Summary
While competing with race sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghinisand PorschesThe 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is as America is like apple pie, cowboy, and jazz. When the C8-generation Vette debuted, it adopted the mid-engined layout and exotic car proportions that go with it, and now the new E-Ray model features a hybrid powertrain that promises to boost performance even further. With 655 combined horsepower from its V-8 engine and electric motor, the all-wheel drive Corvette E-Ray is within 15 horsepower of the range-topper Z06. Additionally, the E-Ray features a Stealth driving mode that lets you sneak in and out of your neighborhood without waking the neighbors. Since its launch, the Corvette C8 has staff favorite at Car and Driver office, not only because of its sharp handling and seemingly endless power, but because of how easy it is to get through everyday life. Granted, there’s only two seats, but with cargo space behind the engine and under the front hood, that’s handy, at least for a sports car.
What’s New for 2024?
The E-Ray is a new entry for Chevrolet this year and its hybrid powertrain is the first time electrification has been added to the Corvette lineup. To complement the 655-horsepower hybrid powertrain, the Corvette E-Ray uses the same wide body kit and front end treatment as the high-performance Z06 model. All-wheel drive — an electric motor drives the front wheels — and the E-Ray will be available at Chevy dealerships in late 2023 as a 2024 model.
Price and Which One to Buy
Like a regular Corvette, the Corvette E-Ray is available as a coupe or convertible with a folding hardtop. Since the roof of the targa coupe can be lifted for open-top motorcycles, we’ll stick with it. The E-Ray is expected to be offered in 1LZ, 2LZ, and 3LZ trim levels with similar equipment to the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT versions of the Corvette Stingray, but Chevrolet hasn’t released those details yet. If we’re right, we recommend upgrading to the 2LZ version, which should hopefully add features like a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 14-speaker Bose stereo system, blind spot monitoring, and much more.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
Corvette’s first hybrid powertrain consists of a 6.2-liter V-8 borrowed from the Corvette Stingray that produces 495 horsepower and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 160-hp electric motor sits on the front axle and powers the wheels, creating an all-wheel drive arrangement and a combined 655 horsepower. The 1.9 kWh battery pack allows the Corvette E-Ray to travel up to 45 mph on electric power, in a driving mode called Chevy Stealth Mode. When the electric motor and V-8 are operating at full speed, Chevy says the Corvette E-Ray can reach 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. That’s faster than the 670-hp Corvette Z06 coupe, which hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds in our test.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
While the EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the Corvette E-Ray, we expect a slight boost in ratings for the Stingray model, namely 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. When we get the chance, we’ll be using the Corvette E-Ray on our 75 mph fuel economy test route and updating this story with test results. For more information on the Corvette’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
While the Corvette E-Ray brings some of the first powertrains to the nameplate, the car’s interior is no different from that of the Stingray or Z06 models. It is truly two-seater and can be selected in materials such as leather, imitation suede and real metal trim. The roof is removable on the coupe, as on the Corvette before it, and stored in the boot just behind the engine compartment. The rear trunk can also accommodate two golf bags, while the smaller front trunk offers room for some luggage or cargo when the roof is stowed. The driver sits behind a square steering wheel that for some reason doesn’t feel odd and looks on the reconfigurable 12.0-inch gauge display; large infotainment touchscreen tilts toward the driver for ease of use. The interior design takes the driver-focused concept to its fullest, bisecting the cockpit with a high-top divider located in a row of switches for the car’s climate control system.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Corvette E-Ray uses Chevrolet’s 3 Plus Infotainment system, which features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming, 4G LTE mobile hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless capabilities. The system is easy to use and responds quickly to commands.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Chevrolet hasn’t provided any specifications yet, but we expect the Corvette E-Ray to be available in the same limited numbers. driver assistance features, as a model of the stingray. For more information about Corvette crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alerts are available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Despite its excellent performance, the Corvette E-Ray’s warranty coverage is very average. At least the first maintenance service is covered free of charge.
- The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- The powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles
- Free treatment is covered for the first visit
