The Chevrolet Corvette made its debut in New York city more than 70 years ago and to mark the occasion General Motors is introducing the 2024 E-ray.
It is the first Corvette model yet to feature a powertrain encompassing a 6.2-litre V8 hybrid engine and all-wheel-drive.
General Motors says the 2024 Corvette E-Ray is also the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD.
“In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicked off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” General Motors president and former Holden ANZ chief executive Mark Reuss.
“E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver,” he says.
The new E-Ray — available in removeable roof coupe and hardtop convertible models — uses electrification to enhance the driving experience, all-weather confidence and sure-footed capabilities that can only be achieved with eAWD says General Motors.
GM says the E-Ray is the quickest production Corvette in history, clocking a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds
The 6.2-litre V8 displaces 369kW of power and 639Nm of torque (495hp and 470lb-ft) to the rear axle. It is complemented by an electric motor that channels an additional 119kW of power and 170Nm of torque (160 hp and 125 lb-ff) through the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack, which is located between the seats.
In total, E-Ray produces a combined 488kW (655hp) from both the electric motor and V-8.
The E-Ray’s intelligent eAWD system is constantly learning the road surface, seamlessly adapting to meet traction conditions and driver needs. During spirited driving and in low traction environments, E-Ray’s eAWD system applies additional power to the front wheels, helping to enhance vehicle stability.
There is no need for plug-in charging for the E-Ray’s battery system. The battery is charged via regenerative energy from coasting and braking, as well as during normal driving.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray goes on sale in 2023, with an MSRP of US$104,2954 for the 1LZ coupe and US$111,2954 for the 1LZ convertible model, with production to take place at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky
