Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X Bows With Hypercar-baiting 1,250 HP!

New to the eighth-gen Corvette range is the range-topping ZR1X guise.

The new eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has already marked several firsts. Not only the first Corvette to bow as a midship, but it was also the first to be electrified with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option, and the first see a right-hand-drive (RHD) option ready.

Now, there’s a brand-new range-topper that’s set to raise the performance bar tremendously for the celebrated American sportscar nameplate.

Debuting this week as the nameplate’s new top dog is the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. It essentially brings together the best of both the manic ZR1 and the electrified E-Ray, resulting in a hypercar-baiting performance package with 1,250 HP!

The Corvette ZR1X merges the ZR1's 5.5-litre V8 twin-turbo mill with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system from the E-Ray.

On its own, the ZR1-derived 5.5-litre flat-plane twin-turbo V8 mill already puts out 1,064 HP and 1,123 NM. An additional 160 HP and 197 NM comes from the PHEV system derived from the Corvette E-Ray, which consists of a front e-motor and compact 1.9 kWh battery pack.

Unlike in the E-Ray, the ZR1X’s PHEV system boasts higher outputs and can apply power up to 160 MPH (257 KM/H) before decoupling. Mated to the powertrain too is an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic box plus an electronic all-wheel-drive (eAWD).

Altogether, Chevrolet touts that Corvette ZR1X can despatch 0-60 MPH (97 KM/H) in under 2.0 secs. The American automaker even adds that the Corvette ZR1X will complete the standing quarter mile (400-metre) sprint in just 9 secs.

Though aimed more for road use, the Corvette ZR1X is honed track use too.

Moreover, with this much power and speed, the Corvette ZR1X can also generate over 1.0G latitudinally and longitudinally. What’s surprising here is the fact this hypercar-like performance is coming from a regular production model, not a limited-run special.

Chevrolet isn’t prescriptive about what the Corvette ZR1X is for, but did state it was aimed at road use more than track use, and this comes again despite the model being designed to cope with both. Included here as a result are enhanced braking hardware too.

The latter are exceptional as it brings 420 MM carbon ceramic rotors grabbed by 10-piston calipers made by Alcon up front. During tests at the renowned Nurburgring, these recorded 1.9G of deceleration from 180-120 MPH (290 – 193 KM/H) at the Tiergarten.

Besides a 'Standard' guise, the Corvette ZR1X also has a track-focused LTZ Package option available.

Similar to the ZR1, the ZR1X sees two guises offered. The first is a ‘standard’ option that bring a smaller rear wing plus a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, all enabling a claimed V-max of 233 MPH (approx. 375 KM/H).

Next comes the ZTK Package guise which brings even more downforce through an even larger rear wing, followed by the adoption got Michelin Cup2R tyres and stiffer suspension. No prizes for guessing which one is best suited for track use.

Another key bit to the Corvette ZR1X is its trick on board computer, which constantly monitors driver input and vehicle conditions to optimise the power blend. It also brings three energy strategies to suit different situations.

Also unique to the Corvette ZR1X are its Alcon-supplied brakes, which sees massive 420 MM carbon ceramic rotors up front grabbed by 10-piston calipers.

For the latter, drivers can select between ‘Endurance’ mode for long lapping sessions, and ‘Qualifying’ mode for achieving a top lap time. There’s also a ‘Push-To-Pass’ function for a quick delivery of all available power.

As for price, Chevrolet reportedly did not release figures for the former yet. Nevertheless, expect this new Corvette ZR1X to command a higher figure than the already manic ZR1 model, which starts at US$174,995 (approx. RM743,291).