Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray deliveries begin

AUSSIE deliveries of the highly anticipated and brutally quick Chevy Corvette E-Ray hybrid electric sports coupe are underway after the model first came to light eighteen months ago.

Buyers would be well advised to hasten with their deposit as the sleek US-built sports car is in limited supply. Local pricing commences at $275,000 plus on-road costs.

Similarly priced coupe competitors with V8 engines include the Aston Martin Vantage ($319,700) and possibly the BMW M850i xDrive ($298,100). By way of reference, the “entry level” Corvette Stingray Coupe is priced from $175,000 + ORC.

The all-wheel drive Corvette E-Ray pairs a 6.2-litre V8 driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shift manual mode and a front-axle electric motor for a combined output of 488kW and 806Nm. The 0-100km/h standard is listed at just 2.6 seconds.

Energy is sourced from a tunnel-mounted 1.9kWh lithium-ion self-charging battery picking up energy as the vehicle drives and brakes.

It is the most advanced Corvette ever says Chevrolet its arrival heralding “a new peak in electrified AWD performance with an advanced powertrain delivering both blistering acceleration and efficient excitement”.

“The E-Ray is not an electric vehicle or a traditional hybrid, but rather a fuel-efficient performance vehicle with electrified propulsion that does not need charging,” claims Chevrolet.

The local version is offered exclusively in 3LZ Coupe configuration that retains the same powerful LT2-series V8 from the Corvette Stingray but adds an electric drive unit for gains in traction and acceleration.

Requisite powerful brakes are Brembo carbon-ceramic units with the high-performance ZER Performance Package standard for Australia and New Zealand E-Rays.

The package dials up E-Ray’s track-ready calibration aided by the inclusion of high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER Performance Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and a taller spoiler for track use.

The E-Ray builds on the styling of the Corvette family sharing wider exterior proportions with the Z06 and delivering a low, wide stance. The ground effects and spoiler contribute to aerodynamics while matching body-colour accents, exclusive E-Ray badging, and alloy wheels provide a look that is both polished and potent.

The E-Ray is equipped with drive modes to suit multiple applications with Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, MyMode and Z-Mode available to dial up. The modes can unlock performance and deliver cosseting comfort taking advantage of the advanced Magnetic Selective Ride Control to deliver the ultimate grand tourer.

An optional Stealth Mode allows drivers to use only electric power for up to six kilometres at speeds of up to 72km/h. Stealth Mode means near-silent start up and take-off in suburban streets.

The model also gains an in-car Performance App which delivers key driving data and telematics regarding the electric propulsion system to the driver and has a full suite of luxury kit, ADAS features and comprehensive infotainment and connectivity systems.

The E-Ray is available in 14 exterior colours – Black, Red Mist, Carbon Flash, Amplify Orange, Hypersonic Grey, Accelerate Yellow, Sea Wolf Green, Cacti Green, Silver Flare, Rapid Blue, Ceramic Matrix Grey, Riptide Blue Metallic, Torch Red and Arctic White – alongside seven interior colour schemes and two seating options.

“The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is possibly our most hotly anticipated model to date, and I can’t wait to see drivers across Australia and New Zealand behind the wheel of this tremendously engaging electrified Corvette,” said General Motors Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala.

“This is the best of Corvette today, paired with the brand’s exciting, electrified tomorrow, and it’s the kind of performance vehicle that needs to be driven to be believed – and that day is coming, and coming fast, for the people of Australia and New Zealand.”

2024 Chevrolet Corvette pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.