the 1,250-horsepower ‘hypercar killer’ is here: Corvette ZR1X threatens Bugatti with a 911 price tag

chevrolet has unveiled its new flagship model, the CorvetteZR1X, a game-changer in the hypercar market. long rumored to be the “Zora,” it has stunned the world with a 1,250-horsepowersystem total output that surpasses the Ferrari F80 and acceleration that rivals the Bugatti Chiron. Even more impressive is the fact that it does all of this at a Porsche 911 GTS-level price. We break down everything you need to know about the ZR1X, which pioneers the unprecedented category of “value hypercar.

a monster born from the ‘kitchen sink’

The ZR1X was expected to be named after legendary Corvette engineer Zora Akers-Dunthorpe, but instead it was released with a rather mundane name, which speaks volumes about the car’s character. The ZR1X isn’t a pure hypercar designed from a dedicated carbon fiber monocoque like the Pagani, but rather a ‘throw everything you have at it’ model, using the platform of the existing Corvette ZR1 and hybrid technology from the E-Ray. that’s why it was nicknamed “the kitchen sink” by the development team.

but that’s the ZR1X’s greatest weapon: It’s this approach that allows it to carry an unbelievable price tag for its performance – under $200,000for the U.S. market, which means you get McLaren W1-level power for the price of a Porsche 911 GTS.

the secret to 1,250 horsepower: combining the LT7 twin-turbo V8 with eAWD

The ZR1X has two hearts. at the rear is the LT7 5.5-liter DOHC twin-turbo V8 engine,the most powerful internal combustion engine in Corvette history. this engine alone produces a staggering 1,064 horsepower, while the front wheels are driven by a 186-horsepower electric motor that upgrades the system from the E-Ray. these two power sources make up a decoupled hybrid AWD systemthat is not mechanically linked, but electronically controlled.

• total system power: 1,250 hp
• total system torque: Approx. 1,320 Nm
• 0-60 mph (approx. 96 km/h): less than 2 seconds
• quarter mile (approx. 400 m): less than 9 seconds (similar to Bugatti Chiron)

track Dominating Technologies

The ZR1X isn’t just a fast car in a straight line; it’s packed with technology for track driving.

• multiple driving modes: ‘Endurance Mode’ for long track runs, ‘Qualifying Mode’ to unleash maximum power for a single lap, and ‘Push-to-Pass’ for instant overtaking acceleration.
• powerful braking system: Developed in collaboration with Alcon in the UK, the braking system consists of 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers and massive 420 mm discs, ensuring reliable stopping power at speeds up to 290 km/h.
• ZTK Track Package: The ZTK package includes extreme aero parts such as a large rear wing and front dive plane, as well as Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires for maximum high-speed stability.

is it a true hypercar? Nevertheless

of course, with a kerb weight of over 1,800 kilograms and the use of an existing platform, it’s hard to put the ZR1X in the same league as traditional hypercars like the Ferrari F50. But if you look at the performance numbers alone, it’s already in hypercar territory, and more importantly, it’s carved out a unique territory of ‘bang for the buck’. design, performance, and price. the Corvette ZR1X is the perfect flagship, and it’s asking new questions of the supercar market.