The new Chevy C8 Corvette E-Ray is perhaps the coolest American supercar in the industry at the moment - firstly because it is quicker than the new hardcore Corvette Z06 and more capable.
The original Corvette was shown to the world in New York City way back in 1953. To celebrate its 70th birthday this year, the E-Ray was made to go in circles on an ice rink. The 2024 Chevy E-Ray is also the first-ever Corvette to feature hybrid technology and all-wheel-drive, with the electric motor sending power to the front wheels.
Chevrolet says it’s their quickest Corvette so far, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds. We can’t wait to see it dart ahead in drag races, leaving other supercars behind.
Chevy C8 Corvette E-Ray Dancing In The Snow
The C8 Corvette E-Ray looks gorgeous in red. The driver puts his foot down, and the car’s rear wheels start kicking up snow, moving in circles slowly. The second attempt shows all four wheels spinning, allowing the sports car to go around even faster; in fact, it reminds us of the tank turn on the Mercedes-Benz EQG. The E-Ray pulling this off makes us love the AWD version.
What Makes The Corvette E-Ray So Special?
The Corvette E-Ray is the latest Chevy sports car to get an electric motor mounted between the front wheels, while the mid-mounted 6.2-liter LT2 V8 powers the rear wheels, making it the first hybrid Corvette in history.
The Stingray’s naturally-aspirated engine alone produces 495hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, paired to the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With the additional 160hp from the electric motor, the hybrid sports car makes 655hp. The Z06, on the other hand, is more powerful, making 670hp.
We Got A Closer Look At The Chevy Corvette E-Ray
HotCars was recently invited to get a close look at the latest Corvette E-Ray after Chevrolet displayed a few pre-production versions at the Petersen Automotive Museum. It’s got the widebody appeal of a Z06 and produces slightly more torque as well.
We’re more than certain there will be a long waiting period for this car, and we’re yet to get behind the wheel. It's a true engineering marvel, given the packaging of the new electric components in the chassis.
The E-Ray makes the best of both benefits: low-end torque, plus some of it in the top-end as well, all thanks to the hybrid components. It has been confirmed that the car will not share its electric motor with any other Chevrolet model.
The addition of a hybrid system also meant the E-Ray was going to weigh more, so the engineers saved weight by using lots of magnesium and carbon fiber where required. The E-Ray has gained a total of 300 lbs, which isn’t too bad. Contributing to that weight, though, is magnesium for the chassis bracing, carbon fiber for the brakes, and optional wheels.
Chevrolet Cutaway C8 Corvette E-Ray Is Amazing
We were privileged to get to see the cutaway car of the new E-Ray. Looking into the exposed rear had us notice the only possible giveaway of this being a hybrid: the fluid reservoir that keeps the coolant for the battery cooling circuit intact.
The cockpit also gave us an in-depth look at the ‘Great Wall of Corvette’ center console that had bouquets and brickbats thrown at the C8 Stingray initially. The size of the tunnel left people clueless, but the answer is right in front of you now. It was made that way to accommodate the battery.
The center console stores four sets of 20 battery cells, with each being positioned horizontally, and right ahead of it are all the powertrain electronics. The coolant reservoir in the engine bay caters to the batteries, and there’s a different circuit that cools the computers. There’s even a vertical heat exchanger that keeps the electric motor cool at operating temperatures.
The 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray Looks Fierce
To be powerful, it was important to make the Corvette E-Ray look powerful as well, which is why you see the wide fenders and wheels. Then there are the huge carbon-ceramic brakes for better stopping ability and the new air intake abilities that were designed for the new cooling components.
The body-color accents will immediately help you differentiate the E-Ray from the Z06 Corvette or the regular Corvette Stingray. The Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 tires, called 4+ZP, measure the same 345 millimeters at the rear as the Z06.
How Much Will The Corvette E-Ray Cost?
While the E-Ray coupe starts at an MSRP of $102,900, the convertible costs more at $109,900, making it costlier than the regular Stingray coupe. Expect this all-wheel-drive hybrid sports car to reach dealerships during 2023.
Sources: Chevrolet, News 11 Yuma Via YouTube