Corvette ZR1 Named U.S. Supercar of the Year by TopGear.com

In a landmark moment for American performance cars, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has been named the 2026 U.S. Supercar of the Year by TopGear.com in its inaugural U.S. Car Awards. This accolade isn’t just another trophy — it’s a validation that American engineering can compete at the highest levels of global performance automotive culture.

A Supercar Built to Impress

The Corvette ZR1 represents the cutting edge of Chevrolet’s performance ambitions. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter LT7 V8, it delivers a staggering 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful V8 ever assembled in the U.S. by an American automaker.

When equipped with performance-focused aero and suspension packages — such as the ZTK Performance and Carbon Fiber Aero options — it generates over 1,200 pounds of downforce at speed, giving it race-car levels of grip while still remaining road-legal.

Why It Took the Top Spot

For the Supercar of the Year category, TopGear.com editors and testers pitted the ZR1 directly against performance rivals like the Ford Mustang GTD — and while both cars impressed, the ZR1’s lap times and sheer performance potential made it the clear victor. According to Top Gear Editor-in-Chief Jack Rix, the ZR1’s blend of power, speed, and engagement was “simply irresistible.”

This isn’t just track bragging rights — it’s recognition from one of the most respected voices in automotive journalism, known for unbiased and thorough testing.

American Performance

This award marks more than just a win for Chevrolet — it’s a moment of pride for American automotive engineering. Traditionally, discussions of supercars have been dominated by European marques like Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche. The ZR1’s accolade reshapes expectations, showing that a U.S.-built machine can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s best.

And since this was the first-ever U.S.-focused awards from Top Gear, it sets a benchmark for future American high-performance vehicles to chase.

Corvette’s Growing Legacy

The ZR1’s recognition comes amid a broader surge in performance acclaim for Chevrolet and GM:

• Its engine architecture has earned accolades in other awards circuits.
• Track performance figures — including record-setting runs — have turned heads globally.

This latest honor further cements the Corvette’s evolution from its muscle car roots into a true global performance contender.