Chevy isn’t waiting around to make changes to the new Corvette ZR1. Just a year in, the car gets updates that touch brakes, screens, the interior layout, and even the lineup itself. Here’s what’s new for the 2026 model year.
Key Takeaways
- The ZR1X debuts in 2026, with all-wheel drive, an electric front motor, and 1250 hp combined.
- With an interior redesign, Chevy ditches the center-console button strip, adds new screens, and offers fresh interior color choices.
- Performance package upgrades include bigger brakes with ten-piston front calipers and carbon-ceramic rotors.
Changes Coming to the 2026 Corvette ZR1 Lineup
The ZR1's Performance Package now features upgraded brakes and a new drive mode. Inside, the row of buttons that divided opinions on the center console is no longer available—a passenger grab handle takes its place. The infotainment setup gets sharper graphics and a third display to the left of the steering wheel. Chevy also expands the palette with four new interior color options: Sky Cool/Medium Ash Gray with habanero accents, Santorini Blue, Very Dark Atmosphere with brown, black, and tan, and Ultimate Suede with black suede plus red, yellow, or blue accents.
The biggest news, though, is the arrival of the ZR1X. This range-topper adds an electric motor on the front axle, creating all-wheel drive and bumping total output to 1250 horsepower.
As of September 20, 2025, here’s where the ZR1 lineup stands price-wise:
- 1LZ Coupe: $182,395
- 1LZ Convertible: $192,395
- 3LZ Coupe: $193,395
- 3LZ Convertible: $203,395
- ZR1X Coupe: $250,000 (est)
- ZR1X Convertible: $260,000 (est)
The ZR1’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 is potent enough to earn its moniker, "LT7.: It delivers 1064 horsepower, thanks to its unique pistons, connecting rods, new cylinder heads, revised intake system, and a secondary port fuel-injection setup to keep it fed. Software also plays a role in its power. LT7-specific programming includes a PTM mode that shuts off stability and traction controls while leaving ABS active. An adaptive suspension comes standard, with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires fitted to 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.
The ZTK Performance Package goes even further with stiffer springs, Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, a high-downforce wing, and upgraded brakes with ten-piston front calipers, six-piston rears, and carbon-ceramic rotors.
The ZR1X builds on all of that by borrowing the E-Ray’s front-mounted electric motor, which adds horsepower and powers the front wheels. The result is all-wheel drive and a combined 1250 hp output, making the ZR1X the most powerful Corvette ever sold.
What Are the 2026 ZR1's Interior Creature Comforts?
The ZR1’s cabin keeps the same driver-focused format as the base C8 Corvette but mixes in its own details. The squared-off steering wheel sits in front of a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster that now includes a turbo-boost readout. The central touchscreen remains angled toward the driver, but the old “button wall” on the console has been removed, with controls moved and a grab handle put in its place.
ZR1 callouts include sill plates, steering-wheel graphics, and an interior plaque. There’s also a new geometric stitch pattern reserved for the 3LZ trim, a new blue stitch option, and the bright Habanero interior color scheme.
As for infotainment and connectivity, that's changed too. The ZR1’s cabin now runs a three-screen setup: a 12.7-inch center display, a 14.0-inch driver info cluster, and a 6.6-inch touchscreen mounted to the left of the wheel. You can shift features and data between the screens. Chevy also added a larger volume knob and a covered wireless phone charger to keep your phone in place when things get lively.
Are You Ready for a Test Drive?
The 2026 ZR1 blends more power with a smarter interior and sharper tech. If you’ve been waiting to see how far Chevy would take it, now’s the time to stop in and take a look—or, better yet, a test drive. Contact Banner Chevrolet today!