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VIDEO: Top Gear’s Deep Dive into the Most Powerful Corvette

A hybrid monster that only costs under $250,000

Photo courtesy of Top Gear

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X combines the 1064 hp twin-turbo V8 of the standard ZR1 with the E-Ray’s 186 hp electric front axle, producing 1250 hp and all-wheel drive. Top Gear tests it on road, track, and drag strip, where it hits 0‑60 mph in 1.68 s on prepped surfaces, the quarter mile in 8.6 s at 159 mph, and beats the Nürburgring time of a Porsche 992 GT3 RS, all for under $250,000 with the ZTK package.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X on track courtesy of Top Gear

The ZR1X retains the ZR1’s aluminum chassis, low-mounted LT7 engine, and high-rigidity central spine, with upgraded electric motor management and 1.9 kWh battery. It offers three E4-wheel drive modes—endurance, qualifying, and push-to-pass—and advanced driver-configurable modes. Carbon-ceramic brakes and reinforced tires manage the immense power and provide precise control.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X on a dragstrip courtesy of Top Gear

On track, the car delivers hypercar-level acceleration and traction, with composure in high-speed direction changes. The electric front axle feels seamless, providing extra grip without interfering with handling. On the drag strip, it achieves 0‑60 in just over 2 seconds on street tires, with quarter-mile times in the low 9 s. On the road, it’s manageable, stiff but comfortable, with usable power delivery and a turbocharged engine that outperforms many supercars’ full powertrains.

Source: Top Gear