The ZR1X starts with the already-potent ZR1’s LT7 V8 engine. The hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small block V8 makes an astounding 1,064 horsepower and 1,122 Nm of torque. Developed alongside the Corvette racing cars, it boasts of dual 76-mm turbochargers with dynamic anti-lag. This is mated to an 8-speed dual clutch.

From there, the ZR1X adds the Corvette E-Ray’s 1.96-kWh high-voltage battery pack and front-mounted electric motor. Strengthened components and internals mean 186 horsepower and 196 Nm of all electric power—26 horsepower and 27 Nm more than the E-Ray. And with the front wheels being powered solely by electrons, it gives the ZR1X all-wheel drive capability (at least up to 258 km/h, at which speeds, the electric motor disconnects from the drive wheels). There’s actually no physical connection between the two power sources.

Combined outputs are an outstanding 1,250 horsepower—more than the Ferrari F80 and about the same as the McLaren W1. This leads to brutal acceleration with a 0 to 100 km/h time of under 2 seconds and a standing quarter-mile run in less than 9 seconds—all said to be achievable on an unprepped surface. The combined outputs can also be called upon using a “Push to Pass” feature.

Impressive as the Corvette ZR1X’s straight line performance is, it’s also a corner monster. The eAWD system from the E-Ray has been redesigned so that it can pull 1.0 g both longitudinally and laterally. The brakes too have been redesigned with Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch rotors—the largest discs ever offered on a Corvette. The rotors are made of carbon ceramic and are good for 1.9 gs of deceleration.

Inside, the ZR1X stays close to the regular Corvette which may disappoint those looking for a true hyper car experience. Still, it’s got the redesigned console design with the three-screen layout, something it shares with other 2026 Corvettes. The new digital gauge cluster measures 14 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 other vehicle drive settings.

Chevrolet puts the production of the ZR1X later this year at its Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. The go-sale plan by the end of the year. Once it arrives in showrooms, it will likely become the most expensive Corvette ever with a likely starting price of USD 250,000. Still, everything considered, it’s a bargain next to the Ferrari 296 GTB (USD 347,000 starting price), McLaren 720S (USD 310,500), and Porsche 911 GT2 RS (USD 293,200).