Latest news with #E-Ray
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Every Corvette C8 Ranked By Horsepower
With the launch of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the Corvette C8 family has grown once more. It seems like longer than five years since the original Corvette C8 Stingray went into production, so far has this generation of the sports car come since then. Regardless of what model you pick, every C8 offers supercar-level looks and performance for a fraction of the price of an Italian exotic. Here's a refresher of where each model sits in the lineup, ranked from lowest to highest horsepower output. This is where the C8 story began, and it's almost easy to forget just how potent the standard Corvette is, especially at a base price of $68,300. The 6.2-liter V8 engine makes 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque; Porsche charges more for a four-cylinder Cayman with 300 hp. The 0-60 mph time of around three seconds is still supercar-quick, aided by the quick shifts of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, along with the rear-wheel-drive C8's immense grip. Unless you drive one of the other C8s, you would not feel shortchanged behind the wheel of the base model in any way. You can squeeze more power and torque out of the standard Corvette Stingray by equipping either the performance exhaust ($1,195) or the popular Z51 Performance Package ($6,345). In both cases, the V8 is uprated to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the C8 in this configuration can hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Besides the performance exhaust, the Z51 pack also adds performance Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a unique rear axle ratio, an electronic limited-slip differential, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, turning this into a monster track toy. Considering the standard Corvette's appealing base price, the Z51 pack is a no-brainer. After the standard Corvettes, it's a huge bump up in power to the hybrid E-Ray, which adds an electric drive unit and e-AWD to the 6.2L V8 lump. Combined, the system makes 655 hp, and the additional traction of the E-Ray results in a 2.5-second 0-60 mph run. The price for a base E-Ray rises to $106,900, and while that's far more than a base Corvette, it still represents remarkable bang for your buck. The E-Ray manages the same 19 mpg combined as the base Corvette, so the hybrid system is less about efficiency and more about finding a way to unlock another layer of performance. You can also use the car's Stealth mode for silent getaways early on weekend mornings, without disturbing the neighbors. Choosing between the E-Ray and Z06 is quite a conundrum. The Z06 is a raw performer, swapping the 6.2-liter V8 for an intoxicating 5.5-liter flat plane crank V8 that shrieks all the way to 8,600 rpm. It produces 670 hp and 460 lb-ft, and also has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Chevy says it'll hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, which is actually slower than the E-Ray, and you need the Z06's $8,995 Z07 Performance Package to achieve that time. That's on top of its $112,100 base price. Taking all this into account, the E-Ray is the winner on paper. But that doesn't tell the full story. You see, the Z06 is about 300 lbs lighter than the E-Ray. This, coupled with its more rev-hungry engine, makes it a more unfiltered and enjoyable track tool. But the E-Ray is a more refined, sophisticated daily driver. You can't go wrong with either. The ZR1 takes the 5.5-liter flat plane crank V8 from the Z06 and boosts it with two turbos. That makes a huge difference, and the result is 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft. With the ZTK Performance Package, the 0-60 mph time drops to an astonishing 2.3 seconds. That may be only two-tenths more than the E-Ray, but even the smallest gains are not easy to come by at this level. The ZTK pack adds a special suspension with magnetic selective ride control and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. At $1,500, it's a box you may as well tick, since the ZR1 starts at $173,300. Up until very recently, it was hard to believe the Corvette could get more extreme, but then the ZR1X came along. Chevy pulled out all the stops for the new Corvette ZR1X. Combining the best of the E-Ray and ZR1, this C8 features the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 combined with an electric drive unit, bringing combined outputs well into EV territory at 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft. Like the E-Ray, it has e-AWD. The combination of immense power and AWD grip makes it a rocket, with a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds and a quarter-mile time of under nine seconds. In Stealth Mode, the ZR1X can be driven for 4 to 5 miles at speeds of up to 45 mph in silence, but most will prefer operating it with the V8 in full flow. Careful attention to aerodynamics make this the Corvette with the highest ever downforce, and massive carbon ceramic brakes are there to bring the car down from the insanely high speeds it can reach. Pricing for the ZR1X is yet to be revealed, but we expect something in the vicinity of $230,000 to $250,000. Like every other C8, it offers unmatched power and performance from a gas or hybrid sports car for the price. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Chevrolet takes the Corvette to Hypercar Status with ZR1X model
The new ZR1X takes the Corvette to a whole new performance level. The latest Chevrolet hypercar is good for a 0-96km/h time of under 2seconds. That's thanks mainly to an electrified all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This car is said to be the most advanced Corvette yet, boasting 932kW and making the most of the Corvette's mid-engine architecture. Power and Performance At the heart of the ZR1X lies the is the LT7 twin-turbo V8 engine. It outputs 793kW at 7000rpm and 1124Nm of torque at 6000rpm. The power flows to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This 5.5-litre small-block V8 is hand-built. It features dual 76mm turbochargers, an exhaust designed for rapid throttle response, and dynamic anti-lag control. This maintains turbo speed during off-throttle situations. The power is optimised for both street and track use. It's not just the V8 doing the leg work either. The ZR1X incorporates a front-axle electric motor delivering 139kW and 197Nm of torque, creating an electrified AWD system. This system builds on that of the 2024 E-Ray, the first AWD Corvette. The system integrates a high-voltage battery and an electric motor powering the front axle. There is no physical connection between the two power sources. The electric motor charges the battery via regenerative braking rather than plugging in. Said battery is designed to provide rapid bursts of power. It has improved power output over that of the E-Ray, for better lap times and acceleration. This set-up delivers standing quarters in under nine seconds. On-Track Technology and Performance Features ZR1X features several advanced systems to optimize performance on the track. The car has a new drive mode dubbed PTM Pro. It turns off traction control and stability control while keeping regen brake torque vectoring and launch control active. Moreover, the engineers have upgraded the eAWD chassis control system from the E-Ray. It offers more refined power distribution between the front and rear axles. The ZR1X also offers three specialized energy strategies: Endurance Mode: This optimises the battery for consistent performance during extended track sessions. Qualifying Mode: Maximises power for the fastest lap times. Push-to-Pass: Provides maximum available power on-demand for overtaking or acceleration. Advanced Braking and Suspension To handle the added power, the ZR1X comes equipped with Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers, paired with carbon-ceramic rotors. These are the largest rotors ever offered on a Corvette, measuring 419mm in diameter, offering superior heat resistance and responsiveness. This braking system evidently produces 1.9G of deceleration at high speed. The car's suspension features magnetic ride control (adaptive damping), with an option for the ZTK Performance Package. This comprises stiffer springs and Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires for track-day grip. For additional downforce, the Carbon Aero package adds dive planes and a rear wing. It produces up to 544kg of downforce at top speed, for enhanced stability. Interior and Comfort The 2026 Corvette ZR1X comes with a unique interior, including a new three-screen layout, and a redesigned centre console. It also display real-time vehicle data through the Performance App. The interior offers an array of customisation options. Customers can choose between coupe and hardtop convertible body styles too. Built in America Like all Corvettes, the ZR1X is built at GM's Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Every engine is hand-assembled at the plant, with U.S. and globally sourced parts used in production. One other aspect Chevrolet mentioned is that the ZR1X is just as happy and civilised plying city streets as it is hammering around race tracks.
The Drive
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Where Is the Electric Corvette GM Announced Back in 2022?
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Hop in the Way Back Machine to three years ago and the electric Chevrolet Corvette was announced. Since then GM hasn't said a word, the car's never been mentioned again, and its existence seems to have all but been forgotten. Where is this thing? And why haven't prototypes even been spotted? In 2022 GM President Mark Reuss went live on CNBC and told Phil LeBeau an electrified Corvette was coming the next year, and an electric version would follow. No further timelines were given. The electrified Corvette Reuss confirmed was the E-Ray, which as the exec stated, launched the next year in 2023. But the electric Corvette hasn't been mentioned outside of the media asking about it since Reuss announced it in 2022. During the media backgrounder for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, a Zora by another name, Motor1 asked the Corvette team about the MIA electric Corvette's timeline. Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder said, 'not soon,' and went on to say, ' I never say never.' The first response made sense, as prototypes haven't even been spotted for a Corvette lacking tailpipes or a combustion engine. The follow up comment hit weird, because Reuss confirmed the electric Corvette three years ago. Chevrolet spokesperson Trevor Thompkins told The Drive , 'To reiterate what Josh said and add further clarity, we have said previously an electric Corvette would be a part of the nameplate's lineup at some point in the future, we have no further details to announce today. ' Highly unlikely that GM hid the electric Corvette in plain sight and we've seen it. But, the automaker did reveal a next-gen C9 Corvette concept designed by a team in Birmingham, England. The concept? Said to be electric. The brief: Design a hypercar version of the Corvette and push the boundaries. The C8 ZR1X has officially pushed the Corvette nameplate into hypercar territory, presumably while embarrassing every automaker producing hypercars in terms of price when it goes on sale. With the recent departures of key stake holders on the Corvette team the question of whether we've reached peak Corvette has been raised. There will be be other Corvettes, presumably an electric Corvette, which was confirmed three years ago and reconfirmed by Thompkins to The Drive . The question is when? Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is a twin-turbo V8 hypercar delivering over 900kW
Chevrolet has taken the best bits of its existing Corvettes and enhanced them to make a wild 932kW electrified twin-turbo V8 hypercar that's claimed to blast to 60mph (96km/h) in under two seconds. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines the ZR1's 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 with a front-mounted electric motor like that seen in the E-Ray. This makes it the first ZR1-badged 'Vette with all-wheel drive. The hand-assembled V8 produces 793kW of power at 7000rpm and 1123Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the electric motor produces 139kW and 197Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Total power is therefore up by 149kW over the ZR1, while its 0-60mph time is several tenths of a second quicker – the ZR1 does the dash in 2.3 seconds with its ZTK Performance Package, or 2.5 seconds without. Like other C8 Corvettes, the engine is mounted midship and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm if the ZR1X is coming here. We currently get all C8 Corvettes in factory right-hand drive bar the ZR1, which is only produced in left-hand drive. The ZR1X's V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. It features dual 76mm turbochargers, while Chevrolet engineers have positioned the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible to decrease the time needed to build boost and therefore improve throttle response. Dynamic anti-lag controls will maintain turbo speed when off-throttle to ensure boost is "available rapidly" when throttle is reapplied. The ZR1X features a 1.9kWh battery like the E-Ray, also centralised within the spine of the chassis, but Chevrolet says it has expanded the amount of usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. The front drive unit has the same shape and size as that in the E-Ray, but engineers have strengthened the motor to generate an additional 19kW and 27Nm. It can apply power at up to 258km/h before disconnecting. There's no physical connection between the engine and the electric drive unit. Chevrolet says the eAWD chassis control system of the E-Ray has been upgraded for the ZR1X to match the more powerful engine. There are "specialised energy strategies" intended to maximise electrified output for track driving. Pressing the Charge+ button activates Endurance mode, adjusting the battery's energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent output, while there's also a Qualifying mode and a Push-to-Pass function to ensure maximum power is available on-demand. A new PTM Pro mode introduced for model year 2026 (MY26) Corvettes turns off traction and stability control but allows you to still use launch control, the regen brake torque vectoring function, and what's called Front Axle Pre-Control which actively manages inside front brake pressure to ensure maximum traction when exiting a corner. The ZR1's optional J59 braking package is standard on the ZR1X, bringing Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon-ceramic rotors with continuously woven carbon-fibre threads. Magnetic Ride Control is standard, as are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ZTK Performance Package brings Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres. An optional Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a sizeable rear wing. Altogether, this package brings a claimed 544kg of downforce. Like the rest of the C8 range, the ZR1X will be offered as either a coupe or convertible. It features the revised interior revealed in May that includes, among other changes, a larger 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, and repositioned switchgear. Chevrolet is calling the ZR1X the "ultimate expression" of its C8 Corvette, and an "all-day comfortable tourer, straight-line rocket, and racetrack weapon, all in one". It's unlikely there will be a more powerful variant to slot in above it. The ZR1X had been rumoured to wear the Zora name, after former Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov whose ashes were interred at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from: Chevrolet has taken the best bits of its existing Corvettes and enhanced them to make a wild 932kW electrified twin-turbo V8 hypercar that's claimed to blast to 60mph (96km/h) in under two seconds. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines the ZR1's 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 with a front-mounted electric motor like that seen in the E-Ray. This makes it the first ZR1-badged 'Vette with all-wheel drive. The hand-assembled V8 produces 793kW of power at 7000rpm and 1123Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the electric motor produces 139kW and 197Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Total power is therefore up by 149kW over the ZR1, while its 0-60mph time is several tenths of a second quicker – the ZR1 does the dash in 2.3 seconds with its ZTK Performance Package, or 2.5 seconds without. Like other C8 Corvettes, the engine is mounted midship and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm if the ZR1X is coming here. We currently get all C8 Corvettes in factory right-hand drive bar the ZR1, which is only produced in left-hand drive. The ZR1X's V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. It features dual 76mm turbochargers, while Chevrolet engineers have positioned the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible to decrease the time needed to build boost and therefore improve throttle response. Dynamic anti-lag controls will maintain turbo speed when off-throttle to ensure boost is "available rapidly" when throttle is reapplied. The ZR1X features a 1.9kWh battery like the E-Ray, also centralised within the spine of the chassis, but Chevrolet says it has expanded the amount of usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. The front drive unit has the same shape and size as that in the E-Ray, but engineers have strengthened the motor to generate an additional 19kW and 27Nm. It can apply power at up to 258km/h before disconnecting. There's no physical connection between the engine and the electric drive unit. Chevrolet says the eAWD chassis control system of the E-Ray has been upgraded for the ZR1X to match the more powerful engine. There are "specialised energy strategies" intended to maximise electrified output for track driving. Pressing the Charge+ button activates Endurance mode, adjusting the battery's energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent output, while there's also a Qualifying mode and a Push-to-Pass function to ensure maximum power is available on-demand. A new PTM Pro mode introduced for model year 2026 (MY26) Corvettes turns off traction and stability control but allows you to still use launch control, the regen brake torque vectoring function, and what's called Front Axle Pre-Control which actively manages inside front brake pressure to ensure maximum traction when exiting a corner. The ZR1's optional J59 braking package is standard on the ZR1X, bringing Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon-ceramic rotors with continuously woven carbon-fibre threads. Magnetic Ride Control is standard, as are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ZTK Performance Package brings Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres. An optional Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a sizeable rear wing. Altogether, this package brings a claimed 544kg of downforce. Like the rest of the C8 range, the ZR1X will be offered as either a coupe or convertible. It features the revised interior revealed in May that includes, among other changes, a larger 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, and repositioned switchgear. Chevrolet is calling the ZR1X the "ultimate expression" of its C8 Corvette, and an "all-day comfortable tourer, straight-line rocket, and racetrack weapon, all in one". It's unlikely there will be a more powerful variant to slot in above it. The ZR1X had been rumoured to wear the Zora name, after former Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov whose ashes were interred at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from: Chevrolet has taken the best bits of its existing Corvettes and enhanced them to make a wild 932kW electrified twin-turbo V8 hypercar that's claimed to blast to 60mph (96km/h) in under two seconds. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines the ZR1's 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 with a front-mounted electric motor like that seen in the E-Ray. This makes it the first ZR1-badged 'Vette with all-wheel drive. The hand-assembled V8 produces 793kW of power at 7000rpm and 1123Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the electric motor produces 139kW and 197Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Total power is therefore up by 149kW over the ZR1, while its 0-60mph time is several tenths of a second quicker – the ZR1 does the dash in 2.3 seconds with its ZTK Performance Package, or 2.5 seconds without. Like other C8 Corvettes, the engine is mounted midship and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm if the ZR1X is coming here. We currently get all C8 Corvettes in factory right-hand drive bar the ZR1, which is only produced in left-hand drive. The ZR1X's V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. It features dual 76mm turbochargers, while Chevrolet engineers have positioned the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible to decrease the time needed to build boost and therefore improve throttle response. Dynamic anti-lag controls will maintain turbo speed when off-throttle to ensure boost is "available rapidly" when throttle is reapplied. The ZR1X features a 1.9kWh battery like the E-Ray, also centralised within the spine of the chassis, but Chevrolet says it has expanded the amount of usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. The front drive unit has the same shape and size as that in the E-Ray, but engineers have strengthened the motor to generate an additional 19kW and 27Nm. It can apply power at up to 258km/h before disconnecting. There's no physical connection between the engine and the electric drive unit. Chevrolet says the eAWD chassis control system of the E-Ray has been upgraded for the ZR1X to match the more powerful engine. There are "specialised energy strategies" intended to maximise electrified output for track driving. Pressing the Charge+ button activates Endurance mode, adjusting the battery's energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent output, while there's also a Qualifying mode and a Push-to-Pass function to ensure maximum power is available on-demand. A new PTM Pro mode introduced for model year 2026 (MY26) Corvettes turns off traction and stability control but allows you to still use launch control, the regen brake torque vectoring function, and what's called Front Axle Pre-Control which actively manages inside front brake pressure to ensure maximum traction when exiting a corner. The ZR1's optional J59 braking package is standard on the ZR1X, bringing Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon-ceramic rotors with continuously woven carbon-fibre threads. Magnetic Ride Control is standard, as are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ZTK Performance Package brings Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres. An optional Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a sizeable rear wing. Altogether, this package brings a claimed 544kg of downforce. Like the rest of the C8 range, the ZR1X will be offered as either a coupe or convertible. It features the revised interior revealed in May that includes, among other changes, a larger 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, and repositioned switchgear. Chevrolet is calling the ZR1X the "ultimate expression" of its C8 Corvette, and an "all-day comfortable tourer, straight-line rocket, and racetrack weapon, all in one". It's unlikely there will be a more powerful variant to slot in above it. The ZR1X had been rumoured to wear the Zora name, after former Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov whose ashes were interred at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from: Chevrolet has taken the best bits of its existing Corvettes and enhanced them to make a wild 932kW electrified twin-turbo V8 hypercar that's claimed to blast to 60mph (96km/h) in under two seconds. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines the ZR1's 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 with a front-mounted electric motor like that seen in the E-Ray. This makes it the first ZR1-badged 'Vette with all-wheel drive. The hand-assembled V8 produces 793kW of power at 7000rpm and 1123Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the electric motor produces 139kW and 197Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Total power is therefore up by 149kW over the ZR1, while its 0-60mph time is several tenths of a second quicker – the ZR1 does the dash in 2.3 seconds with its ZTK Performance Package, or 2.5 seconds without. Like other C8 Corvettes, the engine is mounted midship and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm if the ZR1X is coming here. We currently get all C8 Corvettes in factory right-hand drive bar the ZR1, which is only produced in left-hand drive. The ZR1X's V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. It features dual 76mm turbochargers, while Chevrolet engineers have positioned the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible to decrease the time needed to build boost and therefore improve throttle response. Dynamic anti-lag controls will maintain turbo speed when off-throttle to ensure boost is "available rapidly" when throttle is reapplied. The ZR1X features a 1.9kWh battery like the E-Ray, also centralised within the spine of the chassis, but Chevrolet says it has expanded the amount of usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. The front drive unit has the same shape and size as that in the E-Ray, but engineers have strengthened the motor to generate an additional 19kW and 27Nm. It can apply power at up to 258km/h before disconnecting. There's no physical connection between the engine and the electric drive unit. Chevrolet says the eAWD chassis control system of the E-Ray has been upgraded for the ZR1X to match the more powerful engine. There are "specialised energy strategies" intended to maximise electrified output for track driving. Pressing the Charge+ button activates Endurance mode, adjusting the battery's energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent output, while there's also a Qualifying mode and a Push-to-Pass function to ensure maximum power is available on-demand. A new PTM Pro mode introduced for model year 2026 (MY26) Corvettes turns off traction and stability control but allows you to still use launch control, the regen brake torque vectoring function, and what's called Front Axle Pre-Control which actively manages inside front brake pressure to ensure maximum traction when exiting a corner. The ZR1's optional J59 braking package is standard on the ZR1X, bringing Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon-ceramic rotors with continuously woven carbon-fibre threads. Magnetic Ride Control is standard, as are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ZTK Performance Package brings Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres. An optional Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a sizeable rear wing. Altogether, this package brings a claimed 544kg of downforce. Like the rest of the C8 range, the ZR1X will be offered as either a coupe or convertible. It features the revised interior revealed in May that includes, among other changes, a larger 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, and repositioned switchgear. Chevrolet is calling the ZR1X the "ultimate expression" of its C8 Corvette, and an "all-day comfortable tourer, straight-line rocket, and racetrack weapon, all in one". It's unlikely there will be a more powerful variant to slot in above it. The ZR1X had been rumoured to wear the Zora name, after former Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov whose ashes were interred at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. MORE: Everything Chevrolet Corvette Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is a twin-turbo V8 hypercar delivering over 900kW
Chevrolet has taken the best bits of its existing Corvettes and enhanced them to make a wild 932kW electrified twin-turbo V8 hypercar that's claimed to blast to 60mph (96km/h) in under two seconds. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines the ZR1's 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 with a front-mounted electric motor like that seen in the E-Ray. This makes it the first ZR1-badged 'Vette with all-wheel drive. The hand-assembled V8 produces 793kW of power at 7000rpm and 1123Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the electric motor produces 139kW and 197Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Total power is therefore up by 149kW over the ZR1, while its 0-60mph time is several tenths of a second quicker – the ZR1 does the dash in 2.3 seconds with its ZTK Performance Package, or 2.5 seconds without. Like other C8 Corvettes, the engine is mounted midship and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm if the ZR1X is coming here. We currently get all C8 Corvettes in factory right-hand drive bar the ZR1, which is only produced in left-hand drive. The ZR1X's V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. It features dual 76mm turbochargers, while Chevrolet engineers have positioned the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible to decrease the time needed to build boost and therefore improve throttle response. Dynamic anti-lag controls will maintain turbo speed when off-throttle to ensure boost is 'available rapidly' when throttle is reapplied. The ZR1X features a 1.9kWh battery like the E-Ray, also centralised within the spine of the chassis, but Chevrolet says it has expanded the amount of usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. The front drive unit has the same shape and size as that in the E-Ray, but engineers have strengthened the motor to generate an additional 19kW and 27Nm. It can apply power at up to 258km/h before disconnecting. There's no physical connection between the engine and the electric drive unit. Chevrolet says the eAWD chassis control system of the E-Ray has been upgraded for the ZR1X to match the more powerful engine. There are 'specialised energy strategies' intended to maximise electrified output for track driving. Pressing the Charge+ button activates Endurance mode, adjusting the battery's energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent output, while there's also a Qualifying mode and a Push-to-Pass function to ensure maximum power is available on-demand. A new PTM Pro mode introduced for model year 2026 (MY26) Corvettes turns off traction and stability control but allows you to still use launch control, the regen brake torque vectoring function, and what's called Front Axle Pre-Control which actively manages inside front brake pressure to ensure maximum traction when exiting a corner. The ZR1's optional J59 braking package is standard on the ZR1X, bringing Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon-ceramic rotors with continuously woven carbon-fibre threads. Magnetic Ride Control is standard, as are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ZTK Performance Package brings Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres. An optional Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a sizeable rear wing. Altogether, this package brings a claimed 544kg of downforce. Like the rest of the C8 range, the ZR1X will be offered as either a coupe or convertible. It features the revised interior revealed in May that includes, among other changes, a larger 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, and repositioned switchgear. Chevrolet is calling the ZR1X the 'ultimate expression' of its C8 Corvette, and an 'all-day comfortable tourer, straight-line rocket, and racetrack weapon, all in one'. It's unlikely there will be a more powerful variant to slot in above it. The ZR1X had been rumoured to wear the Zora name, after former Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov whose ashes were interred at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
