Latest news with #ZR1X
Auto Express
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
The Corvette ZR1X is so powerful that the Ferrari F80 is in its rear-view mirror
If ever there was a collection of random letters and numbers that undersell something, it's 'ZR1X'. These unremarkable four characters aren't attached to a small Japanese SUV or high-riding electric car – but the most powerful Chevrolet Corvette ever, with no less than 1,250bhp. On the new ZR1X, the American icon has been taken to a few orders of magnitude higher than ever before, meaning that on sheer numbers alone, it is brushing shoulders with hypercars. In order to reach this figure, Chevrolet has created a hybridised powertrain that capitalises on an incredibly high-performing twin-turbocharged V8 engine and an electrified front axle, much in the way Lamborghini does on its new Temerario. Advertisement - Article continues below The difference is that the Chevrolet's 5.5-litre V8 is considerably more powerful than the Lambo's, with peak power of 1,064bhp and an astonishing peak torque of 1,188Nm – and these figures, remember, are without the e-motor being factored in. It packs cutting-edge technology, too, such as a flat-plane crank and a pair of clever turbochargers that are integrated right into the exhaust manifold. This hand-built masterpiece of an engine really is a far cry from the pig-iron pushrod V8s generally associated with General Motors, and is instead directly related to the brand's GT3 motorsport program. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Additional power is then generated from an electrified front axle, which incorporates a 186bhp electric motor and a compact 1.9kWh battery pack to drive the front wheels completely independently of the rear. There's no facility to plug the ZR1X in; its power is produced via regenerative braking, and it decouples at speeds of over 160mph. Chevrolet has not finalised official performance figures, but suggests that 0-60mph will be possible in under two seconds and the 0-400m (or quarter mile) in under nine, blowing away even the (very) theoretical '10 second cars' from the Fast and Furious franchise. As with all hybrid-powered sports cars, there's a range of different modes that change the way a ZR1X can deliver its performance. The first Endurance Mode ensures that the battery capacity is never fully depleted, ensuring that a high level of performance is possible over a long period. Qualifying Mode shortens that peak operating window, expelling more battery charge more quickly and allowing it to run empty. Push-to-Pass delivers maximum available performance. Advertisement - Article continues below To balance out this astounding potential, Chevrolet has introduced a new brake set-up that combines huge 419mm Alcon carbon ceramic discs with ten-piston calipers at the front and six-piston ones at the rear. High-performance Corvettes have long been known for their impressive braking performance, but these take things to another level, with a quoted deceleration of 1.9G between 180mph and 120mph. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below In the US, the ZR1X will be offered with two chassis set-ups that both include magnetic dampers as standard. The base car is more road-biased and is paired with a standard sports tyre, but for ultimate track performance, the ZTK package ups the spring rates by 20 per cent, and swaps in some aggressive Michelin Cup 2R rubber. It also enhances the aero package with a high-mounted rear spoiler, plus some other tweaks. This aero pack can be fitted to models on standard suspension as an option. In addition, carbon fibre wheels are available which usefully reduce unsprung mass. The exterior design is closely related to the existing Corvette ZR1, which itself utilises a wider body that was first revealed for the naturally aspirated Z06. Inside, however, the ZR1X has adopted the Corvette's new interior design, with a new triple-screen layout and the removal of the controversial climate control buttons. Just about the only number that doesn't match up to a hypercar is the price, which is $178,195, or £132,243 at current conversion rates. That's equivalent to something like a well-optioned Porsche 911 GTS, while being more powerful and even quicker than the forthcoming Ferrari F80. Come and join our WhatsApp channel for the latest car news and reviews... Find a car with the experts New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028 Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028 The industry is in a race to bring solid-state to the market, and Nissan isn't too far behind the leaders New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
NZ Autocar
a day 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.
Auto Blog
2 days 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
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Gallery
Take a closer look at the hottest Corvette ever It's the mind-bending power and performance figures of the Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1 that have made the headlines over the last few days, and rightly so, but let's not take away the fact that it's also got the visual punch to back up its hypercar-level speed. Here's a look at the newest Corvette from every angle. 0:06 / 0:09 Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More 1 Source: Chevrolet The exterior of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is seen here black, with a red center stripe and the ZTK Performance Package. 2 Source: Chevrolet From above, we can see the aggressive hood and the large rear wing. The various aerodynamic enhancements to this model create 1,200 lbs of downforce. 3 Source: Chevrolet The Corvette is nearly as mean to look at without the rear wing. This example is finished in Blade Silver Metallic, but buyers can also get the car in eye-popping shades like Sebring Orange and Competition Yellow. 4 Source: Chevrolet A quad-exit exhaust system peaks out of the back. While it makes a stunning noise at full throttle, an electric-only Stealth Mode enables driving on electric power alone at up to 45 mph, but only for 4 to 5 miles. 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. 5 Source: Chevrolet Massive performance means massive breaks, and the ZRX1 boasts 10-piston front calipers and six-piston items at the back. The carbon ceramic rotors measure 16.5 inches, now the biggest ever fitted to a Corvette. 6 Source: Chevrolet The flow-through hood assists with optimal airflow, while the front splitter and underwing creates suction under the car to improve downforce and lower drag. 7 Source: Chevrolet A very special engine powers this Corvette. The 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 is boosted by two 76mm turbos. This, together with a front-axle electric motor, develops 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft combined. The 0-60 time is under two seconds, and the manufacturer estimates a quarter-mile sprint of below nine seconds. 8 Santorini Blue interior on 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1. Preproduction model shown, actual production model may vary. — Source: Chevrolet The basic layout of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZRX1's interior will be familiar to those who have driven other Corvettes. A new three-screen layout and updated center console form part of the changes. 9 Source: Chevrolet Even the base 1LZ gets eight-way power-adjustable GT1 or Competition sports seats. If you go for the 3LZ, expect heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats. 10 Source: Chevrolet High-quality leather and stitching are everywhere, and there's a Bose sound system with between 10 and 14 speakers, depending on the trim. 11 Source: Chevrolet The center section features glossy carbon fiber trim, dual cupholders, and a wireless charging pad. 12 Source: Chevrolet As with the exterior, the interior is highly customizable. There are at least 20 different color combinations, including the Adrenaline Red seen here. 13 Source: Chevrolet Customers can obtain plenty of information from the ZR1X's Performance App, including tire temperatures and horsepower/torque over specific time intervals. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM's 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the automaker's most powerful
General Motors is rolling out the world's most powerful Corvette near the end of 2025 — and it's a hybrid. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the sister to the ZR1, boasts 1,250 horsepower, a record for the automaker, and comes with a button to release the entire stable at once. The driving force behind the vehicle's propulsion stems from the decision in 2020 to move the engine to the center of the vehicle. 'From day one, we designed the midengine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,' General Motors Senior Vice President Ken Morris said in a statement. 'This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history.' The Detroit automaker said June 17 that the ZR1X also borrows features launched in previous models, such as all-wheel drive and a dual powertrain first seen on the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. GM calculates the neck-breaking power through combining the two propulsion methods. A battery pack and electric motor drives the front axle and a V8 engine propels the rear, the company said, but there is no physical connection between the two power sources on the ZR1X. The ZR1X credits 1,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine and 186 horsepower from the electric unit ― making it the most powerful, fastest Corvette ever. The battery capacity, 1.9 kWh, is the same as the E-Ray, but GM said the ZR1X has more usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. This higher peak operating voltage increases the power output from the front drive unit. The electrified propulsion system also does not require a plug — regenerative energy from the front drive unit charges the vehicle as it goes. GM previously confirmed an all-electric Corvette is in the works, but did not provide an update about a potential time frame on a recent media call. The ZR1X will be built at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. The company said prospective buyers can expect pricing details later this year. Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis for AutoPacific, said it's likely the ZR1X will be the brand's most expensive. More: Secret Service agents will learn stick-shift driving on new GM training fleet 'The ZR1X launches Corvette into true hypercar territory and sets a new benchmark for full-line automakers,' he said. 'What's striking is the range it crowns: From the attainable Stingray to the electrified E-Ray, and now the ZR1X, the C8 lineup spans a remarkable spectrum of performance.' Notably, the 2025 ZR1 started at $174,995, the most expensive Corvette for the market and a steep jump from the 2019 Corvette ZR1, which started at $121,000. Rick Hendrick, a Chevrolet dealer and NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner, broke records this January when he purchased the 2025 ZR1 for $3.7 million. Stephanie Brinley, associate director of Auto Intelligence at S&P Global Mobility, said in the scope of ultra sports car development, Corvette's advancements tend to offer good value. 'If you're doing product progression correctly, every new Corvette is the most advanced Corvette yet,' she said. 'This is power beyond what most vehicles can do.' Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GM's 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the automaker's most powerful Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
