2026 Corvette ZR1: R&T's Performance Car of the Year

Road & Track Names the 2026 Corvette ZR1 "Performance Car of the Year"

Road & Track has officially crowned the 2026 Corvette ZR1 as its Performance Car of the Year, and the editors didn’t hold back on the praise. The ZR1 beat out what they called one of the strongest fields in PCOTY history — including heavy hitters from Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ford.

The magazine highlighted several key reasons for the win:

Unmatched Performance

With 1064 horsepower sent only to the rear wheels, the ZR1 delivered the most intense acceleration and grip of the entire competition. At Thunderhill West, it was 3.3 seconds faster than the next‑quickest car — a massive gap on such a tight track. Editors described the experience as "otherworldly," with many of their driving notes filled with stunned reactions.

A Hypercar Bargain

Road & Track emphasized the price difference between the ZR1 and its exotic rivals. Even fully optioned at around $222K, the ZR1 outperformed cars costing three to four times as much. They called it an "astonishing bargain" for the level of capability it delivers.

Track Monster, Road Drama

On track, the ZR1 was universally loved. On the street — especially in the rain — it demanded respect. Fresh Cup 2R tires, huge power, and rough roads made early drives challenging, but once conditions improved, editors said the car transformed into something "completely different" and "more fun, faster, and crazier" than cars twice its price.

A New Level for Corvette

While it may not have the surgical precision of a GT3 or the AWD trickery of a Lamborghini, the ZR1 impressed with massive grip, adjustability, and a chassis that rewards drivers of all skill levels. Road & Track called it a true hypercar that remains approachable once properly dialed in.

In the end, the editors agreed: the ZR1 was the most thrilling car in the entire lineup — big, loud, wild, and capable of performance that feels almost unreal. That combination made it the clear winner.

Read the full article and see many more pictures and a video on the Road & Track website.