The 2026 Chevy Corvette ZR1X stands as the most power-packed and tech-heavy iteration of the C8 platform, pushing the performance boundaries into the stratosphere thanks to the integration of twin-turbocharged horsepower, hybrid assistance, and all-wheel drive. Yet, despite widespread speculation that the hybridized ZR1 would bear the name “Zora” (referencing Zora Arkus-Duntov, a GM engineer sometimes referred to as the “Godfather of the Corvette”), GM opted to go with “ZR1X” instead. Now, Chevrolet is explaining the reasoning behind that decision.
According to a recent report from Road & Track, “ZR1X” was selected to reflect a clear lineage throughout the C8 Corvette lineup, in particular with the ZR1 nameplate. The “X” simply denotes an evolution of the ZR1, rather than a separate identity. As it turns out, Chevy never formally considered “Zora” for the production name, instead favoring continuity within the broader Corvette branding.
Indeed, the ZR1 and ZR1X are closely related in terms of mechanical specs, with the ZR1X merging the twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 from the ZR1 with a front-mounted electric motor similar to that used by the C8 E-Ray. And by using the ZR1X label, Chevrolet essentially reinforces the model’s connection to the ZR1 while signaling that this is also a distinct, more advanced variant.
“What I can tell you is the team felt [the ZR1X] was deserving of the ZR1 designation, and it was an opportunity to show that even though ZR1 and ZR1X are different cars, they have strong familial resemblance and represent ultimate Corvette performance,” a Chevy spokesperson tells Road & Track.
As for the “X,” the same Chevy spokesperson confirmed it carries no coded meaning or acronym (such as eXtreme or a reference to all-wheel drive), but rather functions solely as an identifier of progression through the Corvette hierarchy.
To note, the new Corvette ZR1X is offered as a standalone variant, rather than a package or upgrade for the C8 ZR1.
For reference, all C8 Corvette variants ride on the GM Y2 platform, with vehicle production taking place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
Comments
ZRX is code for GM not owning the rights to the Zora name? Gm will not pay like they did on the Trans Am name again.,
Or the fact there may be a Z06x coming too?
So we have the ERay which is standalone from the Stingray but we call the standalone Zora ZR1X. Sounds pretty ridiculous to me? Should have paid homage to the Godfather in my opinion.
E-RAY…. StingRAY. Standalone model, but related to the Stingray.
ZR1… ZR1X. Standalone model, but related to the ZR1.
The naming convention has plenty of continuity if you think about it.
seems like new cars have to be random numbers and letters, they cant introduce new words to customers
Yea, look at how much all the letters and numbers have helped Cadillac, worst decision made by the idiot in charge a few years ago.
They called it the ZR1X so none of the dealers with previous waitlists for a Zora would have to honor them. Ask me how I know.
what does Zora translate to in other languages
Vehicle model and variant naming follows sometimes decades long trends per each manufacturer. They periodically switch back and forth between using actual words (existing or newly invented) to using numbers and or letters, across their entire brand line up.
Most often the switch between the these two types of naming systems is made when sales are down and the entire line-up needs a major refresh.
It helps the manufacturer distance themselves from their low selling vehicle ghosts of years past.
I think they should still call it the ZORA
Rather we feel strongly or not about the ZORA name not intended to be used by GM as enthusiast, the vast majority of the public will not care what it will be called and recognize the X as a Corvette rather on the road or up close and personal but will know something is unique about it but can’t put there finger on it.
I’m satisfied that we have the somewhat affordable String Ray to the ultra exclusive and hard to get ZR1-X which is mid-engined. The name does not matter as long as the ZR1-X lives up to and surpass expectations are way more important.
Anyway, I’m waiting for reviews of the ZR1-X to come out and as usual with the other Corvette models, all the reviews will be glowing with very high praises.
This model could fetch for $220K starting price IMO with the greedy dealer markups from some dealerships.
The E ray is going away and I expect it will become the Grand Sport and it may get an X with a AWD and RWD model. The E ray name failed.
As for Zora. Someone needs to see who owns the right to the name. I bet GM does not have the name registered as someone else does.
Also if someone owns the name that may be why no one makes Zora name plates you can just stick on.
This is why GM registers names even for old cars. They want control of how the name is used and where it is used. Also if they chose to bring a name back it can be used.
This is why so many cars use numbers for names as they are easier to register.
But even then like the 911 was really a 901 since there already was a 901 in France they had to change the next year to a 911.
Well some digging GM did register it in 2014.
I would look for one more car with this name to come. I still think a Street legal track car would fit the Zora name as he was a Le Mans winner and a very good racer.
My wife too one look at the pictures of the beast and said it was one of the ugliest Corvettes she has ever seen..She reminded me that the sexy body of the 72′ that I owned When we first met was why she even paid any attention to me at all. Maybe all this modern high tech look needs to give way to all out beauty instead of speed.
Most classic cars look much better now than when they came out. This is a nice car and with time your wife will start to love it.
Has anybody confirmed whether Chevy ever officially considered Barra or Reuss as names, as I assume egos prevented the homage!
Zora was a sentimental favorite, and he certainly deserved the honor, but the Corvette supercars depend on buyers who have no connection with the heritage of decades past.
Some of us feel cheated, but maybe we are just “Zora losers.” 🙂
It’s looking more and more like it was designed by “Hot Wheels”. Loved the design of my C3 that I owned 33 years and still on the roads of my small town getting compliments for it’s now 4th owner.
Cats are better than dogs
GM sort of does use the name – indirectly.
ZR= Zora?