2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is a twin-turbo V8 hypercar delivering over 900kW
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines the ZR1's 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank V8 with a front-mounted electric motor like that seen in the E-Ray.
This makes it the first ZR1-badged 'Vette with all-wheel drive.
The hand-assembled V8 produces 793kW of power at 7000rpm and 1123Nm of torque at 6000rpm, while the electric motor produces 139kW and 197Nm.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Total power is therefore up by 149kW over the ZR1, while its 0-60mph time is several tenths of a second quicker – the ZR1 does the dash in 2.3 seconds with its ZTK Performance Package, or 2.5 seconds without.
Like other C8 Corvettes, the engine is mounted midship and is mated with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
We've contacted GM Australia and New Zealand to confirm if the ZR1X is coming here. We currently get all C8 Corvettes in factory right-hand drive bar the ZR1, which is only produced in left-hand drive.
The ZR1X's V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crank engines powering the Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
It features dual 76mm turbochargers, while Chevrolet engineers have positioned the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible to decrease the time needed to build boost and therefore improve throttle response.
Dynamic anti-lag controls will maintain turbo speed when off-throttle to ensure boost is 'available rapidly' when throttle is reapplied.
The ZR1X features a 1.9kWh battery like the E-Ray, also centralised within the spine of the chassis, but Chevrolet says it has expanded the amount of usable energy to provide greater lapping capability.
The front drive unit has the same shape and size as that in the E-Ray, but engineers have strengthened the motor to generate an additional 19kW and 27Nm. It can apply power at up to 258km/h before disconnecting. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
There's no physical connection between the engine and the electric drive unit.
Chevrolet says the eAWD chassis control system of the E-Ray has been upgraded for the ZR1X to match the more powerful engine.
There are 'specialised energy strategies' intended to maximise electrified output for track driving.
Pressing the Charge+ button activates Endurance mode, adjusting the battery's energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent output, while there's also a Qualifying mode and a Push-to-Pass function to ensure maximum power is available on-demand. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
A new PTM Pro mode introduced for model year 2026 (MY26) Corvettes turns off traction and stability control but allows you to still use launch control, the regen brake torque vectoring function, and what's called Front Axle Pre-Control which actively manages inside front brake pressure to ensure maximum traction when exiting a corner.
The ZR1's optional J59 braking package is standard on the ZR1X, bringing Alcon 10-piston front and six-piston rear calipers mated to 16.5-inch front and rear carbon-ceramic rotors with continuously woven carbon-fibre threads.
Magnetic Ride Control is standard, as are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The ZTK Performance Package brings Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tyres.
An optional Carbon Aero package adds dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor, and a sizeable rear wing.
Altogether, this package brings a claimed 544kg of downforce. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Like the rest of the C8 range, the ZR1X will be offered as either a coupe or convertible.
It features the revised interior revealed in May that includes, among other changes, a larger 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen, a redesigned centre console, and repositioned switchgear.
Chevrolet is calling the ZR1X the 'ultimate expression' of its C8 Corvette, and an 'all-day comfortable tourer, straight-line rocket, and racetrack weapon, all in one'.
It's unlikely there will be a more powerful variant to slot in above it.
The ZR1X had been rumoured to wear the Zora name, after former Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov whose ashes were interred at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
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The Advertiser
12 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Why the Genesis GV70 is a CarExpert Choice winner
The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Genesis GV70 may be the fledgling luxury brand's best-selling model in Australia, but it doesn't sell in the same volumes as rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – and we reckon that ought to change. We chose the GV70 as Australia's best mid-size luxury SUV in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards, ahead of the higher-volume BMW X3 and Lexus NX which were finalists for the title. "While Genesis struggles with its brand awareness and allure, the Genesis GV70 has been the best mid-size luxury SUV since it first came to the Australian market in 2021," said CarExpert founder Alborz Fallah. "Last year, it underwent a mid-life update that has further improved its offering, interior and packaging, making it the clear CarExpert choice in its segment." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. This update didn't mess with the distinctive exterior styling, instead bringing an overhauled interior with a huge 27-inch OLED display, as well as an expanded suite of active safety and driver assist technology, plus mechanical enhancements such as retuned suspension. Genesis says the result is a quieter, more rigid vehicle with more technology than ever before. "The Genesis GV70 is arguably the brand's best product right now, offering strong value against legacy premium competition as well as a wide spread of variants and powertrains," said marketplace editor James Wong. "It looks and feels special, offers heaps of features and tech, and goes to great lengths to differentiate itself from any Hyundai product. It's also great to drive, if a little thirsty in the petrol grades." Petrol engines comprise a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6, while Genesis also offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric version called the Electrified GV70, which was also recently updated. As we noted in our recent review, in 3.5T guise you can get performance comparable to the BMW X3 M50 or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 for around $20,000-30,000 less, despite more equipment and technology and a better aftersales package. Genesis may have a smaller dealer network than the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it includes five years of free scheduled servicing with its vehicles. If you live within 70km of a Genesis outlet, a member of the company's concierge team will also collect your car for its service and leave you with a Genesis courtesy car. This is in addition to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which has become the standard in the luxury car market. Genesis has a fixed-pricing model like Mercedes-Benz, but while you can't haggle on price, even the base GV70 comes with an enormous list of standard equipment including a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a hands-free power tailgate. With a base price of $78,700 before on-roads, the GV70 is over $10,000 cheaper than a significantly less powerful, less well-equipped entry-level Mercedes-Benz GLC and around $8000 cheaper than the most affordable BMW X3. It also matches those vehicles with a rear/all-wheel drive platform not shared with any non-luxury models. Would we love to see a more efficient powertrain to match the Lexus NX's hybrid or Audi Q5's diesel options? Absolutely, particularly given Genesis dropped the thrifty turbo-diesel previously offered here. We'd also love to see more Genesis retail outlets in Australia, though the brand is continuing to expand its network. But even as it is, the GV70 stands out in this segment for its rich mix of value for money, excellent technology, first-class refinement, engaging dynamics and distinctive styling. That's why it's our choice among luxury mid-size SUVs. MORE: Explore the Genesis GV70 showroom Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
29 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Shane van Gisbergen chasing more NASCAR success
The first time Shane van Gisbergen raced in Chicago, he was largely unknown in NASCAR. The second time, he was one of the favourites on the downtown street course. The third time is a different situation for van Gisbergen once again. This time, he has a second Cup Series victory in his back pocket - providing some flexibility for the 36-year-old New Zealander as he prepares for the playoffs. "We're in a nice position now having won a race," van Gisbergen said Friday. "And it may change our strategy. If we're in a position to get a playoff point, we'll probably try and get that, but that'll put us deep in the field for the next stage. "So yeah, there's a bit of a toss-up there what we're going to do, but it's a nice position to be in." Sure is. Just two years ago, van Gisbergen - a three-time champion in Australia's Supercars - put on a dazzling show in a rainy first edition of NASCAR's downtown Chicago experiment. Making the most of his extensive street racing experience, he became the first driver to win his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in the second qualifying race at Daytona in 1963. He won Chicago's Xfinity Series stop last year and the first stage in the Cup race before he was knocked out by a crash. "You know, I have great memories here," van Gisbergen said. "This place has changed my life, so I'm going to have special memories of this place forever." Van Gisbergen's success in Chicago led to a full-time Cup ride with Trackhouse Racing. But the driver of the No.88 Chevrolet is learning his way around NASCAR and he got off to a slow start this season. While oval tracks remain a challenge, he certainly hasn't forgotten his roots on street and road courses. He posted his second Cup win last month at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. Van Gisbergen is scheduled to compete in both Chicago races this weekend. Next up for NASCAR is another road course at Sonoma Raceway, providing an opportunity to move up from No. 32 in the Cup standings and build up some momentum. "Road courses are just a bonus for us," he said. "We know we're going to be good and we can just focus on trying to get results there." Even after two years, the downtown Chicago street course remains a tricky proposition. The 12-turn, 2.2-mile track is narrow and bumpy in spots - to go along with manhole covers, and transitions from concrete to asphalt and back - and there is little room for error in some areas. Patience is sometimes the best approach, but that only goes so far in NASCAR. "It's easy to say that until Shane is out there a second faster than you and you have to go put yourself in some uncomfortable situations," said Joey Logano, the reigning Cup Series champion. When it comes to van Gisbergen on road courses, Logano said the rest of the Cup Series is "in a way, playing catch-up." Van Gisbergen said he feels the same way about ovals. "These guys have been doing left-handers since they were 10 years old," van Gisbergen said. "You know, they're two completely different sports, and although there has been road racing in NASCAR forever, it's not that much. "So yeah, just the experience levels are different in what we do. And I feel like, yes, they've definitely gotten a lot better since the first one on this track, for sure."
7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Mahindra wants to be a top 15 brand in Australia
Mahindra is aiming to be one of Australia's top 15 best-selling brands by the end of the decade as it moves from its traditional workhorse utes to mainstream SUVs – including electric vehicles (EVs). Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Mahindra 3XO SUV – Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar told media the industrial giant has serious ambitions here. 'We have set an ambitious goal … we want to be a top 15 player by 2030,' Mr Arolkar said. 'Clearly Australia is one of the biggest ute and SUV markets, and Mahindra as a brand is very strong in the ute segment and the SUV segment.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: Mahindra BE 6e While it doesn't report its sales figures to VFACTS like most new vehicle brands in Australia, Mahindra said it sold 4185 vehicles here last year. The result puts Mahindra ahead of Mini (3982) and behind Chevrolet (4303) to sit 32nd for the 2024 calendar year. The final brand in the top 15 in 2024 was Mercedes-Benz with 24,831 sales, meaning Mahindra is looking for a six-fold increase in its sales over the next five years. The 2025 XUV 3XO is the first Mahindra to enter the small SUV segment in Australia, which made up almost one-fifth of all new-vehicle sales in 2024. The XUV 3XO (above) joins a lineup of only three models with the Scorpio and XUV 700 large SUVs the only other offerings in local Mahindra showrooms, with no new shipments of the S11 Pik-Up planned as it no longer meets safety standards. The automaker has said it's working towards the new 2026 protocols being introduced by safety authority ANCAP for all models, including the next-generation Pik-Up and yet-to-be-rated XUV 3XO. Mr Arolkar expects the 3XO to become the brand's best-selling model until new products – including the all-new Pik-Up in 2026 – arrive in Australia. The company plans to add at least one product to Australian showrooms every year as it chases its top 15 goal. Above: Mahindra Vision Thar.e concept Its global rebirth has seen it reveal two battery-electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and the BE 6e, in late 2024. Both are on Mahindra Australia's wish-list, although neither are confirmed for local sale. There's also a next-generation version of its Jeep Wrangler -aping Thar SUV – the current generation of which landed Mahindra in court – locked in for Australia, but this is still several years away with exact timing to be confirmed. As the brand enters more segments, Mr Arolkar said the further growth will also come from adding to its dealer count, which is currently around 70 across Australia. 'We plan to have 10 more, 80-plus dealers including service [centres], and that growth is mainly in metro areas,' Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. 'If you look at our journey in this market, which spans over 20 years, it has been very different compared to the other emerging brands. 'We started as a distributor of tractors, and you know the challenges which come with that when you have to prove your product service after sales in the rural outback, which is very important.' 'We have proved, over a period of 20 years, that we have survived the Australian outback, which is one of the more challenging domains. 'Now, with the newer, sophisticated, New Age products coming in, we are taking our experience from the regional areas, now getting into the metros, and that's what differentiates our brand compared to the other emerging brands.'
