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First Electrified Corvette Ushers In New Era For The Iconic Sports Car

Written by CarPro | Jan 19, 2023 7:17:15 PM

You knew this day was coming, and finally it's here. Chevrolet is introducing the first-ever electrified all-wheel drive Corvette. Its debut earlier this week, coinciding with the 'Vette's 70th birthday on January 17th. 

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray


Chevrolet unveiled the 2024 Corvette E-Ray during birthday celebrations in New York City where the first Corvette debuted in 1953.

2024 Corvette E-Ray in Torch Red and Black, parked on The Rink at Rockefeller Center. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary.  Credit: Chevrolet.

 

“In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicked off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors president. “E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver.”

Hybrid Powertrain


We don't have to wait for power specs either. The new electrified Corvette will deliver 655-horsepower.  Here's how the drivetrain power specs horsepower break down:

  • 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8: 495 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear axle.
  • Electric motor:  additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque through the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack located between the seats.

In total, E-Ray produces a combined 655 horsepower from both the electric motor and Small Block V-8. Chevy also says the E-Ray is the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD.

Credit: Chevrolet.

The E-Ray is fast, too. The quickest production Corvette ever in fact, clocking 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds. It can breeze through the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds.

Note, it is not a plug-in hybrid electric model. Chevy says the battery is charged via regenerative energy from coasting and braking, as well as during normal driving.

 

Exterior


Exterior highlights for the E-Ray include;

  • Four aluminum wheel finishes
  • Fourteen exterior color choices — including new for 2024 Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray and Cacti

Photo Credit: Chevrolet.


  • An E-Ray-exclusive body-length stripe package in Electric Blue
  • Standard carbon flash badging
  • Available black exhaust tips and bright badging
  • Available carbon fiber ground effects
  • Optional carbon fiber wheels in carbon flash, visible carbon fiber finish or visible carbon fiber with a red stripe

Interior


In the cabin, the E-Ray introduces the all-new Artemis Dipped interior, which features complementary deep green tones on nearly every interior surface and will only be available on 2024 Corvettes.

2024 Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe in Silver Flare with Two Tone Blue Interior. Credit: Chevrolet.

 

There are a bunch of ways you can personalize it, too, with different seat choices and colors. You'll also find updates to the Corvette's infotainment system and new Charge+ and Stop/Start buttons on the console.

Other E-Ray Highlights


Additional features and technologies of the all-new E-Ray include:

  • Stealth Mode, an electric drive mode for the street, up to 45 mph
  • New lightweight lithium-ion 12-volt battery that supports the LT2 V-8 engine’s stop/start functionality
  • Standard Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system for optimal braking performance
  • Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with three distinct suspension settings
  • Staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires2 are available with an optional performance package
  • Low, wide stance with crafted body styling that is 3.6 inches wider overall than Stingray
  • Visceral sound experience that embodies the car’s dominating presence. The electric front motor works in harmony with the LT2 engine to create an invigorating sound
  • Enhanced roster of driver assistance technologies (shared with all 2024 Corvette models), including Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Photo Credit: Chevrolet.

 

Pricing and Availability


The E-Ray is available as either a coupe or a convertible. The 2024 Corvette E-Ray goes on sale in 2023, with an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ coupe and $111,295 for the 1LZ convertible model. It will be built at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky, from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

Want to design one? You can use Chevy's E-Ray visualizer here.

For updates and more visit Chevrolet's website here.  

Photo Credit: Chevrolet.