By SEMA News Editors
Chevrolet has introduced its new, 1,250-hp, electrified all-wheel drive Corvette: the '26 Corvette ZR1X.
Every ZR1X will be built in America at General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from United States and globally sourced parts, with every LT7 engine hand-assembled by the master engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Further details on price and availability will be shared closer to production.
Already announced features:
- LT7 twin-turbo V8: 1,064 hp at 7,000 rpm, 828 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm
- Front-axle motor: 186 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque
- GM-estimated 0-60-mph time: Less than two seconds
- GM-estimated quarter-mile time: Less than nine seconds, with trap speed of more than 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 cars3 and delivering world-class performance at every level."
The ZR1X starts with the ZR1's LT7 V8, generating 1,064 hp and 828 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain and dry-sump lubrication, the hand-built 5.5-L Gemini small-block V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft engines powering the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. The V8 includes:
- Dual 76-mm 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 ZR1X also 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 V8 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.
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 as 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 benefitting ZR1X's quarter-mile acceleration stats and on-track balance, according to the manufacturer.
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, according to Chevrolet engineers. 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, which are firmer and adds Michelin's Pilot Cup 2R tires.
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 rear wing. This package is capable of 1,200 lbs. of downforce at top speed and comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.
For more information, visit chevrolet.com.