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Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Corvette Zora Didn't Happen Because The ZR1X Is An AWD ZR1
Zora Seemed Like The Perfect Name Zora Arkus-Duntov was no ordinary engineer. He turned the Corvette into a true sports car, and although he was several decades ahead of his time, he even advocated the idea of putting its engine in the middle of the chassis. The man died in 1996, long enough to see the ZR1 badge move from performance package to new model line in the C4, but he didn't see his idea of a mid-engine 'Vette realized, as the car only made that change with the reveal of the C8 in 2019. Before that car arrived, a patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2014 gave General Motors the right to use the Zora name on a car. GM reapplied for the trademark in 2019, just as the C8 was preparing to enter the world, so the puzzle pieces were falling into place. The ultimate C8 seemed like a romantic way to immortalize the man. Chevrolet could combine the layout that Zora championed with the most capable version of that car, which would surely be a fitting tribute to the man. But when Road & Track asked why our expectations were not met with the nomenclature and we instead got the alphanumeric ZR1X name, the response from a spokesperson was simply, 'ZR1X is an extension of the ZR1 family, so we believe ZR1X is a fitting name for the new variant.' That Explains ZR1X, But Not Why Zora Was Passed On R&T was not satisfied with that answer either, so the publication asked directly why Zora wasn't used, especially since the trademark was secured. 'I know Zora was broadly speculated by enthusiasts, but since it was future product, it was never something we weighed in on,' said the spokesperson. 'What I can tell you is the team felt this Corvette was deserving of the ZR1 designation, and it was an opportunity to show that even though ZR1 and ZR1X are different cars, they have strong familial resemblance and represent ultimate Corvette performance.' Fair enough – we'll give our thoughts on this explanation momentarily. But what does the 'X' stand for? This might seem like a silly question to ask. Surely it references the fact that this is an AWD take on the ZR1, or perhaps an 'Xtreme' version since it has more power, right? Wrong. There was reportedly 'no grand scheme behind it' – the name 'was about sticking close to ZR1.' This leads us back to the cesspool of speculation. Ford decided to call its first electric crossover Mustang Mach-E because the first part of the name is so familiar and could thus help ease the introduction of a new concept (in this case, an electric crossover), and the sales numbers prove the strategy worked. It seems GM simply added a letter to the ZR1 name for similar reasons – a hybridized AWD Corvette may have been a hard sale with an uncommon new name. Our Take: Chevy Had No Choice But To Expand The ZR1 Family Source: Chevrolet Hardcore enthusiasts are resistant to change and averse to the perceived dilution of a nameplate. Many BMW M3 fans bemoaned the move to a V8 in the E9X generation because, in their minds, the recipe had to include a straight-six engine. Similarly, some have already started to denigrate Shelby American's GT350 because it doesn't have a naturally aspirated flat-plane crank V8 like the S550 version that Ford made, so you can be sure that some ZR1 fans will argue that, to them, the badge has always signified a rear-wheel-drive front-engine sports car, even if the engine under the hood has always changed. Fanatics decide that a car fits in a certain box, and then they get annoyed when that box no longer fits. Simply put, GM had a choice between mildly redefining what the ZR1 badge means by putting it on a car with AWD and a hybrid system, or it could have gone the other way, putting the Zora badge above ZR1. This would have been a slippery (and expensive) slope. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. By placing 1,250-horsepower AWD Zora above 1,064-hp traction-limited ZR1, GM would be conceding that the latter no longer means the cream of the Corvette crop; the existence of the Zora would mean the ZR1 is 'less than.' Changing to a mid-engine layout was controversial but necessary, but changing the name that signifies the pinnacle of Corvette performance? That would be a marketing nightmare, and when you've spent the last 55 years (excluding the C5 generation) ensuring that the ZR1 badge is what comes to mind when thinking of an all-American supercar killer, slapping a new name on essentially the ultimate evolution thereof would be disrespectful to the Corvette brand's heritage, and in this world, selling cars is more important than yet another nod to the man who helped shape it. To be fair, Chevy could well still use the Zora name for some kind of limited-run send-off when the C8 is ready to retire in a few years, or it could be reserved to introduce a whole new take on Corvette performance as an EV… About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1,250-HP Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Hybrid Runs The Quarter-Mile In Under 9 Seconds
The new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is only just now reaching dealerships in the U.S., but that twin-turbo monster is already being usurped by a new even-higher-performance version of the C8 Corvette. Long rumored to be called Zora, this new variant is actually dubbed ZR1X, and it takes the ZR1's powertrain and adds on a similar hybrid system to the one in the E-Ray for a truly ridiculous amount of power and speed. General Motors senior vice president Ken Morris says the C8's platform was designed from the start with the ZR1X's powertrain in mind — that's probably why we started hearing rumors about it before the C8 even debuted. With 1,250 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the hybrid ZR1X is quicker to 60 mph and in the quarter-mile than any roadgoing Corvette before it, and its on-track performance is sure to be just as impressive. The standard ZR1 will soon be setting an official Nürburgring lap time, and ZR1X prototypes have already been spotted at the 'Ring as well, with the Ford Mustang GTD directly in its sights. Read more: These Cars Are Police Magnets At the heart of the ZR1X is the same 5.5-liter LT7 V8 that's in the standard ZR1, which is essentially the Z06's flat-plane-crank motor with a pair of turbochargers attached. All of the LT7's 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque are sent to the ZR1X's rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mounted at the front axle is an electric motor with 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 26 hp and 20 lb-ft over the E-Ray, with Chevy saying the ZR1X's motor has strengthened components but the same size and shape as the E-Ray's unit. The 1.9-kWh battery pack located in a central spine in the floor of the chassis has more usable energy and a higher peak operative voltage than the E-Ray's for better on-track capability. There's no physical connection between the V8 and the electric motor — the former only powers the rear wheels, while the latter only powers the fronts. The electric motor also automatically disconnects once you reach 160 mph, having done its main job of nearly knocking you out with acceleration force. Chevy says the ZR1X will hit 60 mph from launch in under 2 seconds where the ZR1 and E-Ray need 2.3 and 2.5 seconds, respectively, and it'll run the quarter-mile in under 9 seconds at over 150 mph, versus 9.6 seconds in the ZR1 and 10.5 seconds in the E-Ray. That will make the ZR1X easily one of the quickest-accelerating cars you can buy, even among the most powerful EVs. A Lucid Air Sapphire will cover a quarter of a mile in just over 9 seconds, while a Dodge Demon will do it in just under 9 seconds. The standard ZR1 will hit 233 mph, and the ZR1X matches that. Chevy says the ZR1X's eAWD system has "undergone a significant upgrade" compared to the E-Ray, both when it comes to on-road and on-track driving, and that it's constantly monitoring driver inputs to perfectly manage power delivery and traction. There are three different energy "strategies" for when on track, activated by a button on the steering wheel: Push-to-Pass for maximum power on demand, Qualifying for optimal lap times, and Endurance for longer lap sessions and consistent eAWD output. All 2026 Corvettes have a new PTM Pro setting for the traction management, which disables the traction and stability control systems, but in the ZR1X the regenerative braking torque vectoring remains on, as does the front axle pre-control that "actively manages inside front brake pressure to enable maximum corner-exit traction." Optional on the normal ZR1 but standard on the ZR1X is the J59 carbon-ceramic brake package, which has Chevy's largest rotors ever at 16.5 inches front and rear paired with 10-piston front calipers and 6-piston rear calipers. Chevy says it's the most resilient braking system ever tested by GM, and engineers saw 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph. The standard touring-focused chassis setup uses magnetic ride control and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, but you can option a ZTK Performance package that has firmer springs and grippier Pilot Cup 2R tires. You'll be able to get the ZR1X in both coupe and convertible body styles, and it'll have the same updated interior design as other 2026 Corvettes, but sadly its exterior doesn't look any different from a normal ZR1, badges aside. Real nerds will be able to spot an extra intercooler in the front bumper. The ZR1X will be available with the same Carbon Aero package as other ZR1s, which adds a gigantic rear wing, dive planes on the front bumper, a gurney lip in front of the hood vent and underbody strakes that all combine to give you 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Chevy isn't ready to talk money yet, but the ZR1X will surely command a hefty premium over the standard 2026 ZR1's $189,195 starting price. We don't know when it will go into production yet either, but it'll be built at the same Bowling Green, Kentucky, assembly plant as all other Corvettes, with the LT7 being hand-assembled there. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM Shocks And Awes With The All New Corvette ZR1X
Read the full story on The Auto Wire As promised, GM has finally made its big Corvette reveal, pulling back the covers on the ZR1X. The automaker is calling this version of America's sports car a hypercar, thanks to twin turbos, a V8, and hybrid system combining to make an earth shaking 1,250-horsepower. This does indeed redefine what a Corvette can adding twin turbos to the LT7 V8, output is elevated to 1,064-hp and 828 lb.-ft. of torque. But an electric motor on the front axle makes another 186-hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque, so the C8 ZRX is in fact an all-wheel-drive hypercar. All that power doesn't go to waste. GM says this Corvette can sprint from 0 to 60 in under 2 seconds, making it the quickest 'Vette ever. That's quicker than the regular ZR1, which is a performance beast. For the quarter mile, GM says the 2026 Chevy Corvette ZRX can do it in under 9 seconds at over 150 mph. In other words, it's an 8-second factory car. That absolutely amazing! Apparently, the ZRX has been in the works for a long time. 'From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,' said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. If anything, GM is probably lying again about the ZR1X's performance and the hypercar is even more impressive than we're being told. We also can't wait to see what tuners do with this thing, which could probably do 7-second quarter mile runs with few modifications. GM got people worked up late last week by dropping a teaser video on social media announcing something was coming to the Corvette model line today, June 17. The only hint about what it might be was a stylized 'X.' Theories about what the new sports car model might be ran the range, but the Zora was the top prediction among most enthusiast circles. After all, rumors of that model as well as pictures of supposed test mules have been circulating for a while now. Another theory out there was that the ZR1e, a hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette ZR1 was about to be revealed. That one was so close, just a letter and a few details off, but it was largely dismissed by enthusiasts. Others pointed out there's a precedent for using 'X' to name a Corvette model. Back at the 2010 SEMA Show, GM showed up with the Corvette Z06x, a stripped-down C6 with a full roll cage added, stiffened suspension, lighter wheels, and other equipment focused on recreational motorsports. That was of course a one-off concept that never went anywhere. Now that we've seen the new Corvette ZR1X, we all get to speculate about the price and how much of a buying frenzy this generates. That sadly could mean dealers gouging enthusiasts big time, which we've seen far too often in the past. Images via GM Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why Didn't Chevy Name the Ultimate C8 Corvette 'Zora?' We Asked GM to Find Out.
The ultimate production Corvette is officially here, and it's called the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. Speaking of... how about that name? If you've ever gone into the Corvette forums or spend any amount of time looking at preview posts for this hybridized ZR1, and you're likely to come across the name 'Zora' being commonly used as a reference to this car. Those familiar with the Corvette story know the name refers to a man, Zora Arkus-Duntov — the engineer responsible for turning the Corvette into a genuine sports car. You can read all about that history here, but at a high level, all you need to know is that he championed the idea of a mid-engine Corvette. With the C8 finally making the front-to-mid transition, many thought GM might honor Zora by naming the ultimate version of the C8 after him. (Not to mention 'Zora' is a pretty sweet name for a car.) But now, the final piece of the C8 performance puzzle is in place — and Chevy named it the ZR1X. We asked why, and a Chevrolet spokesperson provided the details. 'ZR1X is an extension of the ZR1 family, so we believe ZR1X is a fitting name for the new variant,' a spokesperson told Road & Track. But why not Zora, we queried? 'I know Zora was broadly speculated by enthusiasts, but since it was future product, it was never something we weighed in on,' the same Chevy spokesperson told us. 'What I can tell you is the team felt this Corvette was deserving of the ZR1 designation, and it was an opportunity to show that even though ZR1 and ZR1X are different cars, they have strong familial resemblance and represent ultimate Corvette performance.' When you dive into the details on the ZR1X, it makes sense. The X is essentially a ZR1 with beefed-up E-Ray hybrid components dropped in to add performance and make it all-wheel drive. Chevy isn't saying this, but maintaining the ZR1 designation ensures a 'greater' version of the Corvette doesn't minimize the herculean car that the ZR1 is. Like Chevy says, they're different cars, but both the ZR1 and ZR1X represent 'ultimate Corvette performance.' What's the 'X' stand for, then? Upon seeing the name, our minds went directly to all-wheel drive references, or even as an abbreviation for 'Xtreme.' But nope — Chevy says there was 'no grand scheme behind it,' and that it 'was about sticking close to ZR1.' In short, the X stands for nothing, officially. Consider X an unknown variable. (See what we did there?) And if you're interested in the full deep dive on the new top-of-the-food-chain Corvette ZR1X, make sure to check out our reveal post here. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Car and Driver
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Chevy Corvette ZR1X Hybrid Packs 1250 HP and All-Wheel Drive
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the most over-the-top model to ever be sold from the factory. The ZR1X pairs the regular ZR1's 1064-hp twin-turbo LT7 V-8 with an improved version of the E-Ray's hybrid system, making 1250 combined horsepower. It'll be available sooner than you'd think, as Chevy is planning to put the ZR1X on sale by the end of 2025; pricing will be announced later. Remember 2019? Of course you do. It was the final year Chevy built a Corvette with an engine in the front. The mid-engined C8 generation that followed changed everything, though the small-block V-8 mounted behind the driver provided a familiar heart. The Corvette E-Ray arrived for the 2024 model year and marked another significant break from tradition, becoming both the first hybrid and first all-wheel-drive Corvette. The Z06, with an exotic flat-plane-crank 5.5-liter V-8, helped birth the twin-turbo ZR1, which shocked everyone with its 1064 horsepower. All that led to this: the 2026 Chevy Corvette ZR1X. For those who didn't like the hybrid AWD E-Ray, the new X-rated Vette might be the ultimate act of blasphemy from a generation riddled with sacrilege. It's also the most extreme production car Chevrolet has ever built. Despite the new name, the ZR1X is actually the Corvette Zora that we've been expecting since the C8 Corvette debuted. As anticipated, the ZR1X combines the LT7 V-8 from the ZR1 with an improved version of the Corvette E-Ray's electric motor. The result? A hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette making an absurd 1250 horsepower. View Photos Chevrolet Eye-Popping Power The bulk of that power (1064 horses worth) comes from the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8, which is routed to the rear axle through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The front axle gets the E-Ray's e-motor, but as with so much else about the ZR1X, the electric propulsion has been dialed up. While the battery's 1.9-kWh gross capacity is the same as the E-Ray, the usable energy increased by 29 percent, letting Chevy raise the peak operating voltage and, in turn, the output. Combined with an extra 1000 rpm over the E-Ray (17,000 versus 16,000), the ZR1X's front-drive motor makes 186 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Power from the electric motor sticks around for longer too, and the front axle now disengages at 160 mph rather than 150 mph in the E-Ray. Accelerating in the rear-drive ZR1 is already a violent affair—keep your foot in it and the car will maintain more than 1.0 g of acceleration until 85 mph. With AWD in the mix, the ZR1X's acceleration figures promise to be downright brutal. Chevy claims a zero-to-60-mph time of under 2.0 seconds and a standing quarter-mile run in fewer than 9.0 seconds with a trap speed higher than 150 mph. Those figures are also claimed to be achievable on an unprepped surface—you'll want to clean your tires first, though. View Photos Chevrolet Not a One-Trick Pony As impressive as those numbers are, the ZR1X is more than just a dragster. Chevy's engineers took the eAWD chassis controls system from the E-Ray and redesigned it completely for the ZR1X. Chevy claims the ZR1X can simultaneously pull 1.0 g latitudinally and longitudinally. If you're gonna flirt with those limits, make sure to eat a light lunch. The E-Ray's Charge+ button moves from the side of the center console to the steering wheel for easier access. There's also a new push-to-pass feature to unlock the full force of the powertrain's 1250 horsepower. To activate it, you need to be in one of the Performance Traction Management modes, garner enough courage to floor the accelerator, then push up on the cruise control switch and prepare for all hell to break loose. View Photos Chevrolet We complained in our recent test of a 2025 ZR1 that the braking improvements were not commensurate with the LT7's monstrous power. Perhaps anticipating those complaints, Chevy designed a totally new braking kit (internally called the J59 package). The new set comes with Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear rotors, which are the largest discs ever offered on a Corvette. The rotors themselves are carbon ceramic and are constructed with continuously woven carbon-fiber threads; Chevy claims they're good for 1.9 g of deceleration from 180 mph to 120 mph. The J59 brakes come standard on the ZR1X and, starting with the 2026 model year, will be available on the regular ZR1. ZTK Is Back The launch of the ZR1X also signals GM's new PTM Pro mode that will be available on all 2026 Corvettes. Engaging PTM Pro turns off the traction and stability control, but in the case of the ZR1X, leaves on the regen brake torque vectoring, front axle pre-control, and launch-control systems. ZR1X configurations mirror the rear-drive ZR1. The standard version is equipped with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a slightly more forgiving ride. The optional ZTK Performance Package adds higher spring rates, a firmer ride, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. It also adds the Carbon Aero pack's dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood-mounted Gurney lip, and a surfboard-sized rear wing. View Photos Chevrolet The inside of the ZR1X is where any hypercar designations may fall flat. That's because, despite its unbridled excessiveness everywhere else, the ZR1X gets the same interior as every other 2026 Corvette. The wall of buttons found throughout the C8 Vette lineup is gone, with HVAC controls moved to the dashboard below the center screen. Speaking of screens, the Corvette now has three of them. The new digital gauge cluster measures 14.0 inches, with the center touchscreen measuring 12.7 inches. There's also a new 6.6-inch touchscreen to the left of the gauge cluster that gives access to functions for the head-up display and PTM settings. Chevy hasn't yet announced final pricing, but the ZR1X is surely going to be the most expensive Corvette ever. For some, the prospect of a $250,000-plus Corvette—even if it is capable of sub-9.0-second quarter-mile time—is too much for America's sports car. Still, we're confident that even with the naysayers, Chevy will find plenty of customers who want hypercar performance at a fraction of the price. As for when it'll go on sale, Chevy told us it plans to put the ZR1X into production later this year, with the cars slated to go on sale by the end of 2025. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
