Here’s what you can expect from the gas-electric hybrid Corvette.
Back in December, we got a fairly substantial leak regarding the upcoming C8 Chevrolet Corvette hybrid that everyone has already tentatively dubbed the Corvette E-Ray. A new teaser released to Chevy’s social channels today suggests the automaker will reveal its plans for an electrified Corvette this month, and it’s already confirmed a few new details.
Chevy has been teasing the so-called E-Ray for months, so it’s exciting that we’re finally about to learn more. Today’s teaser confirms we can expect a pre-production model to debut on January 17 with something called “Stealth mode,” which likely refers to a silent, all-electric drive mode that relies on the new hybrid powertrain’s battery and electric motors. Also, the video clip’s inclusion of a wintry scene hints at what could be all-wheel drive, likely with electric motors assisting the front axle, though nothing’s confirmed at this point.
Speaking of, that previous leak seemed to confirm a lot, including the E-Ray name and that the new Corvette would be all-wheel drive with two electric motors, one powering each of the front wheels. Earlier images of the supposed E-Ray didn’t reveal any clear addition of a charge port, so we don’t expect it to be a plug-in hybrid. It’s likely this hybrid powertrain is mated to the stock C8’s 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine that’s already good for nearly 500 horsepower on its own.
We’ve also already seen what is likely the online configurator for the E-Ray Corvette, which revealed a new five-spoke wheel design, an additional carbon fiber wheel option, an upgraded carbon-ceramic brake package, and a ZER Performance package featuring Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. New paint colors featured in the leaked configurator included a new blue hue, a Sea Wolf grey, and a Cacti Green color, with a new interior trim called Artemis Green.
It’s long been rumored that this hybrid Corvette would take the place of the traditional Grand Sport trim, which famously offers nearly all of the Z06 package upgrades minus the higher-output flat-plane crank V-8 engine option. We’re just glad Chevy saw room for both the new Z06 we already got and this upcoming, all-new hybrid model, which packs a ton of upgrade potential for future, even higher-performance electrified Vettes.
