For its 70th anniversary, the mythical Corvette is getting a new hybrid version, called E-Ray. It remains faithful to the in-house V8 and becomes the fastest production Corvette.
From the end of 2021, prototypes encountered during the test phases strongly evoked the arrival of an unprecedented hybrid Corvette. A rumor confirmed by Chevrolet in the spring of 2022, which claimed that the car would be presented to the public in 2023. It is now done, since the American manufacturer has just lifted the veil on its Corvette E-Ray, the first hybrid sports car from the brand.
The Corvette is therefore celebrating its 70th anniversary with this simple hybrid variant, combining a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with an electric motor and a 1.9 kWh battery between the seats. The V8 placed in the central rear position develops 502 hp all by itself, helped by the electric motor of 120 kW (or 163 hp) mounted at the front. So that makes the Corvette a four-wheel drive car, thanks to an “intelligent” eAWD all-wheel drive. The cumulative power reaches 664 hp for 637 Nm of torque. This makes it possible to offer cannon accelerations, with a 0 to 100 km / h shot in about 2.5 s. Enough to make it the fastest production Corvette according to Chevy.
Starting possible in 100% electric mode
The hybrid Corvette has several driving modes, including a “Stealth” mode allowing you to start in electric mode without waking up the V8 and to drive over a short distance and up to 72 km/h. A way to preserve good neighborly relations, probably? The engine switches back on as soon as the maximum speed is exceeded, when the driver requests more torque or if the battery is flat. As a good eco-friendly, the Corvette E-Ray can also run on four cylinders when the speed is constant thanks to a cylinder deactivation system.
The hybrid Corvette also gets a three-mode Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension and a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking system. It is equipped with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear rims, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The tracks are wider than a Stingray, since they repeat those of a Z06. As for the weight, it is announced at 1,712 kg for the coupe (dry) and 1,749 kg for the convertible variant.
A slightly different style
On the look side, the E-Ray is distinguished by new air intakes, in particular on the front bumper or the rear fenders. It offers 14 body colors, and additional customizations such as stripes on the hood and roof. In the cabin, a new interior with dark green tones can be chosen. Specific instrumentation is installed on board, allowing navigation between the different driving modes and displaying additional information on hybridization.
This hybrid Corvette will be produced in a General Motors plant in Kentucky (USA). It will go on sale in 2023 in North America, starting at $104,295 for the coupe and $111,295 for the convertible model. For the moment, the marketing in Europe is not confirmed.
Photos : DR.
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