As a 70th anniversary present to itself, Chevrolet has unveiled the first electrified and all-wheel drive version of the Corvette.
The new Corvette E-Ray also becomes the fastest street-legal version of the All-American sports car, mixing speed with efficiency.
Chevrolet opted to reveal the E-Ray exactly 70 years after the original Corvette debuted at the 1953 Motorama event in New York City. It makes for a neat way to commemorate seven decades of Corvette production.
The all-weather Corvette
Mounted in the middle of the Corvette E-Ray is the same 6.2-l LT2 V8 engine as found in the regular Stingray. Here it produces 495hp, with 470lb ft of torque, sending this all to the rear wheels.
At the front is an electric motor, generating a considerable 160hp and 125lb ft. This solely drives the front wheels, creating the E-Ray’s electric all-wheel drive (eAWD) capability.
Working together, the two propulsion systems make for a total output of 655hp. The result is the ability for the E-Ray to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds, and complete a quarter-mile sprint in 10.5 seconds.
Chevrolet has avoided making the E-Ray a plug-in hybrid. Instead, the small 1.9kWh battery lives between the seats, and restores its power from regenerative braking.
Engage Stealth Mode
Up to six driver modes are available for the E-Ray, including a ‘Stealth Mode’. This allows the electrified Corvette to travel in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 45mph. At other times, the eAWD will work with the engine to boost traction.
On the outside, the E-Ray uses the same widened bodywork of the high-performance Corvette Z06. Buyers can specify an exclusive ‘Electric Blue’ body stripe, ensuring everyone knows you picked the hybrid Corvette.
Production of the Corvette E-Ray is scheduled to begin later this year, with both coupe and convertible versions available. Prices in the United States will begin from $104,295 – equivalent to £85,000.
Chevrolet is yet to confirm whether the E-Ray will be offered in right-hand drive, like the regular Corvette Stingray. However, multiple RHD prototypes have been spotted undergoing recent testing.
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