Corvette Electrifies: The Hybrid AWD Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Arrives

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray | Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

Corvette's First Electrified & All-Wheel Drive Model, the "Corvette E-Ray," Introduced to Japan

General Motors Japan has announced the introduction to Japan of the "Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray," the first-ever electrified and all-wheel-drive model of the high-performance sports car "Chevrolet Corvette." Reservations will be accepted from Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 30th.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

0-96km/h in 2.5 seconds. The Corvette Achieves Its Fastest Acceleration Ever

In recent years, the electrification of high-performance sports cars has accelerated, driven by stricter environmental regulations aimed at achieving a decarbonized society and advancements in electrification technology.

A symbolic event in this trend was the addition of the first hybrid model to the Porsche 911 series. The Porsche 911, a traditional sports car with over half a century of history, has adopted a hybrid system combining a powerful internal combustion engine with an electric motor to meet the demands of the times. This model achieves both high driving performance and environmental efficiency.

Corvette Finally Electrifies: The Hybrid AWD Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Debuts | Chevrolet

The new "911 GTS," the first hybrid model in the history of the Porsche 911

Beyond Porsche, other renowned supercar brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren are also electrifying their lineups. Rapid advancements in battery and motor control technology have made it possible to achieve both high performance and environmental efficiency.

And now, the innovative electrified model "Corvette E-Ray" has joined the Corvette lineup, which boasts over 70 years of history.

The Corvette E-Ray is a hybrid model equipped with "eAWD (electrified all-wheel drive)," where an electric motor drives the front axle and a 6.2-liter V8 engine drives the rear axle.

A 1.9 kWh lithium-ion drive battery is housed in the center tunnel, supplying power to the front motor, which produces a maximum output of 162 hp and a maximum torque of 125 Nm.

Meanwhile, the rear axle is driven by the mid-mounted 502 hp 6.2-liter V8 "LT2" engine, as in the current model. The total system output is 664 hp, achieving the fastest acceleration in Corvette history, reaching 60 mph (approximately 96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds.

The battery is not externally powered like in a plug-in hybrid. Instead, it is charged by the front motor when driving at speeds above 26 km/h or during deceleration, while the engine is running.

Furthermore, by using the motor for assistance during cruising, the range of the engine's four-cylinder mode can be expanded, which also helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Uniquely, there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the motor; precise control of both aims to achieve a balance between stability and driver mobility.

The driving modes include eight options, such as "Tour" and "Weather" befitting a grand tourer, as well as "Track" and "Sport." Notably, the "Stealth" mode allows for electric-only propulsion. This mode is effective for quiet driving in residential areas or early in the morning.

In this "Stealth" mode, the maximum speed is 72 km/h, and the maximum range is 4.8 to 6.4 km. The engine will automatically start if the speed limit is exceeded or if the accelerator is pressed hard.

Additionally, the "E-Ray Performance App" within the infotainment system, displayed on the center screen, shows real-time performance data such as the movement of the motor and engine during driving, allowing drivers to monitor the car's behavior from the cockpit.

The exterior features the same wide and low body as the current "Corvette Z06," with sharp body lines and a powerful proportion. Furthermore, the E-Ray is distinguished by its exclusive pearl nickel forged wheels.

The Japanese specification model is the top-tier "3LZ" grade. It features extensive use of sueded microfiber and leather, creating a high-quality interior space, along with standard equipment such as bucket seats and a sporty carbon steering wheel.

The number of Corvette E-Ray models for delivery in 2024 to Japan is limited to just 15 units. Additionally, the body color combination is restricted to Riptide Blue Metallic with a Sky Cool Gray interior.

To receive delivery within 2024, applications must be submitted for a lottery sale at a Chevrolet authorized dealer during the application period from Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 30th. For deliveries in 2025 and beyond, orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.