Chevrolet Introduces 1,250-hp Corvette ZR1X

Slung behind the driver is a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, itself good for 1,064 horsepower. That part of the equation exclusively drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Up front, meanwhile, look for an electric motor adding 186 fresh ponies to the mix via the front tires, all of which adds up to the headline total given above. GM estimates this machine will hit 60 mph in under two seconds and burn the quarter mile down in less than nine.

There is a 1.9-kWh battery on board, cribbed from the E-Ray but fettled to pack more usable power. In the ZR1X, it is mounted low along the car’s spine, helping center of gravity and weight distribution measures. That horsepower count from the electric motor is higher than the E-Ray as well thanks to strengthened internals and improvements in energy deployment, so it’s not like the team raided a parts bin and called it a day. The motor will work at speeds up to 160 mph before disconnecting.

The flashy Carbon Aero package shown here (wing, dive planes, et al) is available on all variants of the ZR1X but standard on anything ordered with the ZTK Performance pack. That’s the group which swaps Michelin PS4S tires for Pilot Cup 2R socks along with adding higher spring rates. As for the interior, it obviously gets the ‘26 upgrades but check that single red seat in the black car on these photos. Good stuff.

Is there more in the C8 tank? We’d bet on it - just like we’d bet on Rick Hendrick buying the first production ZR1X. After all, there’s still the Zora name in the hopper.