Chevrolet has officially raised the bar again. The 2026 Corvette SS 572 has just been revealed, and it’s already being called the most powerful street-legal muscle car Chevy has ever made. If you thought the C8 Z06 was wild, wait until you see what this monster is packing under the hood. This is raw American performance, unleashed like never before.
What Is the 2026 Corvette SS 572 and Why It Matters
The 2026 Corvette SS 572 is Chevrolet’s boldest performance statement yet. As the name suggests, it comes equipped with a 572 cubic-inch (9.4-liter) naturally aspirated V8 a modern tribute to classic big-block Corvettes.
This isn’t just about nostalgia, though. The SS 572 pushes an estimated 750 horsepower and over 720 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated Corvette ever built. It’s built for performance purists who still crave old-school American muscle but with modern engineering and tech backing it all up.
It matters because it’s not electric, hybrid, or downsized. In a world where emissions rules are changing everything, Chevy gave us one last big, loud, tire-shredding hurrah.
When the 2026 Corvette SS 572 Will Be Available
Chevy plans to begin production of the SS 572 in late 2025, with deliveries starting in the first quarter of 2026.
The car will be sold in limited quantities, with only 2,026 units planned for global release a nod to both the year and the special nature of the model. Pre-orders are expected to open in fall 2025, and if past special editions are any indicator, they’ll sell out fast.
How the 2026 Corvette SS 572 Works – Explained Simply
The magic of the SS 572 starts with the engine. This isn’t a turbocharged or supercharged unit it’s a massive 9.4L V8 with mechanical simplicity and brutal power. Chevy took inspiration from the classic ZZ572 crate engine but modernized it with direct injection, forged internals, and an advanced cooling system.
Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (borrowed from the C8 platform), the car rockets from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.1 seconds. The top speed? Estimated at 215 mph.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 572 cu in (9.4L) NA V8 |
| Horsepower | ~750 hp |
| Torque | ~720 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 3.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 215 mph |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive Layout | Rear-wheel drive |
The chassis has been stiffened, the brakes upgraded to carbon ceramics, and the suspension tuned for track and street use. It’s not just about straight-line power the SS 572 handles, too.
What Makes the Design of the Corvette SS 572 So Bold
Chevy didn’t just give this Corvette a big engine and call it a day. The SS 572 features aggressive styling updates that set it apart from the standard C8 lineup.
Up front, you’ll notice wider air intakes, a deeper chin spoiler, and unique LED lighting signatures. Around back, a race-style diffuser and quad-tip exhaust hint at the power beneath. The body sits lower on widened tires, with exclusive 20-inch forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.
Inside, it’s equal parts race car and luxury tourer. Alcantara, carbon fiber, and red SS stitching line the cabin. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and loaded with controls, and there’s even a special startup animation on the digital cluster that flashes “SS 572” across the screen.
Why Chevy Built the SS 572 in an EV-Focused Era
It might seem like strange timing to launch a gas-powered beast in the middle of the EV shift but that’s the point.
Chevy knows that performance enthusiasts still crave the thrill of a naturally aspirated V8. With tightening emissions regulations on the horizon, this could be one of the last big-engine, high-horsepower Corvettes we’ll ever see.
The SS 572 is a celebration of everything muscle cars stood for noise, drama, and unfiltered speed while still offering the modern engineering and safety tech we expect in 2026.
Best Features That Define the 2026 Corvette SS 572
- Massive 572 cu in V8 with zero turbo lag
- Carbon ceramic brakes for ultimate stopping power
- Track-ready suspension with adjustable settings
- Lightweight forged wheels and aero package
- Limited-run exclusivity (only 2,026 units worldwide)
- Launch control and performance data recorder
Common Concerns with High-Power Sports Cars and How Chevy Addresses Them
| Concern | Chevy’s Solution |
|---|---|
| Fuel economy | Cylinder deactivation and eco mode help reduce fuel use in normal driving |
| Handling at high speeds | Adaptive suspension and magnetic ride control for stable performance |
| Durability | Forged internals and heavy-duty cooling systems built to handle track abuse |
| Cost of ownership | Comes with Chevy’s performance warranty and maintenance plan |
While this isn’t a budget car, Chevy ensures you’re getting more than just horsepower you’re getting a refined and reliable machine that performs beyond expectations.
The Latest Industry Buzz Around the SS 572
Since the reveal, the Corvette SS 572 has caused a stir across auto shows, forums, and social media. Many fans are calling it “the last true Corvette” while others are simply excited to see a naturally aspirated performance car in 2026.
Auto journalists have praised the decision to go big and bold especially when so many brands are going quiet and electric. And collectors? They’re already lining up to grab VIN #001.
Conclusion
The 2026 Corvette SS 572 is a love letter to muscle car fans. It’s loud, powerful, unapologetic and limited. In a time when everything is going hybrid or electric, Chevy dared to give us one last blast of big-block fury.
This isn’t just a car. It’s a statement. Whether you’re a die-hard Corvette loyalist or just someone who loves pure horsepower, the SS 572 is the kind of machine that makes your heart race just hearing it idle.
If you want one, don’t wait this monster won’t be around forever.
FAQs
When will the 2026 Corvette SS 572 be released?
Production starts in late 2025, with deliveries beginning in early 2026.
How much horsepower does the SS 572 have?
It’s expected to produce around 750 horsepower with over 720 lb-ft of torque.
Is the SS 572 street legal?
Yes, it’s a fully street-legal performance vehicle despite its race-inspired power.
Will it be available worldwide?
Chevy plans to release only 2,026 units globally, so availability will be limited by region.
Can this be the last gas-powered Corvette?
It’s possible. With Chevy moving toward EVs, the SS 572 could be the final chapter for big-block Corvettes.