Design of the new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid has been revealed, not because of leaked patent filings, or unapproved factory or test ground photos, but because the online configurator will be up and running ahead of time.
KK87 users on Forum of mid-engine corvettes found the configurator and managed to post a screenshot of it before GM took it down on the Chevrolet website.
From what we can see, E-Ray seems to use the wider body panels fitted to the Z06. To help distinguish the two versions, the rear vents, plastic trim around the side air intakes, and the splint that extends the grille and front air intakes are all color coded instead. finished in glossy black.
The E-Ray also misses out on the Z06’s front splitters, side sill extensions and large rear spoiler.
There doesn’t seem to be a visible cover for the charging port. So unless Chevrolet has done an excellent job in hiding it or removing it from the configuration, it seems likely that the E-Ray will be a hybrid rather than a plug-in hybrid.
Earlier reports said the E-Ray will come with an electric motor for the front axle, with a mid-mounted V8 responsible for driving the rear wheels. This means that the E-Ray will be the first Corvette with all-wheel drive and will be all-wheel drive before cruising or during gentle acceleration.
Since the E-Ray has a wider body than the entry-level Stingray, but misses out on the Z06’s aero kit, it’s safe to say its total power output will fall somewhere between the two.
For reference, the Stingray’s 6.2-liter V8 makes 364 hp and 630 Nm, while the Z06 uses a 5.5-liter flat-spindle V8 that makes 500 hp and 624 Nm.
Both the Stingray and Z06 have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.
A screen cover of the interior shows the E-Ray with the same red outline as the Stingray, suggesting it will use a 6.2-liter V8. Near the driver’s knee are buttons for Battery Regenerative Braking and Automatic Engine Start/Stop.
A full EV variant of the eighth generation, or C8, Corvette will join the range in the not-too-distant future.
Last month car and driver reports GM will make Corvette a sub-brand, with a high-performance EV electric vehicle and an EV crossover that fools the Urus due to launch from 2025.
