Chevy’s 1,250 HP ZR1X Hybrid: The First Corvette Hypercar?
▼ Summary
– Chevrolet sponsored Ars’ trip to Austin to cover the new ZR1 and teased the upcoming ZR1X, though Ars maintains editorial independence.
– The ZR1X is an even more powerful variant of the mid-engine Corvette, following the E-Ray hybrid’s design with an enhanced AWD system.
– The ZR1X combines a 1,064 hp twin-turbo V8 with a front electric motor for a total output of 1,250 hp, using an upgraded 1.9 kWh battery.
– With improved battery capacity and motor power, the ZR1X is projected to accelerate from 0–60 mph in under two seconds.
– The ZR1X’s front axle disconnects at 160 mph, and its aerodynamic design aims to match the ZR1’s top speed of 233 mph, tested with ballast for validation.
Chevrolet has taken the Corvette to unprecedented heights with the upcoming ZR1X, a hybrid hypercar variant that pushes performance boundaries beyond anything previously seen from the brand. During the recent ZR1 media launch, GM teased this even more powerful model, confirming rumors that began circulating when the mid-engine C8 platform debuted, especially after the E-Ray hybrid demonstrated the potential of electrification in the Corvette lineup.
Initially speculated to carry the “Zora” moniker in honor of legendary engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, the car instead adopts the ZR1X designation, with the “X” signaling all-wheel drive. Building on the already monstrous 1,064 hp twin-turbo V8 from the ZR1, Chevrolet adds a front-mounted electric motor, boosting total output to a staggering 1,250 hp. This hybrid setup not only enhances acceleration but also improves traction, making it a true force on both road and track.
Key to this performance leap is an upgraded 1.9 kWh battery pack, now holding 26% more charge than the E-Ray’s system. The front motor’s output jumps to 186 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, enabling the ZR1X to sprint from 0–60 mph in under two seconds. Unlike the E-Ray, which disengages its front axle at 150 mph, the ZR1X maintains power delivery until 160 mph before switching to rear-drive mode for maximum efficiency at high speeds.
Despite the added hybrid components, Chevrolet engineers ensured the ZR1X retains the ZR1’s blistering top speed. The car’s low-drag aerodynamic package allows it to match the 233 mph benchmark set by its non-hybrid sibling during testing in Germany. In fact, GM intentionally conducted that speed run with extra weight to simulate the ZR1X’s eventual performance, proving that electrification doesn’t compromise the Corvette’s legacy of speed.
With its groundbreaking power figures and cutting-edge hybrid tech, the ZR1X isn’t just another Corvette, it’s a statement. Chevrolet is positioning it as a true hypercar contender, blending American muscle with next-generation engineering to redefine what a performance car can achieve.
(Source: Ars Technica)
