2026 Corvette Zora Pickup. Yeah, you read that right: a pickup version of the legendary Corvette line, named after Zora Arkus-Duntov, the guy who dreamed up the mid-engine magic back in the day. It’s not just a truck; it’s Chevy’s way of blending everyday hauling with heart-stopping speed. Drawing from the ZR1’s insane power and the E-Ray’s electric smarts, this beast could hit showrooms early next year. Let’s dive in and see what makes it tick.
First Peek: A Truck That Looks Ready to Race
Picture this: the sleek, low-slung body of a Corvette, but stretched out with a proper bed in the back for gear or weekend toys. Spy shots floating around show a chopped-up prototype testing on backroads near Detroit – aggressive aero kits, wide fenders, and those signature quad taillights glowing like fireflies. The front end snarls with massive air intakes for cooling that monster engine, and the bed’s got tie-downs that scream “adventure-ready.” It’s shorter than a Silverado but tougher than your average sports coupe, measuring about 200 inches long with a 5-foot bed. Chevy’s keeping details under wraps, but early renders suggest it’ll come in coupe-style hardtop or open-bed convertible vibes for that open-air thrill. If it follows the ZR1’s lead, expect carbon-fiber touches to keep weight down around 3,800 pounds – light for a truck, deadly on twists.
Power Under the Hood: Hybrid Muscle Meets Pickup Grit
No sleepy engine here. The Zora Pickup borrows the ZR1’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, pumping out 1,064 horses on its own, then slaps on a front-axle electric motor from the E-Ray for another 186 hp. Total? Over 1,250 horsepower and all-wheel drive that grips like glue. Zero-to-60? Under two seconds, even loaded with lumber. Top speed pushes past 200 mph, and it’s got eAWD for snowy hauls or rainy track days. Chevy’s tuning it for torque – think 828 lb-ft from the gas side alone – so towing up to 7,000 pounds feels effortless. It’s not just fast; it’s smart-fast, switching to electric mode for quiet neighborhood runs. Fuel-wise, expect 18-22 mpg combined, with 4-5 miles of pure EV stealth at low speeds. That’s better than most trucks, thanks to regen braking that juices the battery while you brake.
High-Tech Goodies: Gadgets That Make Driving Fun
Step inside, and it’s like the future landed in your cab. Ditch the old button jungle – the 2026 refresh brings a massive 12.7-inch touchscreen dead center, flanked by a 14-inch digital dash and a 6.6-inch heads-up display that beams speed and nav right onto the windshield. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, and there’s over-the-air updates for tweaks like sharper traction control. Performance fans get customizable drive modes: Stealth for EV cruising, Sport for twisties, and Track for bed-hauling burnouts. Safety’s covered with adaptive cruise, blind-spot cams in the mirrors, and a 360-degree view perfect for tight trailers. Oh, and the bed? It’s got power outlets, LED lighting, and a tonneau cover that locks tight. Chevy even whispers about drone-launch compatibility for off-road scouting – talk about next-level.
Smart Tech: The Brain That Keeps It Rolling
What sets the Zora apart is how it thinks ahead. The hybrid brain predicts your moves with AI-driven shifts, learning if you like aggressive launches or smooth merges. Voice commands handle everything from “load up the playlist” to “find the nearest charger.” It’s got a 10-speaker Bose setup that thumps harder than the V8 at idle, and connectivity means your phone’s the key – unlock, start, and track mileage via app. For truck duties, smart sensors weigh your load and adjust suspension on the fly, keeping the ride planted. Battery life’s rated for 300-plus miles total range, with fast-charging ports hidden under the bed. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s part engineer, part DJ.
Price Tag and Mileage: Worth the Wait?
Showrooms might see this bad boy starting at $195,000 – yeah, premium, but hey, you’re getting hypercar speed in a hauler that sips fuel smarter than rivals like the Rivian R1T. Loaded Zora Special Editions could nudge $220,000 with extras like ceramic brakes or custom paint. Mileage shines at 20 mpg city/25 highway unloaded, dipping to 16-18 when towing heavy. Resale? Corvettes hold value like gold – expect 70% after three years. Production’s limited, so pre-order early if you’re serious.