Chevrolet unwraps Corvette E-Ray hybrid

CHEVROLET has pulled the silk sheet from its first hybrised all-wheel drive Corvette, the 2024 E-Ray promising all-season performance and composure – and a blistering 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 2.5 seconds.

This third model in the C8 range will be offered in Australia, though local importer GMSV says timing of the E-Ray’s delivery is currently undetermined.

Arriving precisely 70 years after the debut of the original Corvette, the E-Ray combines Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre LT2 small block V8 – developing 370kW at 6450rpm and 637Nm at 5150rpm – to drive rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with electric propulsion adding 119kW and 170Nm to the front wheels.

Total system power is rated at 488kW with battery energy sourced from a tunnel-mounted 1.9kWh lithium-ion unit. Chevrolet quotes a quarter mile (0-400m) time of 10.5 seconds – a tenth quicker than the ball-tearing Corvette Z06.

“In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicks off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” said General Motors president and former Holden MD Mark Reuss.

“The E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver.”

Available as a coupe with removable roof panel or hardtop convertible, the Corvette E-Ray 1LZ coupe and convertible is priced from $US104,295 ($A149,240) and $US111,295 ($A159,255) respectively.

The E-Ray features an intelligent eAWD system – which Chevrolet claims to constantly learn the road surface – as well as several driving modes that alter the amount of electrical assistance available.

Stealth mode provides all-electric (and front-wheel drive) propulsion at speeds up to 72km/h, on top of Tour, Sport, Track, Weather (Wet) and Z modes. Drivers can also select the Charge+ feature, which maximises the battery’s state of charge, and save customised drive settings under the configurable ‘My’ mode.

Like most General Motors V8s, a cylinder deactivation feature helps improve fuel consumption, while the E-Ray Performance App provides the driver with technical insights into how the driveline is operating.

A trio of performance gauges and data displays are unique to the E-Ray, as is the special Start/Stop button, while updates to the infotainment system and instrument cluster aim to provide E-Ray drivers with a “more integrated appearance”.

The model also offers adaptive damping with three settings, staggered 20- and 21-inch aluminium wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber, and a body that is lower and wider than the standard Stingray, channeling a Z06 look and feel.

Stopping power comes courtesy of carbon-ceramic discs all-round (398mm front / 391mm rear) with six-piston calipers up front and four-pot clamps at the rear.

The model tips the scales at between 1710-1750kg (tare) depending on variant, roughly 200kg more than petrol-powered Corvette derivatives.

“There has never been a Corvette like E-Ray and its sophisticated design reflects that,” said Chevrolet global executive design director, Phil Zak.

“It starts with the body-colour trim which draws your full attention to the exotic proportions of the E-Ray. The interiors allow customers to reflect their individual personalities with their choice of colour executions that provide a refined or dynamic sport look and feel.”

The E-Ray features a twisted five-spoke star alloy wheel design that is exclusive to the model, with four aluminium wheel finishes available.

A choice of 14 paint colours includes new Riptide Blue, Seawolf Grey and Cacti and the E-Ray features specific body striping, carbon flash badging, black exhaust tips, and carbon-fibre finished aerodynamic elements.

The Corvette E-Ray is also available with a new ‘Artemis Dipped’ interior which features complementary deep green tones on nearly every interior surface and will only be available for the 2024 model year.

Multiple other interior options are available, including two carbon-fibre trim packages and seven colour schemes.

Australian pricing and delivery times will be advised over the coming months.

A fully battery electric version of the Corvette is expected in 2025.