For 2026, General Motors’ Chevrolet brand is upping the performance and interior user experience for the eighth-generation Corvette. The latest announcement is for the most advanced Corvette ever in the all-wheel-drive ZR1X, which is based on the ZR1 model but with more power thanks to electric front-wheel drive. The ZR1X will enter the market with the freshened interior revealed last month for the entire Corvette lineup.

“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors’ Senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars and delivering world-class performance at every level.”

The Corvette range includes the base Stingray, which initiated Corvette’s mid-engine revolution in 2019. The Z06 launched in 2022 with the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 engine, with the hand-built 5.5-L flat plane crank unit with 670 hp (500 kW) that can spin to 8600 rpm. The E-Ray, unveiled in 2023, is the first Corvette to feature electric AWD paired with a classic Chevrolet Small Block V8. The ZR1, revealed in 2024 with 1064 hp (793 kW) and a 233-mph (375-km/h) top speed, was the most powerful, quickest, and fastest Corvette ever.

 

Hypercar performance

That was until the launch of the ZR1X, which starts with the ZR1’s LT7 V8 producing the 1064 hp at 7000 rpm and 828 lb·ft (1123 N·m) at 6000 rpm and sending its output to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It adds a front-axle electric motor for a GM-estimated acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 2 s and for the quarter-mile run in under 9 s with trap speed over 150 mph (241 km/h).

With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication, the hand-built 5.5-L Gemini small-block V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car.

The V8 is boosted by dual 76-mm (3.0-in) turbochargers. A “maniturbo” exhaust combines the manifold and turbocharger housing to get the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible, improving throttle response by decreasing the time needed to build boost. Dynamic anti-lag controls maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations so that boost is available rapidly when the throttle is reapplied.

To the ZR1 rear-wheel drive powertrain, the Corvette team adapted the front-wheel-drive setup that debuted in 2024 by the E-Ray, combining a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor making 186 hp (139 kW) and 145 lb·ft (197 N·m). While the same shape and size as the E-Ray front drive, the ZR1X unit’s strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment generate an additional 26 hp (19 kW) and 20 lb·ft (27 N·m). The front axle is engaged and can apply power through 160 mph (257 km/h) before disconnecting, benefiting ZR1X’s quarter-mile acceleration and on-track balance.

There is no physical connection between the two ZR1X power sources, and the electrified propulsion system gets its charging through regenerative braking.

The ZR1X’s battery pack is located low and centralized within the center spine of the chassis. It was designed specifically to rapidly cycle between bursts of discharging and charging, having been tested at racetracks around the world and passing Corvette’s 24-h track durability test. While the battery capacity is the same 1.9 kW·h as in the E-Ray, its usable energy has grown by raising the peak operating voltage, which increases the power output from the front drive unit.

The eAWD chassis control system from the E-Ray has undergone a significant upgrade for the ZR1X to match the LT7’s character and capability, benefiting both on-road drivability and on-track performance. The car features specialized energy strategies to optimize electrified output based on track session demands and driver preferences.

In Endurance mode, engaging the Charge+ button adjusts the battery’s energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent eAWD output for a full tank of fuel. Qualifying mode features an optimum power strategy for the ultimate lap time. Push-to-Pass mode provides maximum available power on demand.

New for 2026 on all Corvettes, but designed with ZR1X in mind, is a Pro mode for the PTM (Performance Traction Management) for a purer driving experience. The setting turns off traction and stability control but keeps regen brake torque vectoring to recover peak energy without sacrificing agility; front axle pre-control to actively manage inside front brake pressure to enable maximum corner-exit traction; and launch control with customizable settings to enable rapid acceleration from rest.

Braking has been upgraded with the J59 package. Standard on ZR1X and an option on ZR1, the “clean-sheet” design is intended for better heat resistance and responsiveness. It features Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers mated to the largest diameter rotors ever offered on a Corvette at 16.5-in front and rear. The rotors are carbon ceramic with continuously woven carbon fiber.

The braking system is the most resilient for a GM production car. During testing, engineers saw J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9-g deceleration from 180 to 120 mph (290 to 193 km/h).

ZR1X is offered in two chassis configurations, both featuring magnetic ride control that adjusts to the vehicle’s mode, driver inputs, and the road surface for optimal control. The standard chassis, with Michelin PS4S tires, is the more comfortable touring car on-road setup, but Chevrolet says it is still “highly capable” at the track. The firmer ZTK performance package incorporates higher spring rates paired with stickier Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires.

A high-downforce Carbon Aero package is standard on ZTK models and optional on the standard chassis ZR1X. It adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a rear wing, and is capable of 1200-lb (544-kg) downforce at top speed.

The ZR1X will be available in coupe or hardtop convertible body style, with further details on price and availability shared closer to production.

 

New interior and UX

The updated Corvette cabin will feature a larger and more advanced driver-centric display layout, a new console design, and fresh interior colorways, finishes, and materials. Corvette’s new interior focuses on craftsmanship, a more modern appearance, and offers customization options, including a Corvette-first asymmetrical interior colorway.

“The design team considered every element—from materials, to stitching, to layout of the interior—for the 2026 Corvette,” said Phil Zak, Executive Design Director for Global Chevrolet. “Paired with the new screens and technology, the refreshed interior enables a refined experience for the driver and the passenger.”

The three new configurable driver-centric displays are larger with sharper colors, faster operation, and added functionality. The updated driver-centric cockpit includes a larger 12.7-in center console display, an expanded 14-in driver information center, and a new 6.6-in touchscreen auxiliary display to the left of the steering wheel.

Updated hardware and software bring enhancements to the cockpit and infotainment displays. The new auxiliary display gives a driver-configurable space for instrumentation like trip info and PTM settings.

“There’s an intentional balance of physical and virtual controls,” said Dusty Smith, Performance Driving Product Manager at GM. “For example, the headup display controls are now virtualized, which opens space for Performance Traction Management controls to be intuitive physical buttons.”

The display designs have been modernized with new animations and cleaner graphics for the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges. Drivers can select a preferred screen layout or let the theme change with the corresponding drive mode.

The Performance App introduced on the 2024 E-Ray, showing live power and torque flow plus data plots of power flow over time, for 2026 is extended to the entire Corvette lineup. Additional capability has been added or consolidated into the app, like acceleration timers and gauges for g-force, tire pressure and temperature, propulsion system vitals, and eAWD.

The optional PDR (performance data recorder) has undergone a complete user interface overhaul, with system improvements and larger screens. It offers real-time in-car data analysis and the ability to record high-definition video of driving sessions. Drivers can analyze their performance and make data-driven adjustments for optimal results based on speed trace analysis, side-by-side video playback, and automated “speed tips” based on their driving data through the center console display.

All 2026 Corvettes feature a custom infotainment system with Google Built-in, with OnStar connectivity available. Customers can use voice assistance to control PDR opening, navigation, cabin temperature, playing songs, texting, and make phone calls. New apps like Google Chrome, GameSnacks, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and others available through Google Play allow occupants to stream movies, play games, and browse the web while parked.

The center console has been reconfigured to better place crucial controls at the driver’s fingertips. The drive-mode selector has been redesigned and relocated in line with the gear selector. In its place, a new wireless phone charging pad is integrated below the infotainment system, with a cover to keep the phone in place. The volume knob in the center console display is now bigger and features a lit base for better visibility.

The HVAC controls have been repositioned under the center display, enabling space for a passenger grab handle. The passenger side also adds a new USB-C port below the grab handle.

Standard on ZR1 and ZR1X and available on E-Ray and Z06, a new carbon fiber display hood over the driver information center screen ties into carbon-fiber options already offered on the Corvette. The redesigned cupholders include ambient lighting and, in 2LT/2LZ and 3LT/3LZ trims, are highlighted with real aluminum.

Customers can spec a mixed seating option, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat.

“This is Chevrolet’s first asymmetrical interior,” said Lindsey Grant, Global CMF (color, material, and finish) Design Manager for Chevrolet. “The Jet Black and Adrenaline Red complement each other well as they run through the dash, center console, and seats, drawing a dramatic separation between the driver and passenger areas.”

In addition, an Ultimate Suede interior brings sueded microfiber to nearly all interior surfaces.