2024 Corvette E-Ray Proves Electric Does Not Mean Boring

     Since its birth in January of 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has been an icon in the American automotive industry, consistently upping the ante in terms of power and style, and once again Chevrolet has upped the ante with the new 2024 Corvette E-Ray. The E-Ray, as the name suggests, is toting a hybrid powertrain, housing a single electric motor with a 1.9kWh battery pack and a naturally aspirated 6.2 liter LT2 V8, good for a combined 655 horsepower. This hybrid system brings the E-Ray from 0-60 in about 2.5 seconds, with the quarter mile coming out to 10.5 seconds, a whole tenth of a second quicker than the track focused Z06. 

Credit: Chris Bruce; motor1.com

    The E-Ray, just like the Z06, sits on a widened wheelbase to allow for Michelin Pilot Sport tires, or Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires if you choose to have the performance package. The E-Ray is sitting on twisted 5-spoke wheels that are exclusive only to the E-Ray. The braking power in this absolute  machine comes courtesy of ceramic Brembo brake calipers. Slight suspension tweaks have also been made to ensure accommodation to the presence of  front driveshafts, including canted shock tower tops and a shock tower, with MagRide Control 4.0 shocks coming standard. 

       The E-Ray comes equipped with 6 different driving modes: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, and Z-Mode. Track mode allows for full use of the hybrid system at all times while also taking full advantage of the traction management system. The vehicle also comes with both Charge+ and Stealth modes, with Stealth mode allowing you to drive in all electric mode at speeds up to 45 mph for quiet departures from home (or for when you're sneaking in after a long night of street racing).

Credit: Cameron Neveu; Hagerty

    The inside of the E-Ray remains relatively the same as previous C8 models, with the exception of the Charge+ and Stop/Start buttons on the center console. The E-Ray also receives a unique startup experience, showcasing how the hybrid system works. The infotainment system in the center console has also seen a slight update and customers are also able to spec a number of interior options, such as a carbon fiber trim package, seat colors, and seat choices. 

Credit: Michael Simari; Car and Driver

    The E-Ray is expected to go on sale this year, with the base model 1LZ coupe having an expected MSRP of $104,295; putting the price point just $2,100 less than the base model Z06 at $106,395. I believe this hybrid will help to define a new segment in luxury and performance cars, while paving the way for an all electric Corvette model.