The covers have just come off the Chevrolet ZR1X, the flagship version of the mid‑engined C8 Corvette, that places it into hypercar territory. By grafting the E‑Ray’s front‑axle electric motor onto the incoming twin‑turbo ZR1 twin-turbo V8 powertrain, engineers have created the most potent production Chevrolet in history. Deliveries begin in the US late this year; global expansion appears unlikely.
Powertrain: petrol and electrons in perfect harmony
| Component | Spec |
| Petrol engine | 5.5‑litre flat‑plane‑crank V8, twin‑turbo |
| Engine output | 793 kW / 1123 Nm (rear wheels) |
| Electric motor | Front‑axle single motor (E‑Ray‑derived) |
| Motor output | 139 kW / 197 Nm |
| Battery | 1.9 kWh (higher usable energy) |
| Combined system | 932 kW (AWD) |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Performance (claimed) | 0–96kph in under 2.0 s |
The Corvette ZR1X has different energy modes to optimise the output from the electrified powertrain for different conditions on track. A push‑to‑pass button unleashes full power for brief bursts, while selectable Qualifying and Endurance modes tailor battery deployment for lap records or long stints. There is also the PTM Pro mode that switches off the traction control and stability control for a more pure driving experience.
Chassis and braking
The ultimate Corvette packs more than just outright power and speed. Here are some of the mechanical highlights for the ZR1X:
Carbon‑ceramic ‘J59’ brakes
419 mm rotors, 10‑piston front & 6‑piston rear Alcon calipers, delivering up to 1.9 G of deceleration from 290 km/h.
Suspension options
Road‑biased set‑up on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S as standard, but optional ZTK Performance Package comes with stiffer suspension tuning and Cup 2 R tyres for peak handling.
Aero packages
Carbon Aero kit (standard with ZTK) adds dive planes, strakes and towering rear wing for 544 kg of downforce at V‑max.
Design: ZR1 aggression, hybrid details
Visually the ZR1X mirrors the upcoming ZR1—wide bodywork, deep splitters and skirts—augmented by unique carbon options. The front-end has some similarities with the Corvette E-Ray as well. Inside, the 2026 cabin for the C8 Corvette gains a larger infotainment screen and revised climate switch‑gear while retaining the fighter‑jet‑style cockpit theme.
Pricing and availability
US launch: Q4 2025;
Prices for the flagship Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X are yet to be announced. Industry estimates suggest US$215,000‑plus (≈ A$330,000) given the ZR1’s US$178k base and E‑Ray’s premium.
Australia & New Zealand
GM’s local arm will sell the forthcoming right‑hand‑drive Z06 and E‑Ray, but says the ZR1—and by extension the hybrid ZR1X—remains left‑hand‑drive only.
Outlook
With performance figures nudging Bugatti and Rimac territory, the Corvette ZR1X stakes Chevrolet’s boldest claim yet in the electrified supercar arena. Its absence from right‑hand‑drive markets will disappoint enthusiasts, but in the US the hybrid monster sets a towering benchmark for America’s sports‑car legend.
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