The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is already the fastest Corvette model ever built with the model producing 1,064 hp and delivering a 0 to 60 time of 2.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 233 mph. These stats make the ZR1 one potent beast both on the street and the track. But what if you’re a Vette buyer who wants more power, bragging rights, and perhaps something that isn’t a Ferrari or a McLaren?
Chevrolet thinks it has finally managed to take down these iconic brands with the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X an evolution of an icon that answers questions few of us didn’t even expect to ask.
ZR1X is an evolution
At first glance, it can be hard to see exactly what Chevrolet is talking about, the exterior styling looks like a typical ZR1 and as a result, there’s not much that tells you you are looking at something special with the core elements of the base ZR1 all being carried over intact. However, the lone exception is the ZR1X graphics badges on the lower part of the front fenders that tell you something special is going on underneath the skin.
The mid-mounted 1,064 hp twin-turbo LT7 V8 engine is still there but it’s now paired with a beefed-up version of the Corvette E-Ray’s front axle-mounted electric motor which helps add an extra 186 hp and 145 lb-ft to the performance numbers. The result is 1,250 hp and standard all-wheel drive with Chevrolet saying the ZR1X can make the sprint in under 2.0 seconds with the quarter mile being dispatched in 9.0 seconds. The main disappointment here is that the rumored “Zora” moniker will not be used and while the “X” designation feels like a boardroom afterthought, this game of subtle deception has always been a part of the Vette’s playbook and the last thing GM wants to do is to hurt the feelings of standard ZR1 owners by giving this upgraded version a new name.
“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 cars3 and delivering world-class performance at every level.”
The ZR1X’s battery pack is located low and centralized within the rigid spine of the chassis, and was designed specifically to rapidly cycle between applying bursts of power and charging. This robust pack has been tested at tracks around the world and conquered Corvette’s 24-hour track durability test too. The electric motor is also capable of operating at speeds up to 160 mph before it logs off and lets the V8 be the star of the show.
The interior follows the same evolutionary script and benefits from some of the updates that appeared on other Vette models including a three-screen layout for the instruments and infotainment system, a reworked center console, and upgraded fit and finish.
When can I buy one?
Chevrolet is not ready to talk about pricing just yet but the E-Ray does provide a clue into how Chevy might do the pricing for the X with that model usually costing $37,000 more than a base Stingray. Bring that formula into a ZR1 that typically starts at $178,000 (depending on which dealership you ask) and you could potentially be looking at a Vette that crosses over the $200,000 barrier for a coupe with a drop-top being even higher.
While some purists will cry foul over the price (if these predictions hold up) it would still be a considerable bargain over established supercar makers who would charge their clients over several million dollars to replicate some of the performance that you can get in the ZR1X. They’ll have more prestige, but Vette owners will have happier wallets at the end of the day.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.