Corvette ZR1X to Lead the 110th Indianapolis 500
The Corvette ZR1X will pace the 110th Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2025, marking a historic moment in pace car history. This hybrid, all-wheel-drive supercar delivers 1,250 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 and front-mounted electric motor, making it nearly as fast as the IndyCars it will lead around the Brickyard.
Unprecedented Speed for a Pace Car
The ZR1X boasts a top speed of 233 mph (375 km/h), approaching the 230–240 mph (370–386 km/h) speeds of IndyCars during qualifying. While it won’t match lap times—due to IndyCars’ lighter weight, slick tires, and oval-specific geometry—its straight-line performance underscores the ZR1X’s extreme capabilities.
Power comes from a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 (1,064 hp) paired with a front electric motor (186 hp), totaling 1,250 hp (1,267 PS). Chevrolet claims the ZR1X can accelerate from 0–60 mph in under 2 seconds, placing it in hypercar territory.
Patriotic Livery Celebrates U.S. Semiquincentennial
The ZR1X’s design pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The exterior features a split livery: Arctic White on one side and Admiral Blue on the other, accented with red graphics, stars and stripes, and matching interior touches like Santorini Blue seats and red seat belts.
Aero Package Enhances Downforce
For its pace car duties, the ZR1X is equipped with the Carbon Aero package, which includes dive planes, underbody strakes, and a large rear wing. Together, these features generate over 1,200 pounds (544 kg) of downforce at speed, improving stability and handling.
Indiana Football Coach to Drive Pace Car
Curt Cignetti, head football coach at Indiana University, will drive the ZR1X during the race, leading the 33-car field to the green flag. This marks another chapter in Corvette’s long history with the Indianapolis 500, where it has served as pace car since 2017 and in prior years.
The ZR1X’s debut as a pace car highlights the shrinking performance gap between production hypercars and open-wheel race cars, setting a new benchmark for future events.
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