Chevrolet has once more stretched the boundaries of American automotive engineering. The company hinted at something even more powerful—the ZR1X, a hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette set to be the most potent production model the brand has ever built—during the recent debut of the already terrible ZR1.

The ZR1X employs modern technologies, more power, and improved traction in line with a known pattern in performance evolution. Under the hood (and beyond), this car combines an electric motor mounted up front with a twin-turbo V8 to produce a shockingly 1,250 horsepower (919 kW). You are right, indeed. Nearly 200 hp more than the already amazing 1,064 hp output of the ZR1.

An upgraded 1.9 kWh battery supports this hybrid arrangement and can now store 26% more than the one used in the Corvette E-Ray. Along with a torque increase to 145 lb-ft (196 Nm), that additional capacity increases the output from the front electric motor from 160 hp to 186 hp (132 kW). Add that to the ferocity of the V8, and you have a car that can purportedly run from 0 to 60 mph in less than two seconds.

Much more amazing still is It is not just designed for straight line speed. The ZR1X matches in grip and braking force. Chevrolet fitted it with first for GM, massive 16.5-inch (420 mm) carbon-ceramic rotors from Alcon and 10-piston calipers. Under 1.9 Gs of braking force, testing at the Nürburgring showed the car could slow down from 180 to 120 mph (290 to 193km/h). That kind of stopping capability beats what you would find in top-notch motorsports machines.

The behavior of this new hybrid system at high speed is among its most interesting features. Allowing the car to maintain low drag for maximum speed, the front electric motor disengages at 160 mph (257km/h)—that’s 10 mph more than the E-Ray. Chevrolet claims the ZR1X can still reach 233 mph (375 km/h), matching the previous top-speed benchmark even with front axle disengagement.

The ZR1X won’t be limited to hardtops even with its outrageous performance. Buyers will be able to select from a retractable hardtop convertible to a removable roof coupe. All this technology adds weight, of course. With its heaviest versions edging near 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg), the ZR1X is expected to weigh almost 500 pounds (227 kg) more than the Z51 Stingray.

Chevy did not merely toss horsepower and call it good night. Based on knowledge gained from the E-Ray, the ZR1X comprises new traction and stability control systems. That earlier hybrid had odd steering feedback under regen and sudden front-motor shutdowns. Engineers created new logic to control tire deformation at high G-forces, so enhancing handling and predictability.

Chief Engineer Josh Holder said the ZR1X is “the most intelligent Corvette ever built.” Along with Tour and Weather for daily driving, it comprises several driving modes including Endurance and Qualifying for Track use. The “Push to Pass” button, which provides drivers with immediate access to all 1,250 horsepower for brief overtaking bursts, is one new tool worth noting.

Energy recovery has also been polished. The front motor gathers energy during braking while the rear brakes create friction to keep balance and steer stability. This is a sophisticated system about performance and driver control, not only about gathering electrons.

First and second gear caps torque output; this is not to restrict speed but rather to shield the drivetrain from the absolute force involved. According to Holder, the tires cannot run at full capacity either. It is a precaution rather than a restriction.

Range based just on electricity is still unknown. Chevrolet hasn’t confirmed whether the ZR1X improves on the E-Ray, which could run just 3 to 5 miles (5–8km) below 45 mph (72km/h). To be honest though, this car is not particularly efficient. It is designed for dominance rather than for preservation.

Still under wraps is pricing as well. But given the ZR1 starting at $174,995, the ZR1X is expected to provide hypercar-level performance for a fraction of the cost of European rivals like Ferrari’s F80 or Porsche’s alleged hypercar.

Production is scheduled to start maybe in 2025. Expect the ZR1X to create buzz until then since Chevrolet’s most audacious, futuristic interpretation of the Corvette nameplate is yet unknown.