Corvette C8 E-Ray hybrid revealed in US

New details of Chevrolet’s first hybrid Corvette have been revealed, with a 484kW all-wheel-drive powertrain expected to feature.

Muscle Cars and Trucks reports the new Corvette will be dubbed E-Ray, and will replace the prior Grand Sport’s position in the C8 line-up. Leaked reports previously indicated the hybrid C8 would use the Grand Sport name, but this now appears to be incorrect. GM has filed several trademarks for the E-Ray name, dating back as far as 2015.

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Unnamed sources cited by the publication say power will come from the same 6.2-litre V8 found in the current Stingray, paired to a front axle-mounted ‘booster’ motor.

The set-up bears clear similarity to Honda’s (now outgoing) NSX, which is apparently being used as a benchmarking vehicle for the E-Ray. Total output is said to be around 484kW, making for a 0-100km/h sprint of around 2.0 seconds. The eight-speed dual-clutch auto found in the Stingray is slated to remain.

Rumours indicate the E-Ray will offer silent, zero-emission driving at speeds below 40-50km/h. It’s so far unclear if the electric motor will use regenerative charging or a plug-in system.

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Muscle Cars and Trucks speculates the E-Ray could arrive in 2023 to celebrate the Corvette’s 70th birthday, though Covid-19 disruptions and the ongoing semi-conductor crisis have slowed GM’s production lines.

Recent spy shots have shown a disguised, right-hand drive hybrid C8 undergoing testing in the US, sparking hopes of an Australian launch sometime in the future. If the E-Ray does arrive here, it won’t be for some time – the first Australian Stingrays won’t land until the end of 2021 and the Z06 is yet to see an official reveal, let alone an Aussie release.

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Chevrolet is expected to follow up the E-Ray with the hybrid flagship Zora, due to arrive around 2025. Named after Corvette designer and mid-engine advocate Zora Arkus-Duntov, the car is believed to use a twin-turbo version of the Z06’s flat-plane V8, paired to an electric booster motor for a 745kW output.