GM unveils fastest Corvette ever with ZR1X ‘hypercar’ going 0-60 mph in lower than two seconds

DETROIT — General Motors is as soon as once more increasing its Corvette lineup with a brand new high-performance, hybrid variant of the quintessential American sports activities automobile.

The Detroit automaker on Tuesday printed the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X “hypercar” — a souped-up model of the Corvette E-Ray hybrid that went on sale in 2023. It options equivalent functionality outputs to the automaker’s present Corvette ZR1, together with a twin-turbo V-8 engine, however has quicker acceleration because of “electrification” applied sciences.

“It is the most advanced Corvette we’ve ever produced. America’s true hypercar has arrived,” mentioned Megan Dalley, Corvette advertising supervisor, all over a media match. “We are putting the world on notice with this car, showing what Corvette and America’s true supercar is capable of.”

A “hypercar” is thought of as a step above a “supercar,” in accordance with functionality facets of a car equivalent to velocity, acceleration and 0-60 mph occasions. They’re each above a conventional “sports car.”

The Corvette ZR1X’s best velocity is 233 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of below two seconds, in keeping with GM. The car’s LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine that is shared with each ZR1 fashions is rated at 1,064 horsepower and 828 foot-pounds of torque, the corporate mentioned. Adding to the functionality of the ZR1X is an electrical axle that makes the car all-wheel power and provides it an extra 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, GM mentioned.

“It brings performance, electrification and all-wheel drive to further enhance the unthinkable ZR1,” mentioned Josh Holder, Corvette leader engineer. “It brings learnings from the ZR1 and the E-Ray, and combines them to create an unbelievable driving experience.”

The ZR1X brings Corvette’s lineup to 5 other fashions — making it the broadest for the reason that car was once offered in 1953. It’s a part of the automaker’s plans for a extremely profitable “Corvette family” that levels from the “everyman’s sports car” Corvette Stingray, which begins round $70,000, to the ZR1 that may best $200,000.

“Corvette is a very profitable vehicle for the company, and we continue to be the pinnacle of performance,” Dalley mentioned.

GM in the past mentioned an all-electric Corvette could be coming, however it is unclear if the standing of the ones plans has modified amid slower-than-expected adoption of EVs. A Corvette SUV additionally has been into consideration for a number of years.

GM mentioned pricing for the Corvette ZR1X will probably be introduced nearer to when the car arrives in dealerships later this 12 months.

It will probably be to be had as a convertible or coupe. The coupe features a rear cut up window as an homage to the well known 1963 Corvette.

All Corvettes are produced at a GM meeting plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky.