Corvette E-Ray Debuts as a 655 HP AWD Monster!
First-ever AWD Corvette E-Ray combines a 6.2-liter LT2 V-8 with electric propulsion, vaulting it from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds!
Chevrolet just confirmed the AWD Corvette E-Ray in time for the 2024 model year. The timing of the announcement coincided with the 70th anniversary of Corvette’s debut at the Motorama show in New York City. Only this time, instead of the Blue Flame Six, the Corvette is going green, adding electric AWD propulsion to complement its 6.2-liter V8.
Here’s what we know:
- Called eAWD, the propulsion system combines an electric motor and 1.9 kWh battery with the 6.2-liter LT2 Small Block V-8.
- The V-8 produces 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the electric motor providing an additional 160 horsepower to the front wheels. The total output is 655 horsepower and 595 lb-feet of torque.
- Clocking a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time and a quarter-mile of 10.5 seconds, the E-Ray is the quickest production Corvette in history.
- The Corvette E-Ray is available as a coupe or hardtop convertible.
“Corvettes must provide an exhilarating driving experience on backroads and tracks, and E-Ray nails it,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “The electrification technology enhances the feeling of control in all conditions, adding an unexpected degree of composure.”
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Corvette E-Ray’s Intelligent eAWD System
Chevrolet says the E-Ray’s intelligent eAWD system constantly learns the road surface, adapting to meet traction conditions and driver needs. It supplies power through the front wheels, with the eAWD kicking in for additional traction. The eAWD’s battery does not require plug-in charging. Instead, it’s charged via regenerative energy from coasting and braking.
In addition to eAWD, the new E-Ray includes the following features as standard:
- Stealth Mode, providing electric power for speeds up to 45 mph
- Enhanced stop/start functionality using a new lightweight lithium-ion 12-volt battery
- Brembo Carbon Ceramic brakes
- Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with three suspension settings
- Staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. An optional performance package will include Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires
- Enhanced driver assistance technology, including Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure, Forward Collision Alert, and Automatic Emergency Braking
Stealth Mode enables all-electric driving with a maximum speed of 45 mph. The engine automatically engages if the vehicle’s speed exceeds that limit, additional torque is requested by the driver, or the E-Ray’s battery pack is depleted.
For enhanced track performance, E-Ray’s eAWD control system applies torque to the front axle as needed. The Charge+ feature can be used to maximize the battery state of charge for extended lapping. Revised Performance Traction Management (PTM) modes are optimized for the eAWD propulsion system.
New E-Ray Performance App
In addition to the new technology under the skin, the E-Ray receives a performance app on the infotainment system. This app provides the driver with insights into how the propulsion system is operating and includes three primary display layouts:
- Gauges (displays dynamic power output from the electric motor and V-8 engine)
- Dyno (provides a graph of power/torque across selectable time intervals)
- Data (showcases electrical system performance and efficiency).
Additionally, there are new Charge+ and Stop/Start buttons on the console and updates to the infotainment system and instrument cluster aimed at providing a more integrated appearance.
“Corvette has been a halo for Chevrolet since 1953,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “E-Ray’s unprecedented blend of confidence, luxury performance, sophistication and style provides a new reason for more people to experience Corvette.”
Corvette E-Ray Design Highlights
The Corvette E-Ray’s appearance builds on the athletic styling of the C8, sharing its purposeful, wide-body proportions with the Z06. New lightweight alloy wheels with a twisted five-spoke star design are exclusive. The wheels are available in four different finishes to complement fourteen exterior color choices, including Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray, and Cacti which are new for 2024.
Other highlights include carbon flash badging and available carbon fiber ground effects. An Electric Blue body-length stripe package is exclusive to the E-Ray. Inside, the E-Ray introduces the all-new Artemis Dipped interior. Featuring deep green tones on nearly every interior surface, it’s only available on 2024 Corvettes.
“There’s never been a Corvette like E-Ray and its sophisticated design reflects that,” said Phil Zak, executive design director, Global Chevrolet. “It starts with the body color trim which draws your full attention to the exotic proportions of the E-Ray. The interiors allow customers to reflect their individual personalities with their choice of color executions that provide a refined or dynamic sport look and feel.”
The Corvette E-Ray Goes On Sale Later This Year
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray goes on sale later in 2023, with an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ coupe and $111,295 for the 1LZ convertible. As with the Z06, there’s the risk that dealers will add significant markups or “market price adjustments.” Chevrolet will produce the E-Ray alongside the regular Corvette and Z06 at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky.
Photos: Chevrolet
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