2026 Corvette ZR1X is an AWD, the Most Powerful American Performance Car
The Latest AWD Corvette Finally Makes Its Debut
With the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X debut, Chevrolet now has the most powerful American performance cars of any automaker. The AWD Corvette will feature an incredible 1,250 horsepower and electrified AWD to make it a true hypercar.
Striking Takeaways from the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Debut
Chevrolet has unveiled the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, a groundbreaking addition to its performance lineup. Combining immense power with advanced technology, this AWD supercar is built to deliver unprecedented speed and handling. Here are some of the most impressive highlights from its debut:
- LT7 twin-turbo V8 producing 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque.
- Front-axle electric motor adds 186 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- Estimated 0–60 mph in under 2 seconds.
- Estimated quarter-mile time under 9 seconds with a trap speed over 150 mph.
- Mid-engine platform was designed with the ZR1X in mind, per GM’s senior VP.
The Most Revolutionary Platform in Corvette History
There's little doubt that the new 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the most revolutionary Corvette ever. It starts with the LT7 V8, which has more power than any other American V8. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The 5.5-liter small-block V8 is hand-built and developed in conjunction with the naturally aspirated engines in the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R Corvettes. The ZR1 is the classic RWD sports car that characterizes every previous Corvette generation, but AWD marks the ZR1X as different.
Dual Power For Incredible Performance
The ZR1X benefits from the precedent set by the E-Ray model in 2024 as the first-ever AWD Corvette. It combines a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor on the front axle, and a V8 powertrain controls the rear axle. There is otherwise no connection between the two power sources, and the electric motor doesn't need to be plugged in. Instead, it charges through regeneration from the main drive unit. The robust battery unit has been rigorously tested on the track to raise the peak operating voltage.
The eAWD Chassis is Significantly Upgraded
The original eAWD chassis designed for the E-Ray has now been significantly upgraded for use on the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. Upon driving it, the difference is obvious with the ZR1X constantly monitoring vehicle status and driver inputs for the ultimate responsive performance and traction management. PTM Pro is new for 2026 on all Corvette models and was designed specifically for the ZR1X. You can turn off traction and stability control, but regen brake torque vectoring, front axle pre-control, and launch control remain active.
Frequently Asked Questions - 2026 Corvette ZR1X
- Q: How much horsepower does the 2026 Corvette ZR1X have?
- A: The ZR1X produces a combined 1,250 horsepower (1,064 from the LT7 twin-turbo V8 plus 186 from the front axle electric motor).
- Q: Is the 2026 Corvette ZR1X all-wheel drive?
- A: Yes. It is the first ZR1 with electrified AWD, pairing a V8-powered rear axle with an electric-powered front axle.
- Q: How fast is the 2026 Corvette ZR1X?
- A: GM estimates 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of under 9 seconds at over 150 mph.
- Q: Do I need to plug in the Corvette ZR1X to charge it?
- A: No. The front axle electric motor recharges through regenerative braking and the main drive unit; no plug-in charging is needed.
- Q: What makes the ZR1X different from previous Corvettes?
- A: It is the most powerful Corvette ever, the first ZR1 with AWD, and it features a significantly upgraded eAWD chassis for superior traction and handling.
Drive With Ultimate Authority On the Road and the Track
The ZR1X features two chassis configurations with magnetic ride control. This adjusts the ride to the vehicle's mode, driver inputs, and road surface, giving you ultimate control. The impressive power of the ZR1X is nicely balanced with a robust braking system specifically designed for this car. As the pinnacle of Corvette performance, the ZR1X is highly capable on the road and at the track.
You can find out more about the 2026 Corvette ZR1X and the other new Corvette models at Irwin Chevrolet.