Chevrolet celebrated the Corvette’s 70th birthday in style with the unveiling of the first-ever electric Corvette. Combining the power of a V8 and an electric motor, his AWD brings the iconic sports car into the electric age. This makes him the fastest Corvette ever, with a 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) sprint his landing in 2.5 seconds. Who says you can’t teach an old man in his 70s new tricks?
The first Corvette debuted as a concept car at General Motors’ Autorama event in New York City on January 17, 1953. Just 70 years after him, GM breathed new life into the Corvette C8 by giving it an extra drive unit.
“In 1953, the enthusiastic response to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kickstarted 70 years of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “As the first electrified all-wheel-drive Corvette, E-Ray takes it one step further and expands the possibilities Corvette can offer.”
Additional power is always welcome on Corvettes, but this time Chevy adds via a second power plant. It starts with his 6.2-liter LT2 small-block V8 engine, which is the same 495 horsepower as the 2023 Stingray, but this time he adds a 160-horsepower electric motor to drive the front wheels and completes the high-performance eAWD layout. . The electric motor is powered by a 1.9 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted between the seats and produces 125 lb-ft (170 Nm) of torque. Total power output from the V8 and e-motors is 655 hp (481 kW).
Chevrolet/General Motors
Chevy makes it clear that the Corvette E-Ray is the fastest Corvette ever. After sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, he completes his quarter mile at 130 mph (209 km/h) in 10.5 seconds, about half a second faster than the 2023 Stingray. The e-motor’s additional power can also be used to generate boost for overtaking and powering up out of corners.
“Electrification technology enhances the feeling of control in all conditions and provides unexpected composure,” promises Corvette Chief Engineer Tadj Juchter.
Chevrolet/General Motors
E-Ray’s compact battery pack does not require plug-in charging, instead relying solely on regeneration during braking and coasting. Despite its small size, it delivers plenty of energy for a ‘stealth’ all-electric drive mode operating at top speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h). This mode seems to be welcomed with open arms to his teens and others sneaking out at night. Because the all-electric operation available at start-up is specifically intended for quietly leaving the neighborhood. The V8 kicks in automatically when the battery is depleted, and the driver needs more torque than 45 mph.
In addition to Stealth Mode, E-Ray manages V8 and electrical output via six selectable modes: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode and Z Mode. The Charge+ feature allows drivers to maximize their battery’s state of charge.
Chevrolet/General Motors
Besides e-power, the E-Ray also comes with standard Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. The car is 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) wider for him than the Stingray and shares driver-assist technologies like lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning with his other 2024 Corvette models.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray will go on sale later this year, priced at US$104,295 for the 1LZ Coupe and US$111,295 for the convertible. Options include carbon fiber wheels and ground effects, black exhaust tips and bright badging. The new model will be built at GM’s Bowling Green assembly facility in Kentucky from US and global components.
Enjoy the first E-Ray action in the video below.
All-New 2024 Corvette E-Ray | Chevrolet
Source: Chevrolet
