If for some reason you hadn't heard, General Motors is planning some big changes for the Chevrolet Corvette as we know it. Not only is there an all-electric Corvette on the way, word is that there will also be four-door and SUV Corvette EVs hitting the market in the next few years.
The AWD Vette
But before that, Chevy is bridging the gap between gasoline and electric with a new hybrid model based on the current, mid-engined C8 Corvette. Say hello to the 2024 Corvette E-Ray.
Although groundbreaking in many ways when it comes to the Corvette lineage, the E-Ray is a fairly straightforward idea, and one that's been in the works since Corvette moved to its new mid-engined platform.
It should certainly generate a lot interest, and maybe some controversy from longtime 'Vette fans. Behind the driver sits the well-known LT2 6.2 liter V8 mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic like the one the Corvette has used since 2020. And on its own, the V8 makes 495 horsepower.
But what separates the E-Ray from the standard C8 Corvette is the small 1.9 kWh battery pack under the seats, which powers a 160 horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels.
The result is a combined output of 655 horsepower—and the first production Corvette ever to have all-wheel-drive. Thanks to the boost in power and traction, Chevy says the E-Ray will hit 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds and rip a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds.
And though the Corvette E-Ray is not a plug-in-hybrid designed to be operated on electric power alone, it will have a "Stealth Mode" that allows it to travel at parking lot speeds without firing up the V8.
E-Ray or Z06?
Beyond its unique powertrain, the E-Ray will also set itself apart from the standard C8 Corvette is the wider bodywork also used on the C8 Z06, and a lot of higher-end equipment borrowed from the existing C8.
As for pricing, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray will start with an MSRP just over $104,000 for the 1LZ coupe model, and like the other C8s it will also be offered as a convertible as well.
We all know that Corvettes are beloved by track day junkies and the E-Ray promises to put use its electric motor and AWD grip for improved performance in a road course setting.
Of course, the real question for C8 Corvette buyers will be whether to choose the E-Ray or the Z06, as both are priced nearly the same. What would you rather have from your $100,000 plus Corvette, the track-bred flat plane crank Z06 or the AWD, electric-assisted E-Ray?
Whatever the choice, it'd be a fun dilemma to have and we'll be looking forward to the inevitable comparisons once the E-Ray begins deliveries later this year.