General Motors unveiled the Corvette ZR1X on Tuesday, representing the most powerful Corvette ever built. This new model, like the new Bugatti Chiron, is a “hypercar” because it makes super-car performance look luxury car easy. It has remarkable speed and acceleration—0-60 mph in less than two seconds. ZR1X is the latest addition to the Corvette family. It strengthens the brand’s commitment to performance-oriented vehicles and welcomes electrification with open arms.
The Corvette lineup offers five thrilling models. It ranges from a base price of the Corvette Stingray around $70,000 up to the opulent ZR1 that can easily top $200,000. The introduction of the ZR1X aligns with GM’s strategy to create a profitable “Corvette family,” aimed at capturing a broader market share while maintaining its reputation for performance excellence.
The Corvette ZR1X is even more high-tech than it sounds. Partnered with its electric axle, the all wheel drive capable EV adds all of this power along with 186 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. This electric brainiac joins forces with the beastly LT7 twin-turbo V-8 engine. Jointly, they produce a jaw-dropping 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque. The same massive engine provides power for both ZR1 models. This design decision helps the ZR1X deliver the mind-blowing performance that has made the Corvette nameplate legendary.
The assembly of the Corvette ZR1X occurs at GM’s Bowling Green, KY, assembly plant. The body homage was heavily inspired by the original 1963 Corvette with rear split window. It’s a smart homage that perfectly bridges their storied past and modern present, paying tribute to the brand’s rich history.
Josh Holder, the Corvette chief engineer, further articulated what makes this vehicle so special when he said,
“It brings performance, electrification and all-wheel drive to further enhance the unthinkable ZR1.”
Here, he goes into more detail on the ZR1X. It melds the knowledge gained from the ZR1 and Corvette E-Ray additively, resolving an incredible experience of audacious performance and extreme refinement.
“It brings learnings from the ZR1 and the E-Ray, and combines them to create an unbelievable driving experience,” said Holder.
Megan Dalley, Corvette marketing manager, is excited to see the new model come out. She went so far as to call it the crowning achievement of automotive innovation.
“It is the most advanced Corvette we’ve ever produced. America’s true hypercar has arrived,” she stated.
Dalley highlighted the significance of the Corvette brand for General Motors:
“Corvette is a very profitable vehicle for the company, and we continue to be the pinnacle of performance.”