2026 Corvette Zr1X becomes fastest Corvette ever with under‑two‑second 0‑60 run

General Motors has unveiled its most powerful Corvette ever, as reported by CNBC following the Detroit automaker's latest announcement. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X represents a major leap in American sports car technology, combining hybrid power with extreme performance capabilities. This new model builds upon the success of the Corvette E-Ray hybrid that launched in 2023, but takes everything to a much higher level.

The ZR1X features the same twin-turbo V-8 engine found in the current ZR1, but adds electric power for incredible acceleration improvements. Company officials describe this as America's first true hypercar, designed to compete with the world's most exclusive high-performance vehicles. The vehicle achieves a remarkable top speed of 233 mph while accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under two seconds, according to CNBC's reporting. The heart of this machine is the LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 1,064 horsepower and 828 foot-pounds of torque, the same powerplant used in both ZR1 models. An electric motor system adds another 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque, creating an all-wheel drive setup that delivers exceptional traction and performance.

The technical details reveal impressive engineering advances, as Car and Driver explains in their analysis of the hybrid system's improvements. The ZR1X combines the best elements from both the E-Ray's hybrid technology and the ZR1's raw power, creating what many consider the ultimate expression of American automotive performance. The electric motor operates at a higher voltage than the E-Ray version, allowing for increased power output and extended operation at higher speeds. Unlike the E-Ray, which stops using electric power at 150 mph, the ZR1X continues electric assistance up to 160 mph before switching to pure gasoline power.

The battery capacity remains the same at 1.9 kilowatt-hours, but engineers improved the usable energy by 29 percent through better voltage management and system efficiency. This allows the front-mounted electric motor to spin at 17,000 rpm compared to 16,000 rpm in the E-Ray, contributing to the power increase. Car and Driver notes that the acceleration figures promise to be extremely impressive, with quarter-mile times expected to drop below nine seconds at trap speeds exceeding 150 mph. The all-wheel drive system provides better traction than rear-wheel drive alternatives, making these performance numbers achievable on regular road surfaces with proper tire preparation.

Motor Trend's coverage highlights the significance of this vehicle in the broader hypercar market, emphasizing how it positions itself against European competitors. The publication explains that the ZR1X addresses the main weakness of the standard ZR1 compared to high-end European hypercars, which was the lack of hybrid electrification. With a total system output of 1,250 horsepower, the ZR1X now matches or exceeds the power levels of vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG One, McLaren 765 LT, and Ferrari SF90. The hybrid system includes multiple driving modes designed for different performance scenarios, including Endurance mode for extended track sessions, Qualifying mode for maximum lap times, and Push-to-Pass mode for on-demand power delivery.

Motor Trend reports that the vehicle also receives significant brake upgrades, with new carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 16.5 inches front and rear, paired with high-performance Alcon calipers. These brakes can generate up to 1.9 g of deceleration force when stopping from high speeds, essential for a vehicle capable of such extreme performance. The ZR1X maintains the same interior design as other 2026 Corvettes, featuring updated digital displays and simplified controls, though some critics suggest this may not match the luxury expectations of potential hypercar buyers. Pricing is expected to start between $190,000 and $200,000, with production beginning later this year and customer deliveries planned for the fourth quarter of 2025.