GM Authority has been following the development of the new Corvette Zora for quite some time now, most recently posting a series of spy photos capturing the hybrid hypercar out for testing on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. While we’ve long contended that the upcoming C8 variant would boast hybrid power, all-wheel grip, and the top spot in the C8 performance hierarchy, one of the big questions has been whether the Zora would be a standalone model, or a package upgrade for the C8 ZR1. Now, it looks like we have our answer.
As it turns out, the new Corvette Zora is known internally as the “ZR1e,” as verified through internal GM ordering systems and recorded in the new C8 Corvette ZR1 registry, reports Corvette Action Center. The registry includes listings for early 2026-model-year C8 prototypes, and, starting with serial number 20, certain units include the “HP1 – Front Axle, Electrified Propulsion” option and are marked as a ZR1e in GM’s system. This HP1 option is key, as it indicates the car is equipped with the same front-mounted electric motor as the C8 E-Ray. The electric motor is paired with the LT7, the twin-turbocharged V8 that propels the “standard” ZR1. Put it all together, and you have the same formula we’ve been reporting for years, with 1,064 horsepower from the V8 and 160 horsepower from the electric motor for an estimated 1,224 combined horsepower, not to mention 953 pound-feet of torque, plus all-wheel grip. Notably, vehicles without the HP1 code are simply designated as ZR1.
The Zora name is in honor of the legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, who long championed a mid-engine layout for the Corvette nameplate. However, the designation of the Corvette Zora as a package upgrade for the ZR1 rather than a standalone model coincides with comments made by former Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter, who has maintained that the ZR1 would be the range-topper of the C8 lineup, as well as the most-expensive model.
Corvette Action Center goes on to state that GM’s internal documentation also hints at a possible limited Zora Special Edition model, pointing to a development prototype bearing the color code “GRF,” plus unique RPO codes like “CFY” (Special Edition Plaque) and “ZRA,” suggesting some sort of commemorative model variant may be planned. Possibilities include a nod to Zora Arkus-Duntov beyond the small easter eggs we’ve seen previously.
Earlier this week, we caught what appears to be a pair of C8 Corvette Zora prototypes out for testing at the Nürburgring, with the Chevy team gearing up for a possible shot at a lap record. Naturally, we’ll be here to serve you all the latest as it happens, so stay tuned.
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Its not a Zora, its a ZR1-e
It'll still be a Zora with the Easter eggs all throughout
Out the door price of Zora Corvettes should north of $400,000, when you add MSRP plus options (Zoras will definitely be loaded with options), gas guzzler tax, destination charge, dealers prep, huge dealer markups, sales tax and title, and maybe an offer for an extented warranty. The bad news about dealer markups, besides the obvious, is you have to pay sales tax on them. All of a sudden, no longer a bargain.
Not really as they'll be $200-210k
It'll be cheaper and faster than all the hypercars! From McLaren to Ferrari and even Bugatti and Koneigsegg!
The Corvette ZR1e will be an amazing car, but do not think it will ha e the power to run and beT the Bugatti or Koenigsegg. Koenigseggs hybrid with thr Jesko motor combines to 2300 hp. There is not enough bald eagles in the ZR1e to contend with that. Just be happy you get near hyper car performance for exotic pricing.
It goes to show that GM are just price gouging
It might be cheaper than those cars but it will never have the status of those cars. Top speed of Bugattis is over 250 mph, doubt this model will be this fast.
Cigna, 233 mph top speed is embarrassing for the ZR1 Coupe for an MSRP below 200k. You go buy your Bugatti.
And $30,000 oil changes.
Because you know Bugatti.
One thing seems to be the truth here...Chevy/GM has once again lit the fires for all of us Corvette lovers who can appreciate what's coming (in whatever form it arrives in) in the very near future for the Mighty C8 Corvette Stingray. I think it'll be well accepted, and I'm betting it makes positive history in some way for the automotive world as know it today. God Speed!
Real Corvette fans wishing they put this power in C7.
That level of power in a front engine ... Rear drive. Not really also the c7 lacked cooling
You can expect to find rockets hidden around in the engine bay!
They hybrid is a hard pass. You can keep your battery... Weight ... Complications and the inevitability of a bad battery pack to yourself.
Few people want this
GRF - DUNTOV SILVER MATTE METALLIC
HP1 - FRONT AXLE, ELECTRIFIED PROPULSION
ZRA - ZR1X SPECIAL EDITION PACKAGE * ORANGE CALIPERS * CARBON FLASH METALLIC PAINTED OUTSIDE MIRRORS * PLAQUE, INTERIOR, DEDICATION, SPECIAL EDITION * EXHAUST TIPS, BLACK * DUNTOV SILVER MATTE METALLIC * INTERIOR TRIM * SKY COOL/MEDIUM ASH GRAY INTERIOR WITH HABANERO ACCENTS
Just another way of trying to rip American off of their hard earn money..