DETROIT — General Motors has announced an exciting expansion of its Corvette lineup with the introduction of a high-performance, hybrid variant of the iconic American sports car.
On Tuesday, the Detroit-based automaker unveiled the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X “hypercar,” a more powerful version of the Corvette E-Ray hybrid that was launched in 2023. This new model boasts performance specifications comparable to the current Corvette ZR1, featuring a twin-turbo V-8 engine, yet it delivers enhanced acceleration thanks to advanced “electrification” technologies.
“This is the most advanced Corvette we have ever manufactured. America’s true hypercar is finally here,” stated Megan Dalley, Corvette marketing manager, during a media presentation. “We are putting the world on notice with this vehicle, showcasing what Corvette and America’s premier supercar are capable of accomplishing.”
A “hypercar” is typically regarded as superior to a “supercar,” particularly regarding performance metrics such as speed, acceleration, and 0-60 mph times, standing above traditional “sports cars.”
The Corvette ZR1X is claimed to reach a top speed of 233 mph, with a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration time of under two seconds, according to GM. The vehicle’s LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine, shared with both ZR1 models, is rated at 1,064 horsepower and 828 foot-pounds of torque. Additionally, the ZR1X’s electric axle enables all-wheel drive and contributes an extra 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, enhancing the car’s performance further.
“It combines performance, electrification, and all-wheel drive to elevate the already extraordinary ZR1,” remarked Josh Holder, Corvette chief engineer. “This vehicle integrates insights from both the ZR1 and the E-Ray to deliver an unparalleled driving experience.”
The introduction of the ZR1X expands the Corvette lineup to five distinct models, marking the broadest range since the vehicle’s inception in 1953. This initiative aligns with the automaker’s goal of building a lucrative “Corvette family,” that includes the more accessible Corvette Stingray starting around $70,000, up to the ZR1, which can exceed $200,000.
“Corvette remains a highly profitable model for the company, reaffirming our status as the pinnacle of performance,” Dalley added.
GM previously indicated plans for an all-electric Corvette, but the status of those ambitions remains uncertain due to slower-than-anticipated market adoption of electric vehicles. Additionally, the automaker has been contemplating the production of a Corvette SUV for several years.
Pricing details for the Corvette ZR1X will be disclosed closer to its arrival in dealerships later this year.
The ZR1X will be offered in both convertible and coupe configurations, with the coupe variant featuring a rear split window, a nod to the classic 1963 Corvette.
All Corvettes are manufactured at GM’s assembly facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
