Corvette ZR1X Named to Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems for 2026

For the first time ever, not a single pure internal-combustion engine made the cut for the annual Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards.

That’s right. After 32 years of recognizing some of the finest engines in the automotive world, Wards handed out all 10 of its 2026 awards to vehicles that rely on electricity for at least some of their propulsion.

Not surprisingly, that means the new 6.7-liter V8 powering the Corvette Stingray and Grand Sport didn’t make the list.

But don’t worry, Corvette fans. Chevrolet’s outrageous 1,250-horsepower Corvette ZR1X made sure America’s Sports Car wasn’t left out of the celebration.

And judging by the glowing reviews, the ZR1X made quite an impression.

“The Corvette ZR1X is truly a rocket ship for the road, with a propulsion system capable of producing acceleration and G-forces usually reserved for fighter pilots and astronauts,” said Wards judge Bob Gritzinger.

That’s quite a compliment for a car you can drive to the grocery store.

The 2026 awards mark a historic turning point for a competition that began in 1995.

Of the 10 winners, four are fully electric vehicles, four are conventional hybrids and two are plug-in hybrids.

The winners were selected from 26 nominees, including several traditional gasoline-powered vehicles that failed to make the final cut.

“Even the hottest sports cars utilize electric help to engage drivers and, indeed, enhance the experience,” said Robin Warner, manager of the Wards awards programs.

For many motorists, the word “hybrid” still brings to mind a fuel-sipping economy car designed to squeeze every possible mile out of a gallon of gasoline.

The Corvette ZR1X turns that definition completely upside down.

Its twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter LT7 V8 powers the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while an electric motor drives the front wheels.

Together, they produce a staggering 1,250 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque.

That’s enough muscle to propel the ZR1X from zero to 60 mph in less than two seconds and through the quarter-mile in under nine seconds.

In other words, this hybrid isn’t primarily about saving gasoline.

It’s about going fast – very fast.

The electric motor contributes 186 horsepower, giving the ZR1X all-wheel drive and additional acceleration when the driver buries the accelerator.

Yet the Corvette can also cruise quietly under electric power at lower speeds.

The ZR1X’s recognition continues an impressive run for Chevrolet’s performance engineers.

Its twin-turbocharged LT7 V8 was already a Wards award winner in 2025, while other recent Corvette engines have also received recognition.

That gives Corvette powerplants four consecutive years of Wards honors.

Interestingly, the ZR1X’s electrified powertrain doesn’t exactly transform it into an economy car.

Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is 12 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.

But anyone spending at least $220,995 on a 1,250-horsepower Corvette probably isn’t losing much sleep over the price of premium gasoline.

And while some Corvette purists might be upset over the absence of gasoline-only engines from this year’s awards, there’s another way to look at it.

The Corvette didn’t abandon its V8 heritage to win.

It simply added another 186 horsepower to the equation.

Source:
WardsAuto.com

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