2024 Corvette E-Ray - Ushering in a new era
Image: GM
Seventy years after the debut of the Corvette, Chevrolet have announced the first-ever hybrid edition of their flagship sports car: the 2024 Corvette E-Ray. With a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, this dynamic performer is the fastest production Corvette yet while ushering in a hybrid era for Corvettes.
Available in coupe and convertible configurations, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray features an electrified all-wheel drive system that adapts to deliver performance in any situation.
Power and performance
A naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 Small Block V8 engine delivers 495hp and over 470 lb-ft of torque to the 2024 Corvette E-Ray's rear wheels. Complementing that is an electric motor producing 160hp and 125 lb-ft of torque from a 1.9kWh battery pack. No plug-in charging is necessary, as regenerative braking recharges the E-Ray's battery through coasting and everyday driving. That likely means leaving the car parked in the garage for a long time should be avoided but why would you want to do that with a car like this?
Image: GM
Drivers can configure the level of electric assistance the 2024 Corvette E-Ray provides through six selectable modes, with limited all-electric propulsion as an option upon start-up. An all-electric Stealth Mode, designed for quiet driving at a maximum speed of 45mph, can be activated briefly before the engine engages. In addition, a dedicated app on the E-Ray's infotainment system allows drivers to view technical propulsion performance information.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray's electrified all-wheel drive system adapts to different driving styles and road conditions, improving vehicle handling to provide a seamless driving experience no matter the situation. On-track performance is optimized via additional torque from the E-Ray's electric motor to its front wheels to increase traction, with drivers able to maximize the battery state of charge by selecting the "Charge+" feature.
Image: GM
Exterior design
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray shares many of its exterior proportions and design characteristics with its predecessor, the 2023 Corvette Z06. However, unique to the E-Ray is the twisted five-spoke star design featured on its lightweight alloy wheels, which further aids in delivering torque.
The E-Ray is exceptionally customizable, with fourteen exterior color choices and an exclusive stripe package available upon launch. Carbon fiber finishes are available, with customers also able to add carbon fiber ground effects and wheels in the Corvette’s ‘Carbon Flash’ metallic paint finish.
Image: GM
Interior design
New to the E-Ray is the green Artemis Dipped interior, exclusive to models released in 2024. Like its exterior, owners can customize the E-Ray's interior extensively. Customers can choose from a wide selection of seats and interior colors, with the option to add carbon fiber trim packages should they wish to compliment any of their preferences from the exterior.
Charge+ and Stop/Start buttons are new additions to the E-Ray's console, with its design – as well as that of its dashboard and infotainment system – having a welcome refresh from those of previous Corvette models.
Image: GM
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray will go on sale later this year. Prices will start from $104,295 for a coupe and $111,295 for a convertible. As with all other Corvettes, General Motors' Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky will handle all manufacturing of this classic American machine.
Now that a hybrid Corvette is about to hit the market, the next thing to look forward to is an all-electric model. Perhaps, it really is time to let go of the remarkable noise of the combustion engine.
