Thundering Thursday VOL 13-25 – 2026 ZR1X: Quickest Production Car C&D Has Tested

March 5, 2026 Laura

The Most Powerful Corvette Ever

Video credit: Car And Driver
Chevrolet has once again rewritten the rulebook for American performance. According to testing by Car and Driver, the new 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is not only the most powerful Corvette ever built, it’s also one of the quickest production cars the magazine has ever tested.

At the heart of the ZR1X is a staggering powertrain: a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter LT7 V8 producing 1,064 horsepower, paired with a front-mounted electric motor adding another 186 horsepower. The result is an astonishing 1,250 horsepower combined output.

Performance numbers are simply jaw-dropping. In Car And Driver testing, the ZR1X blasted from 0–60 mph in about 2.1 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 9.2 seconds at 155 mph, putting it in the same conversation as the world’s most elite hypercars. Even more impressive, the car achieves this while still offering Corvette practicality, with advanced electronics, massive carbon-ceramic brakes, and Michelin track tires helping keep all that power under control.

With a starting price just over $200,000, the ZR1X delivers performance that rivals machines costing several times more. In true Corvette fashion, it proves once again that America’s Sports Car is still pushing boundaries, combining cutting-edge technology, hybrid performance, and mind-bending speed into what may be the most outrageous Corvette ever built.

Win a 1967 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible
and $10,000 CASH!

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Auto Museum is back with another great giveaway, and this time they are offering a chance to win a Rally Red 1967 Corvette Sting Ray Convertible and $10,000 cash to help pay the taxes! Your donation helps to support this great non-profit organization whose sole mission is to carry on the legacy of Cords, Duesenberg’s, and other antique cars that are housed in the automaker’s original factory showroom building in Northeast Indiana.

Thundering Thursday readers receive DOUBLE ENTRIES on donations starting at just $25. This is one of the shortest giveaways offered by the Museum, with the winner drawn on August 15th! Get your entries in today by Clicking Here.

Want to share your story in our
Owner’s Corner and get a chance to win a
limited-edition Corvette Mike hat?

Every entry will receive a limited-edition Corvette Mike Keychain.
Send a short story and picture of your car to Troy@CorvetteMike.com.

Want to buy a Corvette Mike Hat
or new release Polo?
Click here to see our Apparel Store.

This Week’s Owner’s Corner

Send your story and get a free keychain!
Troy@CorvetteMike.Com

Jack P’s 1967 L71 Coupe

Quite a few years ago, I bought this ’67 L71 Coupe from Corvette Mike. At the time, I asked Mike if the car was “real”. In other words, did it still possess its original engine under the Stinger hood? Mike thought it did, but wasn’t sure. I agreed and respected his opinion. I thought it was a real #’s matching car, but wanted to know if it was original. I saw an ad for a company called C.C.A.S., LLC, that does the research on Corvette engine authentication. So, I sent them the info on my car, along with a check, and crossed my fingers!

Guess what? Mike was right! The engine turned out to be original and was certified by C.C.A.S.!

I’m now smiling knowing that I have proof that it’s indeed the “real deal”!

I just wanted to say Hi, and show you the car that I bought from you in 2012. And yes, I still enjoy it and even drive it to work on most Saturdays!

Jack P.

Corvette Mike’s
Private Collection!

A Rare Gem: Mike’s 2016 V12 Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe

Every once in a while, a car arrives that isn’t just inventory, it’s something special to be put in Mike’s private collection. This 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe is one of those cars, a machine that represents the perfect blend of design, performance, and craftsmanship. Finished in Jet Black over a matching Black leather interior, it stands as one of the most elegant grand touring cars of the modern era and a standout piece in Mike’s personal collection of special automobiles.

Beneath its beautifully sculpted carbon-fiber bodywork lies Aston Martin’s legendary 5.9-liter V12, producing 568 horsepower and paired with an 8-speed Touchtronic III paddle-shift transmission. The result is effortless performance and one of the most thrilling exhaust notes ever produced by a naturally aspirated V12 grand tourer.

With just 6,703 miles, this Vanquish has lived a pampered life between California and Texas, carefully maintained and preserved in exceptional condition. Inside, the craftsmanship is unmistakable with diamond-quilted leather, a leather headliner, carbon-fiber trim, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, creating an interior that feels as luxurious as it is purposeful.

From its signature swan doors to its 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, the Vanquish remains one of the most striking designs Aston Martin has ever produced. Complete with its window sticker, owner’s manual, service records, and clean Carfax, it represents the kind of car that transcends transportation, a true grand touring masterpiece that earns its place in the collection.

This Week’s Premier Selection

16k Mile 1989 Blue Convertible!

One Of The Nicest C4’s We’ve Ever Seen

Finished in striking Medium Blue Metallic with a Blue leather interior and White soft top, this 1989 Corvette Convertible is a standout example of the C4 generation. Showing just 16,440 miles and spending 33 years registered in Texas, this Corvette has clearly lived a pampered life.

Power comes from the legendary 5.7L L98 Tuned Port Injection V8 (240hp) paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential. Well-equipped from the factory, it features 17″ aluminum wheels, sport mirrors, pop-up headlights, automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows, and the premium Delco-Bose sound system.

Inside, the original blue leather interior remains beautifully preserved with matching carpets and door panels. The iconic digital Corvette instrument cluster displays a speedometer, tachometer, fuel-level display, and digital readouts for oil pressure, oil temperature, coolant temperature, and fuel economy.

Simply put, this is one of the nicest C4 Corvettes we’ve had in quite some time. With its rare and beautiful color combination, low miles, and excellent condition, this is the kind of Corvette you drive, show, and truly enjoy.

$29,900

View Our Entire Inventory

Experience the Corvette Mike Difference

In the ever-evolving vintage car market, uncertainty is part of the game. While online auctions might appear convenient, they often leave both buyers and sellers at the mercy of chance. For almost 44 years, Corvette Mike has set the standard with unmatched, personalized service—making every transaction as enjoyable as it is successful.

No matter where you are in the world, if you own a remarkable vintage car and are considering selling, let Corvette Mike handle it with care and expertise. Our dedicated approach guarantees a smooth and satisfying experience. And for those on the lookout for that elusive classic, we provide expert guidance to help you make informed decisions while savoring the excitement of the hunt.

Reach out by phone (714-630-0700) or email (Troy@CorvetteMike.Com) today, and discover how a seasoned veteran of the vintage car scene can transform your buying or selling journey into a truly memorable adventure.