Just last week, Chevrolet posted a cryptic teaser video to social media, setting the stage for the debut of a new model variant for the C8 Corvette lineup. The short clip lacks any concrete details, but does provide us with a stylized “X” emblem, while also confirming a debut date for tomorrow, June 17th. Which begs the question – will the forthcoming reveal serve up a new Corvette ZR1 X?
GM Authority executive editor, Alex Luft, explores the possibilities in-depth in this video.
There’s actually a few possibilities here, including the potential revival of the Corvette Grand Sport. Previously positioned between the Stingray and Z06 in Corvette generations of the past, the Grand Sport was believed to have been replaced by the hybrid E-Ray, the latter of which essentially occupies the same performance slot as the Grand Sport, just without the name.
Which leads us to the more plausible candidate – an ultra-high-performance hybrid variant of the ZR1, the same setup as the C8 Zora that we’ve been following for years now. This new ZR1 X model would once again cradle the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 as the “standard” ZR1, pairing it with the E-Ray’s front-mounted electric motor for more than 1,200 combined horsepower (1,064 from the gas engine and an additional 160 from the electric motor), as well as around 950 pound-feet of torque. The “X,” meanwhile, might be a nod towards the model’s all-wheel-drive system.
So, where does that leave the Zora? Well, the above strategy may still leave room for a new Zora variant through some sort of special edition package that pays tribute to Zora Arkus-Duntov, a man sometimes referred to as the father of the Corvette.
As we reported last week, Chevy engineers have been spotted at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany testing a new C8 variant that appears to be equipped with a hybrid powertrain, as indicated by a complex cooling arrangement in the fascia and a big yellow sticker on the back. Word has it the team is there to set a new lap record and take the title from Ford and the Mustang GTD, and it’s certainly possible a new Corvette ZR1 X model as described above could do exactly that.
Either way, stay tuned to GM Authority as we update you on all the latest in anticipation of tomorrow’s debut.
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I believe the news to be announced tomorrow is the ZR1 is going to get the Eray electrified
front wheel drive package, the badging will be ZR1X on the car. The Zora will be a upgraded
twin electric motor package that will be available on the last year of the C8 ZR1, most likely
the 2028 model year. The electric motors will have torque vectoring for higher performance.
Sounds plausable, Dennis. When you stop to think about what ever will be released tomorrow (anyone know what time?) it'll be a giant plus and more than likely will only improve whatever those sly Chevy Corvette Engineers have allowed so far to make it's way into production, albeit at a somewhat slow, methodical pace. Eithe way, it'll be something to watch for and to sure have many discussions about with fellow Corvette folks. I can hardly wait!
When I was a teenager Zora Duntov seemed more like a wizard, than a GM engineer, that every year could conjure up another piece of magic made of plastic and steel. He deserves as a tribute to his genius have the most advanced, innovative Corvette they can produce bare his name.
Geez….what’s with the “surface” of that brake rotor??
Caused by ultra high thermal stresses. Likely some sort of testing with rapid heating and cooling duty cycles. This disc was severely tortured…repeatedly.
ZR1 X, hmmmmmm did they name it after Musk’s kid?