America's Everyday Hypercar Compared to the Rest of the World | Carscoops

      Spoiler alert: the new Chevy Corvette ZR1X is poised to become an incredible bargain among hypercars.

      15 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      The most powerful production Corvette to date boasts 1,250 hp, all-wheel drive, and hybrid technology.

      Chevy asserts it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2 seconds and cover a quarter mile in under 9 seconds.

      With an anticipated starting price of $250,000, the ZR1X goes head-to-head with competitors like the 911 GT3 RS and GTD.

      The Corvette ZR1X is finally here. After years of speculation and leaks, we now have detailed information about the most extreme factory-built Corvette ever. Along with a new trim name, it raises the standard for power, performance, and pricing. Now, let's see how it measures up against some of the most formidable cars in the world.

      To begin with, let’s highlight the key features. This new Corvette produces an impressive 1,250 horsepower (932 kW) and 828 lb-ft (1,121 Nm) of torque thanks to a combination of a flat-plane crank V8, two massive 76mm turbochargers, and an electric motor that powers the front wheels.

      More: Forget About Supercars, This Corvette Is Coming For Hypercars

      Chevrolet claims it can achieve 0–60 mph in under two seconds and complete a quarter mile in less than nine seconds. While we don't have definite pricing information yet, early estimates suggest a starting price around $250,000. While that’s a considerable sum, it will seem like a fantastic deal by the end of this article.

      Before comparing this new Corvette against its competitors, it’s essential to examine how it measures up to its predecessor, the ZR1.

      ZR1X vs ZR1

      What are the main differences between these two yet-to-be-released track machines? Primarily, it’s the use of electrical support. The ZR1 is strictly a gasoline engine vehicle, exclusively delivering its 1,064 horsepower to the rear tires, and it reportedly does so remarkably well. However, it isn't the ultimate version of the Corvette as we know it today.

      When Chevrolet rolled out the E-Ray as the first all-wheel-drive Corvette for 2024, it was preparing for the ZR1X. The automaker applied the insights gained from that model, which used a small battery and electric motor for the front axle, to the ZR1X development process. The new model achieves greater horsepower and torque from its electric motor due to a higher total RPM limit.

      The ZR1X is also equipped with its own brake system named J59. While it's an option on the standard ZR1, it comes as standard on the X model and includes oversized 16.5-inch rotors, 10-piston calipers in the front, and 6-piston ones in the back. Chevrolet claims this braking system can achieve 1.9G of deceleration during testing. Now, let's discuss pricing because Chevrolet hasn’t provided full clarity on this matter.

      The ZR1 starts at $175,000 (without dealership markups). The Corvette E-Ray begins at $109,000 and is essentially an electrified Stingray, which starts at $70,000. Given that the ZR1X builds on the ZR1 using E-Ray technology and serves as the new flagship, we anticipate a starting price around $250,000. While it represents a significant increase in cost for the added power and performance, it’s not excessively more when compared to other options in the market. Let’s analyze that, shall we?

      ZR1X vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS (Another $250K Option)

      No Corvette comparison would be complete without matching it against a Porsche 911. However, for the first time, the Corvette might be so powerful that it’s overkill when directly compared to the top 911 variant, the GT3 RS. The Porsche starts at $244,995, but not all of that price tag is devoted to outright power or drag racing capability; some of it contributes to build quality, exclusivity, and weight reduction.

      Thus, the 911 GT3 RS falls short against the ZR1X in several performance metrics. Accelerating from 0-60 takes three full seconds in the Porsche, while the quarter-mile takes 10.9 seconds, with a top speed of 184 mph. Without official lap times for the ZR1X at the Nurburgring, it’s challenging to compare their track performance.

      Currently, the 911 GT3 RS has established a lap time of 6:49.32. That’s impressive and will serve as a significant benchmark for Chevrolet to target. Undoubtedly, it’s already a goal for the company. Moreover, with the ZR1X producing more than double the horsepower and