After moving the small-block V8 to the middle, Chevy made another “blasphemous” move and added a hybrid and AWD to the Corvette E-Ray.
“Real” Corvette fans might be frowning upon the latest changes Corvette made to the legendary sports car, but it was all for the better. By moving the engine to the middle, the Corvette C8 corners much better and can handle more potent powertrains. But why a hybrid? If you thought it was for efficiency, you would’ve been wrong — the E-Ray is the quickest Corvette to date, thanks to electrification.
Let me give you some numbers; the E-Ray retains the same small-block 6.2-liter V8 from the Stingray, producing 495 hp power and 471 lb-ft (639 Nm) of torque and driving the rear wheels only. But the hybrid Corvette also adds a synchronous AC motor on the front axle, producing 160 hp and 125 lb-ft (170 Nm) powered by a 1.9-kWh battery. Unlike other hybrids, the ICE and electric motor are not connected; instead, there is software that controls how each one works at any given moment.
The most significant advantage of the 655-hp hybrid powertrain is acceleration — the E-Ray needs only 2.5 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), making it quicker than the 670-hp Z06 (2.6 seconds). Moreover, the Corvette E-Ray will do a quarter-mile in just 10.5 seconds, which is an outstanding result for a sports car that costs two to three times less than similarly quick supercars. The top speed stands at 180 mph (290 km/h).
The Corvette E-Ray has a dry weight of 3,776 lbs (1,713 kg), which is significantly more than the Z06’s 3,441 lbs (1,561 kg) and Stingray’s 3,366 lbs (1,530 kg), which is not surprising, considering the added battery and electric motor. It will be interesting to see whether the Corvette E-Ray handles well in the corners. Still, if the standard Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires are any indication, it might be a drag-strip car rather than a corner-carving machine. Still, at least it comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes.
Since the Corvette E-Ray packs a relatively small battery, it’s not a plug-in hybrid like other performance supercars. Instead, the cells charge via the engine, regenerative braking, and coasting. Still, Chevy incorporated a pure electric “Stealth Mode” that gives you a maximum range of 5 miles. The feature might come in handy when driving in quiet neighborhoods and not wanting to unsettle the residents.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray looks like a widebody Stingray, thanks to the 3.6 inches wider stance. It also has numerous customization options, including 14 colors like Riptide Blue Metallic and Cacti. Inside, the Corvette E-Ray has an optional Artemis Dipped scheme that paints the entire cabin in alluring shades of deep green.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray to hit dealerships later this year, starting at a reasonable $104,295.
Gallery: Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
