As a 70th-anniversary gift to itself, Chevrolet introduced the first Corvette with electric all-wheel drive.
The new Corvette E-Ray also becomes the fastest street-legal version of the nation’s sports car, combining speed and efficiency.
Chevrolet chose to reveal the E-Ray a full 70 years after the original Corvette debuted at the Motorama event in New York City in 1953. It provides an ingenious way to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Corvette production.
All Weather Corvette
Mounted in the middle of the Corvette E-Ray is the same 6.2-l LT2 V8 engine as the regular Stingray. Here it makes 495hp and 470lb ft of torque, all of which are sent to the rear wheels.
Up front is an electric motor that produces a decent 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft. This drives only the front wheels, creating the E-Ray’s electric all-wheel drive (eAWD) capability.
The two propulsion systems work together for a combined output of 655 horsepower. The result is an E-Ray capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and completing the quarter-mile sprint in 10.5 seconds.
Chevrolet avoided making the E-Ray a plug-in hybrid. Instead, a small 1.9kWh battery sits between the seats and recovers its power through regenerative braking.
enter incognito mode
E-Ray can use up to six drive modes, including “stealth mode”. This allows the electric Corvette to travel in electric-only mode at speeds of up to 45 mph. At other times, eAWD will work with the engine to improve traction.
Externally, the E-Ray uses the same widened bodywork as the high-performance Corvette Z06. Buyers can specify exclusive “Electric Blue” body stripes to ensure everyone knows you’ve opted for a hybrid Corvette.
Production of the Corvette E-Ray is scheduled to begin later this year with coupe and convertible versions. Prices in the US will start at $104,295, which equates to £85,000.
Chevy hasn’t confirmed whether the E-Ray will offer right-hand drive like the regular Corvette Stingray. Recently, however, multiple RHD prototypes were found to be being tested.
