TopGear.com Crowns the Corvette ZR1 as the 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year

Dec 12, 2025

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TopGear.com Crowns the Corvette ZR1 as the 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year

Photo Credit: Chevrolet

Robert Palmer wasn’t singing about cars in his ’80s anthem “Simply Irresistible,” but the lyrics fit perfectly for Chevrolet’s latest halo machine. At least that’s how Top Gear sees the eighth generation Corvette ZR1.

In its inaugural U.S. Car Awards, TopGear.com crowned the ZR1 as 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year—and honestly, was there ever much doubt?

Top Gear Editor in Chief Jack Rix explained the verdict: “We track tested the ZR1 against the Ford Mustang GTD and in terms of pure entertainment they were difficult to separate, but in raw lap time it’s not even close. Lighter, much more powerful and mid engined, the ZR1 is simply irresistible.”

With 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb ft of torque, the ZR1 boasts the most powerful V8 ever built in America by an American automaker. Equipped with the ZTK Performance Package and the Carbon Fiber Aero Package, it produces more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed—race car levels of grip in a street legal machine.

The proof is in the lap times. At the Nürburgring earlier this year, the ZR1 and its even more potent all wheel drive sibling, the ZR1X, became the two fastest American cars ever to circle the legendary German track.

The ZR1 wasn’t the only General Motors product to shine. The Cadillac Lyriq V earned 2026 U.S. SUV of the Year, while Cadillac itself was named 2026 U.S. Manufacturer of the Year. Together, the awards underscore GM’s ability to deliver both cutting edge performance and forward looking luxury.

The Corvette ZR1 may not have Palmer’s backing vocals, but it doesn’t need them. With record breaking power, track proven speed, and now Top Gear’s highest honor, Chevy’s flagship supercar is, quite simply, irresistible.

Source:
General Motors

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