The C8-generation Corvette keeps racking up the firsts. First mid-engine ‘Vette. First (official) turbocharged ‘Vette. First hybrid. First to offer four-wheel drive. And now, the first turbocharged hybrid. So unprecedented is the 1,250bhp power output, GM has been forced to create an extra letter to tag onto its flagship: say hello to the ZR1X.

While the numbers are staggering, the recipe itself is quite simple. Take the 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 from the ZR1, then add the front-mounted electric motor from the E-ray.

On its own, the V8 produces 1,064bhp and 828lb-ft (1,123Nm) of torque directed to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the ZR1X, the E-motor takes the higher voltage input, and uses strengthened components to release an additional 26bhp and 20lb-ft of torque, for an increased output of 186bhp and 145lb-ft (197Nm). The motor provides a part-time all-wheel drive system, allowing the ZR1X to transfer its combined 1,250bhp and 973lb-ft (1,319Nm) of torque to the tarmac. The result is an estimated sub-two-second 0-60mph time, and a quarter mile time of under nine seconds at over 150mph. We expect a ZR1-matching top speed of 233mph.

The electric motor draws power from a 1.9kWh capacity battery mounted within the spine of the chassis. Unlike hybrid hypercars like the McLaren W1, and the Lamborghini Revuelto, the petrol and electric systems are completely separate. The battery is charged purely through regenerative braking, and has been subjected to a 24-hour circuit durability test. Electrical assistance is available up to 160mph, and there are three different energy deployment settings from the hybrid system: Endurance, Qualifying, and Push-to-Pass.

While an instant performance boost comes from the front axle, the engine uses lag-reducing engineering to improve response times. The pair of 76-mm turbochargers are housed in a combined manifold and turbine housing, which Chevrolet calls the “maniturbo”. The close proximity to the exhaust reduces the time needed to build boost, and a dynamic anti-lag system helps maintain the speed of the turbos when off-throttle.

The ZR1X also debuts a new feature that will be seen across all Corvettes throughout 2026, Performance Traction Management Pro (PTM Pro). When selected, the system will disengage traction and stability control, while maintaining regenerative brake torque vectoring for maximum performance with minimum interference. 

With the increase in performance, an increase in stopping power comes with the standard-fit J59 braking package. Combining 10-piston front and 6-piston rear callipers and 16.5” carbon ceramic discs, the car can reach 1.9G of deceleration between 180-120mph, ensuring the ZR1X can stop as violently as it can accelerate. The chassis can be further enhanced by the ZTK Performance Package, offering a firmer suspension set-up with a higher spring rate and Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres. 

The high-downforce Carbon Aero package can be fitted to all ZR1X variants, which adds front dive planes, underbody strakes, a front Gurney lip, and a large fixed rear wing. These elements produce 544kg of downforce at the ZR1X’s top speed.

Inside, the ZR1X gains the revised interior that features across the 2026 Corvette model range. This includes a larger 14” drivers’ display, and a 12.7” inch infotainment screen. Also for the first time on a Corvette, there is a 6.6” screen to the left of the steering wheel. This shows additional information such as PTM settings, and trip mileage.

Elsewhere, the air conditioning controls sit beneath the infotainment display to aid usability on the move. The cabin can be upholstered in four new colour schemes, and as with all C8 Corvette variants, there’s the option of unlimited headroom by removing the targa-style roof panel, or opting for the convertible model.

Although the ZR1X arrives six years on from the C8’s reveal, the range-topping model has been in the works for a while. GM Senior Vice President Ken Morris said: “From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind. This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars.”

The 1,250bhp ZR1X more than doubles the power output of the entry-level C8 Stingray, which has to make do with 495bhp from its 6.2-litre naturally aspirated engine. As such, the new nickname of America’s hypercar is fitting. As the Corvette ZR1 broke five domestic lap records in 2024, we wouldn’t be surprised if the ZR1X is used to take the title of fastest American car at the Nurburgring away from Ford. Further details will be announced prior to the new variant going into production, with prices expected to start close to $200,000, and £200,000 if it comes to the UK.