Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has made its grand debut as the ultimate model in the C8 Corvette lineup. The team behind this vehicle has experienced their "Oppenheimer moment," demonstrating that the world will think twice before anyone dares to challenge America's latest engineering marvel.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

Starting at an ultra-expensive $205,400 plus additional costs, the Corvette ZR1X, in coupe and convertible configurations, is now officially America's ultimate hypercar. It showcases its Republican character against the world's demanding racetracks, making it a true emblem of American performance.

Beginning with the exterior design, the ZR1X is very similar to the non-hybrid ZR1. It's packed with wide-side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features inspired by its Corvette Z06 GT3 race car, resulting in the highest downforce of any production Corvette. Coupled with the Carbon Aero Package, you've got yourself a historic downforce of 1200lbs, the most downforce on any production Corvette.

2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X interior

Effective on the 2026 Model Year, most C8 Corvettes, from the base Stingray to the ultimate ZR1X, now come with a new interior layout featuring three new screens and the deletion of the infamous "wall of buttons". It even comes with the Enhanced Performance Data Recorder and the Performance App for track day essentials.

We now arrive at the main concern: the performance of the ZR1X. The LT7 5.5L DOHC V8 twin-turbo engine is now paired with an enhanced Electric Drive Unit from the Corvette e-Ray, resulting in a staggering 1250 horsepower all-wheel drive powerhouse. Mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, it will sprint from 0-60mph in two seconds and a quarter mile under nine seconds. The Europeans should think twice before taking this Republican Space Ranger on.

General Motors' leading engineers, alongside the Corvette Racing team, have dedicated significant resources to developing the ZR1. With aerodynamics and track-tuned dynamics inspired by the Z06 GT3 race car, the Performance Traction Management with PTM Pro Mode, Regen Brake Torque Vectoring, and Front Axle Pre-Control, the ZR1X closely resembles a race car without restrictions, designed to push its limits on the track. Given these advanced dynamics, it’s no surprise that it completed a lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6:49.275, making it the fastest American-made production car to conquer this iconic circuit.

Now elevated to an almost god-like status, the Corvette ZR1X is America's latest weapon of mass appeal that is set to dominate the automotive world. This hypercar has established itself as the ultimate contender, and it seems many U.S. Republicans, including figures like Donald Trump, are eager to add the ZR1X to their car collections.

For Team Corvette, the ZR1X is liberation in the making.

Available Colors: Sebring Orange Tintcoat, Roswell Green Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, Arctic White, Black, Competition Yellow Metallic Tintcoat, Riptide Blue Metallic, Torch Red, Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat, and Hysteria Purple Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

My GT7 Log: Future Corvette

The current eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has redefined the standard for American cars, even before the onset of the Long COVID era. Its ultimate version, the ZR1X, holds the record as the fastest American-made car to complete a lap at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Despite its remarkable achievements, the Corvette team is not resting on its successes; they have also revealed a vision for what the future of the Corvette will look like.

No, these ain't the Corvette UK Concept envisioned by General Motors' UK Design Studio. This is the Corvette CX Concept that popped up at The Quail. These CX concept cars are playable exclusively in Gran Turismo 7.

Unveiled at The Quail, the Corvette CX Concept is featured in two forms: an all-electric concept and a race-spec CX.R Vision Gran Turismo Concept powered by a race-spec hybrid powertrain.

Starting with the Corvette CX Concept, this model imagines what the Corvette could become as an all-electric hypercar. Maintaining the shape of the current C8 model, the CX Concept is designed with active aerodynamics and a finely sculpted underbody. It features a fan-based downforce system with thrust vectoring, which allows for precise aerodynamic balance between the front and rear. With four e-motors integrated into its RESS understructure, the CX Concept generates an impressive 2,145 horsepower, driving all four wheels.

In addition to the CX Concept, Chevrolet has introduced the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo, marking their second Vision Gran Turismo project since the laser-powered Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo Concept in Gran Turismo 6. This concept race car commemorates the Corvette's 25 years of racing history and sports a striking yellow and black livery. Essentially a racing version of the CX Concept, the CX.R features an advanced E-Fuel/Electric Hybrid powertrain, combining two electric motors with a twin-turbo V8 engine, producing a total of 2,038 horsepower. It also includes F1-derived DRS, which can be activated by pressing and holding the right analog stick.

To unleash the full potential of these two CX Concepts, I went to Road Atlanta, which is the sacred venue of the IMSA season ender, the Petit Le Mans. Yes, the ideal setting for these two Corvette Concepts, what more can I ask for? Anyway, let's roll the VTR.

And now, the results...

CX Concept - 1m15.822s

CX.R VGT - 1m11.131s

Surprisingly, the all-electric CX Concept is a monster to drive because of the monster power output from its all-electric powertrain, but in the end, it's the hybrid-powered CX.R VGT that stands out between the two. Either way, these two concepts proved their worth.

The Corvette CX Concept and the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo Concept serve as a preview of what lies ahead in the legacy of America's true sports car. The world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Corvette lineage, which promises to implement a bold strategy that will elevate it to compete with the world's finest supercars.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - E-Ray and V.Series-R

Since its inception in 2005, the Forza Motorsport franchise has delivered us some of the most amazing vehicles spanning half a century through the world's most demanding racetracks spanning from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Now it's the turn of the two cover cars that starred in what's known to be the last-ever Forza Motorsport game ever made.

First up, the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, the hybrid version of the eighth-generation Corvette that caused a lot of stir since the advent of the base model. 

The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray rewrote the American sports car's seven-decade history ever since the eighth-generation model, the first mid-engined Corvette, broke cover in 2020. 

The E-Ray features a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that is mated to an electric drive unit powering both front and rear wheels, making it a four-wheel-drive supercar, a Corvette first. It produces a total power output of 655HP, and while mated with an 8-speed transmission, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. 

The ZER Performance Package comes with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements.

Lastly, the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R, Cadillac's entry to both IMSA's GTP class and the WEC's Hypercar class.

The V-Series.R racing prototype is Cadillac's commitment to the LMDh class and it's made to compete not just in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the new-generation GTP class but also at the WEC's Hypercar class. It was built in cooperation with Dallara.

In compliance with the LMDh standards, the V-Series.R is powered by a 5.5L DOHC V8 Hybrid engine, the only naturally aspirated engine in the GTP class. It has a series-specified 670hp of power output and it is mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.

The #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R used in the IMSA 2023 season was driven by IndyCar veteran Sebastien Bourdais and Renger Van Der Zande.

In the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R won the Motul Course de Monterey endurance race at Laguna Seca. At the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R finished 4th place, behind the 3rd-placer #02 V-Series.R race car.

For one last drive for the entire Forza franchise, let's bring the final Forza Motorsport game's cover cars to Yas Marina Circuit. It's an appropriate circuit for an appropriate moment because, as they say, it all ends here. For those of us who consider the end of something, I would say that this is the perfect location to say goodbye to the Forza series.

Without further ado, let's roll the tapes.

Like all good F1 drivers, their final lap in Yas Marina really marks the end of an era. I have to be honest with you: As demonstrated with the cover cars of the last-ever Forza Motorsport game, it pains me to say that it really is the end of what's known to be one of the best gaming franchises in the world of Xbox.

From the first Forza Motorsport game launched in 2005 to the last-ever Forza Motorsport game launched in 2023, this two-decade journey became one heck of a ride for Forza fanatics everywhere. Fast cars, challenging tracks, and an ever-growing community that helped mature this franchise.

With the Forza franchise officially no more, let's take a quick moment of silence to be thankful for having one of the longest-running video game franchises in Xbox history.

Thanks for the ride.

Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1

The ZR1 has been crowned as the "King of Corvettes" and with the moniker returned to the C8 model, the all-new Corvette ZR1 is now officially designated as America's true hypercar.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Priced at a steep $173,000 plus additional costs, the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, in coupe and convertible configurations, is now regarded as America's ultimate hypercar. It showcases its Republican character against the world's demanding racetracks, making it a true emblem of American performance.

Beginning with the exterior, the ZR1 looks more like a pumped-up version of the Z06. Still, it's been given wide-side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features drawing inspiration from its Corvette Z06 GT3 race car, resulting in the highest downforce of any production Corvette. It still packs a similar interior to the other variants but the ZR1 marking differentiates it.

To boldly go where no hypercar has gone before, the C8 ZR1 is equipped with the brand-new LT7 5.5L DOHC V8 twin-turbo engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. This powerhouse generates an impressive 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the ZR1 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and achieve a remarkable top speed of 233 mph. No other hypercar on the market can match the performance of the ZR1.

General Motors' top engineers as well as Corvette Racing have spent manpower in the making of the ZR1. From its aerodynamics and track-honed dynamics inspired by the Z06 GT3 race car, the ZR1 is as close to being called a de-restricted race car capable of breaking its limits on the track. Such feats recorded five new records across the most demanding racetracks in the USA.

The all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is an example of what can be accomplished when the best engineers work together on a common goal. This car’s impressive specs and advanced design mean it can be considered a serious contender on any track. It has been designated as America’s first hypercar, and it can reach 233 miles per hour. With such stats, this ultra-expensive Corvette is too powerful to be ignored. The question is, can you handle this Republican Space Ranger?

Photo: General Motors

My FH5 Log: Scene Stealer!

When the Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ were launched in 2021, they were expected to be the stars of the show. However, the Japanese arrival of the Chevrolet Corvette C8 stole their thunder and went on to win Japan's Performance Car of the Year award. Why?

That's an interesting but silly question. Why did the C8 Corvette win the award that was supposed to be for the second-generation ToyoBaru twin coupes? Before that, let's have a quick re-introduction of these cars.

The Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ were unveiled in 2021. They are built on an improved version of the signature platform, with upgraded suspension and chassis for better cornering and traction. The flat-4 engine has been increased from 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in more horsepower and torque.

The eighth-generation Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows. For the first time in its history, it's been morphed into a mid-engined supercar, a move that displeased most Corvette purists. Being the first production mid-engined car from General Motors, the C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine with 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Corvette-first 8-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and flat-out in 312kph. It features a brand-new Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds, as well as double wishbone suspension with height adjustable capability.

The Chevrolet C8 Corvette defeated the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 to become the 2021-2022 Japan Performance Car of the Year, the first for an American-made car to win the title.

With Horizon Mexico's smallest circuit track set in the town of Guanajuato becoming my laboratory, the second-generation ToyoBaru coupe twins joined forces to battle against the C8 Corvette. The question is, will they beat the mid-engined American monster machine? Let's roll the tape.

And here are the results...

BRZ ZD8 - 1m00.077s

GR86 - 59.526s

C8 Corvette - 55.005s

The C8 Corvette massively defeated the second-generation ToyoBaru twin coupes with such margins. It's no wonder the Japanese motoring press turned their faces away from them in favor of the Corvette.

Despite being defeated by the Chevrolet C8 Corvette in the title of 2021 Japan's Performance Car of the Year Award, both the GR86 and the BRZ are still one of the best sports cars of the early 2020s because of their affordability, accessible dynamics, and limitless tuning possibilities to turn these reasonably fast cars around. Speaking of which, it's time to reward the ToyoBaru twins for the hard work they've done today. In the spirit of Let's ¡Go!, how about a little Making Drama to spice things up? But first...

The GR86, for the first time in Horizon Mexico, is donning the role of Himitsu no AiPri's main character, Himari Aozora. Suits her personality. As for the BRZ...

My BRZ is donning the role of Himitsu no AiPri's other main character, Mitsuki Hosihkawa. When you look at them, they remind you of the two heroines from "Himitsu no AiPri" who are known for their idol activities across the metaverse. Today is "AiPriVerse Day!"

With the ToyoBaru twins versed in, the GR86 will battle against the competition in a neon-packed EventLab creation called "Neon City Race". At the same time, the BRZ takes on what's known to be an EventLab re-enactment of Malaysia's Genting Highlands, where the mountain roads evoke the drivers' Initial D fantasies. As MC AIMU would say, "AiPriVerse Day!"

Who performed better? Himari or Mitsuki?

The GR86 and BRZ are the fruits of the wonderful collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. These two cars are fit to take on the bold challenges of the Reiwa era. These cars may not live forever in the age of electrification, but the 86 and the BRZ have created an impressive legacy that will be remembered forever for many generations.

Together they stand, united they fall.

My FH5 Log: America's Bests

As Americans are celebrating the birth of the so-called "greatest nation in the world," what better way to celebrate the day of grills and fireworks than driving the best sports cars of America; the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette?

Today's Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette have been radically changed, with the C8 Corvette now a mid-engined supercar, and the seventh-generation Ford Mustang being the last V8-powered American muscle car. 

The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its powerful engine, sleek design, and affordable price. The Chevrolet Corvette is another iconic American sports car that has been in production since 1953. It is known for its performance, handling, and luxurious interior.

Both the latest versions of America's best sports cars have such an impressive resume. The latest Mustang flexed its muscles in Formula Drift, NASCAR, IMSA, Supercars, and any other sports car racing series from the GT4 to the GT3 classes. It even got the chance to race in Le Mans as well. The Corvette, meanwhile, has a proven track record for being the last to become the LMGTE class champion before the WEC LMGT3 Class kicked in. The question now is, which of these American legends is the best?

I've picked the Horizon Mexico Circuit as the venue for my little ID4 duel and for this duel, I've picked the C8 Corvette Stingray and the Mustang Dark Horse. Although the C8 Corvette Stingray is five horses less compared to the Mustang Dark Horse, its supercar form and midship layout should give the Vette a fighting chance. The Mustang Dark Horse, well, it's Horizon Mexico after all. Roll the tape!

And now the results...

C8 Corvette - 1m12.906s

Mustang Dark Horse - 1m15.893s

In an unorthodox rivalry between the last V8 muscle car and the American midship supercar, the Corvette wins. 

The Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette are two of the most iconic American sports cars of all time, but they couldn't be more different. Still, both are excellent choices for a day of driving fun. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tearing up the track, you're sure to have a blast behind the wheel of either of these American classics.

Time to give these two a 2024 gun salute.

Godspeed America.

My FH5 Log: Summit Assault

Let's face it. The world's gone mad these days and so has the motoring world, where three superpowers clash for supremacy. America, Europe, and Asia are all locked in for a motoring world war.

Like I said in the past, the Chevrolet Corvette, the Porsche 911, and the Nissan GT-R are the most dominant names in the world of sports cars because of their heritage, performance, and racing pedigree that made them the global superpowers feared and respected the world over. 

Here in Forza Horizon 5, I am already familiar with the motoring superpowers in their current state; the C8 Corvette Z06, the GT-R NISMO, and the 992 911 GT3.

The 911 GT3, in its 992 spec, is known for its race-inspired aerodynamics, performance, and the naturally-aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that begs to be revved. The C8 Corvette Z06, meanwhile, is the Republican's answer to the 911 GT3 because of its naturally aspirated V8 engine, C8.R-inspired dynamics, and sleek aerodynamics. Lastly, the GT-R NISMO is no doubt the king of GT-Rs. Enough said.

To unleash their true worth in performance and dynamics, the three motoring superpowers have been gathered for a summit, a Summit Assault to the top of the caldera. Let's find out which of them is the real superpower here. Roll the tape.

And now the results...

C8 Z06 - 3m.04.101s

GT-R NISMO - 3m06.386s

992 GT3 - 3m03.333s

So, the Germans have won the battle, but the war continues because the motoring superpowers will keep improving and fighting until the endgame. The more you know.

EPILOGUE

Having satisfied with the motoring superpower trio, it's time to reward themselves for all the hard work they've done.

Our 992 911 GT3 had its tensions MAXED with Little Miss Dorothy West plastered over it. I still had the old 911 992 GT3 with Sala in it but for my Dorothy-fied 911 GT3, I've tinkered it to be mated with a 6-speed gearbox. Did you know that the 992 911 GT3 is offered with the choice of either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK?

For the C8 Z06, well, you can't go wrong with it with a dash of Red Flash and Sophy Hojo in it. Fast and sexy, just like the car itself.

The Nissan GT-R NISMO is no doubt one of the most formidable 4WD supercars in ages but for now, it's got Sion Todo's name all over in the spirit of Let's ¡Go! Get it? Let's i-Go! That's Sion's line.

With their respective makeovers done, the legendary trio is setting off to EventLab re-enactments of fictional racetracks from famous racing games in history. Let's roll the tapes.

What a WonderPri World, they said.

Global superpowers are forever known for changing world history with influence, be it for better or worse, and it's the same thing for the world's best sportscars. The Corvette, the 911, and the GT-R fought themselves for true world domination but in the end, it was a stalemate because other global superpowers were trying to prove their worth just like them.

Yes, the United Nations of speed and power ain't really united just like the United Nations itself, and as long as the sources of power remain, the clash for world domination will continue.

GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!