We can only assume Chevy is benchmarking the 986-hp hybrid Ferrari against its rumored upcoming Covette E-Ray.
If you need any more proof Chevrolet is aiming for this moon with its upcoming hybridized, all-wheel-drive Corvette, well, here it is. A Ferrari SF90 Stradale—a 986-hp hybrid hypercar that uses the same type of powertrain we expect the hybrid Corvette to use—was spotted testing recently at GM’s Proving Grounds in Michigan.
Seeing cars that are not from GM’s portfolio testing on the company’s private, closed-off test track usually means one thing: Engineers are benchmarking the car to compare against future, upcoming products. And the only mid-engine car in GM’s lineup right now is the C8 Corvette. Coincidentally, Chevy confirmed the existence of a hybrid Corvette back in April.
The SF90 Stradale uses a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and an electric motor between it and the transmission to send power to the rear wheels. Additionally, it has two more electric motors in its nose to power the front wheels individually. The complex AWD powertrain is able to create a total of 986 hp.
Though Chevrolet has yet to release any details on its hybrid Corvette, the original teaser video confirmed it will have all-wheel drive. Previous rumors have suggested this hybrid Corvette, which may be called the E-Ray, will use the same sort of powertrain layout as cars like the SF90, Porsche 918, and Acura NSX.
It’s not yet known whether the hybrid Corvette will use the base C8’s 6.2-liter pushrod V-8 or the new 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V-8 in the Z06. Some rumors have even suggested the E-Ray could used a twin-turbocharged version of the flat-plane crank engine. Regardless, we’re expecting the car to make a combined horsepower above the Z06’s 670 hp rating. If the SF90 is any indicator, we could see a production Corvette making close to 1000 hp before the end of the year.
Keyword: Ferrari SF90 Stradale Spotted Testing at GM's Michigan Proving Grounds