General Motors is expanding the performance car frontier with its formal introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, a hybrid hypercar that sets a new standard for what an American sports car can achieve. Powered by an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain and boasting over 1,200 horsepower at its command, the ZR1X is the fastest and most powerful Corvette to ever roll off the production line.

Dubbed by GM as "America's true hypercar," the 2026 Corvette ZR1X is an evolution and revolution. It mates the twin-turbo V-8 powerplant with the latest electric propulsion to deliver lightning-quick acceleration and razor-sharp handling. To reach a top speed of 233 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds—a performance that places it in the rarest group of performance vehicles.

“Here's the message we're sending to the world in this car," Corvette marketing manager Megan Dalley said. "It's the most sophisticated Corvette we've ever made."

Hybrid Power That Packs a Punch

At the core of that is GM's new LT7 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, which produces 1,064 horsepower and 828 pound-feet of torque. Supporting the internal combustion drive train is a front-axle-mounted electric motor that contributes 186 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, making the total output a staggering 1,250 horsepower.

This drivetrain hybrid not only enhances in-straight acceleration but also provides all-wheel drive capability, a first on a ZR1. The electric motor is powered by a small battery that is charged through regenerative braking—no plug-in recharging is necessary.

"It combines all that we've learned from the ZR1 and the E-Ray," Corvette Chief Engineer Josh Holder said. "This is the pinnacle expression of high-performance electrification."

Aggressive Styling, Classic Cues

ZR1X maintains Corvette's aggressive styling cues with the addition of distinctive aerodynamic enhancements, such as a humongous carbon fiber rear wing, active front splitters, and racing-inspired diffusers. A rear "split window" treatment on the coupe variant is a nod to the legendary 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.

The car will come in coupe and convertible guise, and will be built at GM's Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky, the site of the Corvette's birth.

Adding the Corvette Lineup

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X brings the Corvette franchise to five models: Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, ZR1, and now ZR1X. GM has been adamant that it wants Corvette to be a sub-brand within its franchise, and the ZR1X is crucial in making that happen.

While price information hasn't been released yet, auto experts expect the ZR1X to start around $200,000, which would make it the most expensive Corvette ever sold.

The Road Ahead

While GM has already teased an all-electric Corvette and even a Corvette SUV, no timeline has been provided. Meanwhile, the ZR1X bridges the gap between gasoline-powered heritage and electrified future—providing record performance and taking Corvette to new heights.

As its European and Asian rivals scramble to electrify their supercars, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is delivering the message that Detroit is not just keeping pace—it's leading the pack.