Chevrolet Corvette: A New Era of Mid-Engine Hybrid
In a historic shift, the Chevrolet Corvette has undergone a major transformation with its 8th generation C8 model. Formerly known for its front-mounted V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, the iconic American sports car now embraces a mid-engine layout for the first time. But that’s not all – the Corvette E-Ray has also introduced a cutting-edge hybrid four-wheel drive system.
While it may not be a plug-in hybrid like its counterparts from Ferrari and Lamborghini, the E-Ray boasts a single drive motor situated at the front.
E-Ray Chevrolet Corvette: Combining Power and Efficiency
Powering the rear axle is a 6.2L naturally aspirated 8-cylinder pushrod engine, dubbed the LT2, similar to the conventional Corvette Stingray. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this setup maintains the performance expected from a Corvette.
Meanwhile, the front axle is driven by an AC motor generating 162ps and 17.2kg-m of torque. The drive battery, with a modest capacity of 1.9kWh, is centrally located in a spacious tunnel between the seats.
Though it may seem less complex compared to contemporary hybrid supercars, this system proves to be highly efficient. Despite an additional weight of 110kg compared to the regular Stingray, it remains significantly lighter than other recent electrified models.
Embracing a distinctive exterior design, the E-Ray flaunts the imposing wide body of the top-of-the-line Corvette Z06. The overall width has been expanded by 90mm, accommodating a bold 345/25 R21 rear tire beneath its muscular wheel arches.
The standard tires come from Michelin, featuring all-season patterns. However, our test car was equipped with the optional Pilot Sports 4S for enhanced performance.
No Compromises in Packaging
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a largely unchanged interior. A new button, conveniently positioned near the driver’s right knee, allows for the selection of the Charge + mode, actively recharging the drive battery.
The infotainment monitor provides a dedicated graphic display showcasing the battery charge level and power distribution to both front and rear axles. Meanwhile, features like the slightly elevated seating position and the abundance of buttons on the center console carry over from the previous model.
When it comes to packaging, the eighth generation Corvette was designed with electric power in mind from the beginning, resulting in minimal compromises. The storage space behind the engine has been reduced by 1.8L, while the front compartment offers a shallow area for loading luggage.
Introducing a unique “stealth mode” in the driving modes, which prevents the V8 engine from starting, adds an intriguing touch. However, this feature has limited use and must be enabled before ignition, with a maximum speed restriction of 72km/h.
Although the electric range is limited to a mere 8km, this functionality ensures a quieter ride, avoiding disturbance for your neighbors during early mornings or late nights.
Driving modes encompass Tour, Sport, Track, and Weather, along with a dynamic mode reminiscent of the Corvette Stingray. Moreover, the My Mode and Z Mode options allow for personalized and independent adjustments and presets.
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray represents a new chapter in the Corvette’s illustrious history, combining electrification with incredible performance. This mid-engine hybrid establishes itself as the fastest accelerating Corvette to date, marking a significant milestone for American automotive engineering.
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: High-Performance Mid-Engine Hybrid with Four-Wheel Drive (Click here to view 111 high-resolution images)
Mid-engine hybrid with four-wheel drive
The Chevrolet Corvette, which used to have a V8 engine in the front and drive the rear tires, got a big change with the 8th generation C8. Not only has it been reborn as a mid-engine car for the first time in history, but this E-Ray also has a hybrid four-wheel drive system.
However, like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Lamborghini Revuelto, it is not a plug-in hybrid. There is only one drive motor mounted at the front.
E-Ray Chevrolet Corvette (E-Ray spec / North America)
The rear axle is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2LV 8-cylinder pushrod engine, just like the regular Corvette Stingray. It’s a small block called the LT2 and it’s mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The front axle is powered by an AC motor that produces 162ps and 17.2kg-m. The drive battery is located in a large center tunnel between the seats. The capacity is small at 1.9kWh.
Compared to the latest hybrid supercars, it can be said to be a simple system. However, it is also quite efficient. The vehicle weighs 110kg more than the regular Stingray, but this is probably a lighter weight compared to a recent electrified example.
To distinguish it in terms of styling, it has the same wide body as the top-of-the-line Corvette Z06. The overall width has increased by 90mm, and a very thick 345/25 R21 rear tire is located in the wheel arch.
Tires come standard with Michelin all-season patterns. The test car featured the optional Pilot Sports 4S.
There is almost no packaging compromise
The interior is basically the same. A small button to select Charge + mode has been added near the driver’s right knee. When this function is activated, the drive battery will be actively charged.
The infotainment monitor can display a dedicated graphic that shows the amount of charge in the drive battery and the power distribution to the front and rear axles. Features such as a slightly higher seating position and a large number of buttons on the center console remain the same.
E-Ray Chevrolet Corvette (E-Ray spec / North America)
The eighth generation Corvette was intended to be electric from the start, and there aren’t many compromises when it comes to packaging. The cargo space behind the engine has been reduced by 1.8L. At the front desk, there is a shallow side where luggage can be loaded.
A “stealth mode” has been added to the driving mode that does not start the V8 engine, but can only be used in limited situations. It must be selected before the ignition is switched on and is limited to speeds below 72km/h.
The actual distance you can run is only 8km. This is an effective feature that will not disturb your neighbors early in the morning or late at night.
Driving modes include Tour, Sport, Track and Weather, as well as a dynamic mode similar to the Corvette Stingray. There is also My Mode and Z Mode, which allow you to adjust and register individual settings independently.
The fastest accelerating Corvette ever
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray mid-engine HV four-wheel drive images High-performance engines with electrical assistance 111 photos in total
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