Chevrolet’s iconic sports car has received electrified power for the first time, as it prepares to shift to an all-electric future.
Snapshot
- 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid sports car revealed
- First electrified Corvette in history, as nameplate celebrates 70th anniversary; all-electric future
- Features electronic all-wheel drive; more power; quickest production Corvette ever
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid debuted overnight – and it’s locked in for Australia.
The news comes as the American brand celebrates 70 years since the reveal of the first-generation ‘Vette at Motorama in New York City in 1953.
“It is with great excitement that we can confirm that the next-gen Corvette, the E-Ray, will make its way Down Under. Stay tuned for more details,” said a spokesperson for GM Speciality Vehicles (GMSV).
Under the skin, it features an electronic all-wheel drive system, with an electric motor mounted to the front axle to not only boost traction, but also power – making it the “quickest production Corvette in history”.
It has a claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile (0.4km) time of 10.5 seconds – making it one second quicker than the Corvette Z06, respectively.
The electrified Corvette E-Ray is powered by the 6.2-litre ‘LT2’ naturally-aspirated V8 from the standard Corvette Stingray, producing 369kW and 639Nm – but it is matched with a 119kW/170Nm electric motor, for a 448kW total system output.
A 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack is located between the seats, which is charged via regenerative braking and in normal driving, with no plugging-in required.
For those – a small few, no doubt – wishing to reduce the vocal aura of the Corvette’s small-block V8, the E-Ray offers a ‘Stealth’ drive mode, allowing the vehicle to start in all-electric mode, and drive under “electric propulsion in certain conditions” at up to 72km/h.
Chevrolet claims the “electric front motor works in harmony with the LT2 engine to create an invigorating sound.”
Hear it for yourself in the video below…
Instead, the benefit of the hybrid powertrain is at the race track, with torque applied to the front axle “as needed”, while the six drive modes – Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode and Z-Mode – have been optimised for its eAWD system.
A Charge+ feature is also available to “maximise battery state of charge for extended lapping”, and the unique E-Ray Performance application in the infotainment system provides information about the operation of the propulsion system.
It shares its wide-body proportions with the flagship Corvette Z06, at 91 millimetres wider than the Stingray, with larger wheels to manage the increased torque, as well as its unique exterior trims.
However, the addition of electric components is at the cost of added mass, with the Corvette E-Ray weighing between 1712 kilograms for the coupe and 1749kg for the convertible (without fluids), which is around 200 kilograms heavier than a standard C8 Stingray.
Chevrolet has fitted lightweight 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tyres, while Pilot Sport 4S summer tyres are available in the optional performance package.
Other revisions include; a unique E-Ray blue stripe package, ‘carbon flash’ badging, optional carbon fibre trims, and minor changes inside for the hybrid features.
It debuts several changes for the entire 2024 Chevrolet Corvette range, including active safety technology – such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist – for the first time.
There’s also the brand’s latest Android-based infotainment system, a green-accented interior, and three new exterior colours: riptide blue, seawolf grey, and cacti.
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid will launch in the United States this year, priced from $104,295 (AU$149,250) for the coupe and $111,295 (AU$159,250) for the convertible.
For context, the standard C8 Corvette Stingray is priced at $65,895 (AU$94,300) in the United States, while the Z06 is listed at $106,695 (AU$152,700).
This suggests a hefty premium when both models arrive here in the coming months, as the entry C8 Stingray is priced from $144,900 before on-road costs in Australia.
Keyword: 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid unveiled, confirmed for Australia