray’s electric front-axle motor, which has the same dimensions and 1.9 kWh of battery capacity. But Chevrolet’s engineers strengthened its internals and managed to boost output to 186 horsepower (up by 26) and 145 lb-ft of torque (up by 20). The ZR1X can draw on that instant power all the up to 160 mph before the front axle disconnects. Combined, the gas and electric components give the ZR1X 1,250 horsepower and enable it to zoom to 60 mph in under two seconds and blast through the quarter mile in under nine seconds at over 150 mph, according to GM’s estimates.
Different modes adjust the ZR1X’s electric power to a variety of driving scenarios. Pushing the Charge+ button activates the Endurance mode, which Chevy says, “adjusts the battery’s energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent eAWD output for a full tank of fuel.” In the Qualifying setting, the system tailors the power delivery so the driver can clock the fastest lap time. Push-to-Pass makes the ZR1X’s maximum power available on demand.
Like all other 2026 Vettes, the ZR1X gets the new interior layout as well as the new PTM Pro feature. In the ZR1X, that comes loaded with Regen Brake Torque Vectoring for a mix of agility and energy recovery, Front Axle Pre-Control for maximum grip while exiting corners, and Launch Control for rapidly turning the ZR1X into a distant spec on the horizon.
As of right now, there is no official word on the 2026 Corvette ZR1X’s availability or pricing. Those will be revealed once the super-Vette is closer to production, but it’s safe to say its base price will be significantly higher than the ZR1’s $173,300 MSRP.
