2027 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1MotorTrend - MotorTrend (MotorTrend - MotorTrend)Power, power, powerAppealing performance valueRecently improved interiorSuperfluous?Cartoonish stylingLacks frunkAs if the regular C8 Corvette wasn’t fast enough, Chevrolet offers several variants above it—with the ZR1 and ZR1X at the top. A twin-turbocharged V-8 making four-figure horsepower puts these models in hypercar territory while retaining the daily drivability and performance value the Corvette is known for.AdvertisementAdvertisementLike every other C8 model, the ZR1 and ZR1X are offered with a removable roof panel or power-operated convertible top. Ultra-high-performance rivals include the Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lamborghini Temerario, and McLaren 750S.What’s NewThe ZR1 and ZR1X joined the C8 lineup for 2025, and the Corvette lineup received a significant refresh for 2026. A few more changes are applied to the ZR1 and ZR1X for 2027.BasicsIntersection collision avoidance assistance becomes standardExteriorAdmiral Blue and Pitch Gray paint colors arriveExhaust tips are black as standard, silver optionallyBlue brake calipers and stripe body decals now availableExtended front aerodynamics become optionalInteriorColor-matched trim details for certain interiorsSantorini Blue/Jet Black interior introducedWhat We ThinkThe Corvette ZR1X takes the outrageous ZR1 and elevates it to hypercar territory. By pairing the ZR1’s twin-turbo V-8 with a front-axle electric motor, the ultimate Corvette is transformed from barely contained to devastatingly effective.AdvertisementAdvertisementElectrification doesn’t just boost speed—it greatly improvestraction and usability. The ZR1 easily overwhelms its rear tires, while the ZR1X deploys its power with greater precision, especially when exiting corners. The result is staggering acceleration combined with improved stability and confidence.However, the ZR1X’s excess is also its drawback. It’s heavier, more complex, and so extreme that exploiting its limits requires ideal conditions and wide-open roads. In being harder to drive, the ZR1 is also potentially more exciting.Regardless, these are absolutely epic cars. Overwhelming power and phenomenal handling make each a performance icon, especially given their relatively affordable pricing. Perhaps their greatest threats come from within the C8 Corvette lineup.Given how good the standard Stingray, new Grand Sport, and screaming Z06 are, the ZR1 and especially the ZR1X seem excessive—but maybe that’s the point.Top-Ranked Competitors:Porsche 911 Turbo SLamborghini TemerarioMcLaren 750SFerrari 296 GTBCorvette ZR1 Engine and PerformanceThe Corvette ZR1 is powered by the LT7: a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine that produces 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque. That’s all sent through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to RWD.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn MotorTrend’s independent testing, the ZR1 didn’t prove to be quite as quick as Chevrolet claimed—but still insanely quick. Our team got a 0–60-mph launch of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 9.9 seconds at 144.2 mph.Is the ZR1X Quicker Than the ZR1?For some drivers, there’s never enough power—and for them, Chevrolet offers the ZR1X. Like the ZR1, this ultimate Corvette model has the LT7 twin-turbo V-8 powering its rear wheels. But the ZR1X gains a front-axle electric motor, making the chassis all-wheel drive. With that, the ZR1X has total drivetrain output of 1,250 hp.Thanks to AWD, launch traction is also improved—making the ZR1X even quicker and faster than the ZR1. In MotorTrend testing, the ZR1X went from 0to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds and crossed the quarter-mile in 9.2 seconds at 153.3 mph.MPGs and RangeFuel economy for the ZR1 is rated at 12/18 mpg city/highway. Because it’s a hybrid, the ZR1X is slightly more efficient, returning 12/19 mpg. Both of these Corvette models have about 260 miles of range on a full tank of gas.Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesStandard FeaturesLike other Corvette models, the ZR1 and ZR1X gain intersection collision avoidance technology for 2027. Other standard driver assist and active safety features include front automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams.Available FeaturesThe 3LZ trim is equipped with rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.Frunk or No Frunk?To accommodate the LT7 engine’s increased cooling needs, Chevrolet had to add additional radiators for the ZR1 and ZR1X. Those are mounted between the front wheels, where other C8 variants have a front trunk. Because of that, there’s less storage space inside these models, but they still have a 9.1 cubic foot cargo area behind the engine.TechnologyInfotainmentIn the 2026 interior update, the C8 Corvette gained a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.7-inch gauge display, and 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen. The ZR1 and ZR1X also have a digital rearview mirror and head-up display.AdvertisementAdvertisementWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, supported by a wireless device charging pad. A performance data and video recording system is also included.Sound SystemThe standard 1LZ trim has a 10-speaker Bose audio system, while the 3LZ gets a 14-speaker Bose premium setup.Available UpgradesThe high-end 3LZ trim gains dual wireless charging pads, an integrated garage door transponder, driver’s seat memory settings, and a front-facing camera.How Expensive Are the ZR1 and ZR1X?Pricing for the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 starts at approximately $188,000 for the 1LZ trim and jumps to $199,000 for the better-equipped 3LZ trim. The ZR1X starts at slightly more than $212,000 in 1LZ trim and rises to about $223,000 for the 3LZ trim. For all of these models, choosing the convertible variant adds $10,000.What Is the ZTK Track Performance Package?Choosing the ZTK Track Performance package equips the ZR1 and ZR1X with magnetic adaptive suspension dampers and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. On the ZR1, it also adds carbon-ceramic brakes, which are standard on the ZR1X.ZR1 and ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero PackageFor ultimate track-ready performance, the ZR1 and ZR1X can be equipped with the Carbon Fiber Aero package. This gives the car front dive planes, a hood spoiler, and an enormous rear wing, adding downforce for grip and stability at high speeds.AdvertisementAdvertisementSeparately, the cars can be optioned with carbon-fiber wheels, although it’s not necessary to spec the Carbon Fiber Aero package to get those.Is the Corvette ZR1X the Quickest American Car?Close—but not quite. The ZR1X is preposterously quick, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds and hitting the quarter mile in 9.2 seconds at 153.3 mph. But another American car is even quicker than the king Corvette.With dual electric motors making 1,234 hp and ultra-precise traction control, the Lucid Air Sapphire hits60 mph in 1.9 seconds and the quarter mile in 9.0 seconds at 154.8 mph. Perhaps an all-electric C8 Corvette could beat Lucid’s best?