The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, dubbed the granddaddy of all Corvettes, represents a tremendous show of gas-electric firepower with its 1,250-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Combining the standard ZR1’s 1,064-hp twin-turbo V-8 with an enhanced version of the hybrid Corvette E-Ray’s front-axle electric motor, this all-wheel-drive monster commands an as-tested price of $260,400. Its performance places it squarely in the realm of Ferraris and Lamborghinis that often cost more than double.

Chevrolet initially made bold claims about the ZR1X’s acceleration, publishing figures of 0-60 mph in 1.68 seconds and a quarter-mile in 8.68 seconds at 159 mph, achieved on a prepped dragstrip. For unprepped roads, Chevy quoted a still impressive 1.89-second 0-60 time and an 8.99-second quarter mile. However, MotorTrend’s independent testing on a streetlike surface at an automotive proving ground yielded slightly different, though still exceptional, results. The ZR1X blasted from 0 to 60 mph in 2.14 seconds, ripped past 100 mph in 4.11 seconds, and punched through the quarter mile in 9.24 seconds at 153.3 mph. Despite being slower than Chevy’s quoted figures, these numbers make the ZR1X the quickest vehicle with a gas engine MotorTrend has tested in its 77-year history, dethroning the Lamborghini Temerario.

The discrepancy between Chevy’s claims and MotorTrend’s independent test results can be attributed to several factors. Chevy's prepped dragstrip times were set with the standard aero package and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. MotorTrend’s test car, similar to the one Chevy used for its street-based claims, was equipped with the optional Carbon Fiber Aero package and the ZTK Track Performance package, which includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. Additionally, MotorTrend's car's suspension was set up in racetrack alignment. Automotive engineers have noted that the base Pilot Sport 4S tires can sometimes offer better launch traction than track-focused Cup 2 tires, due to a thicker tread holding heat better and being designed with occasional drag racing in mind, whereas Cup 2s are optimized for cornering grip. The increased drag from the aero kit likely also contributes to a slightly longer quarter-mile time. Despite these differences, MotorTrend’s road test editor reported no problems with the ZR1X hooking up, and weather corrections were minimal.

In terms of acceleration, the ZR1X remains a top performer. Its 2.1-second 0-60 mph sprint places it as the sixth quickest time MotorTrend has ever recorded, with only four electric vehicles and the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano (which it trailed by just 0.04 seconds) ahead of it. It edged out the 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S by a mere 0.01 second. In the quarter mile, this Corvette moves into fourth place overall, with only EVs ahead, beating the Ferrari by 0.37 seconds and trailing the all-time leader, the 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire, by only 0.21 seconds. The standard ZR1 is significantly outpaced, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a 9.9-second quarter-mile at 144.2 mph.

However, the ZR1X's performance wasn’t as dominant in braking and handling. Despite its specially designed calipers and massive carbon-ceramic discs, it required 98 feet to stop from 60 mph. This is a foot shorter than the basic ZR1 but falls short of record-worthy results, which are typically under 90 feet, a feat achieved by the last-generation ZR1 at 88 feet. Handling results were also close but nuanced; the ZR1X pulled 1.14 average lateral g on the skidpad. This is an excellent result, placing it in a five-way tie within MotorTrend’s top 25, yet it is slightly worse than the standard ZR1, which achieved 1.16 average lateral g.

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, while not fully matching all of Chevy's most ambitious pre-release claims under independent, real-world conditions, nonetheless stands as an incredibly potent machine. Its tested acceleration, formidable power, and sophisticated engineering solidify its position as one of the fastest and most capable vehicles available, challenging established hypercars with its compelling performance.