Chevrolet introduces the first hybrid version, the fastest in the 70 model years.
They had already advanced something with a teaser video in aprilbut now it finally became reality: Chevrolet officially unveiled the new Corvette E-Raythe long-awaited hybrid version of the iconic American sports car that arrives not only to propose a before and after in its history, but also because it promises to be the fastest in its 70 years of rich (and powerful) history.
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray comes in coupe and convertible variants and mounts the same centrally-aspirated 6.2-liter displacement V8 at 90º as the eighth-generation Corvette, the current one, and also delivers identical 502 hp and 637 Nm. But in this case, coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it complements all that force it sends to the rear axle with an electric motor for the front wheels that produces 162 hp and 169 Nm, resulting in an all-wheel drive vehicle with 664 hp and 806 Nm.
Of course, these figures translate into concrete returns. The E-Ray, for example, it accelerates from 0 to 96 km/h in 2.5 seconds, and reaches the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds and to 209 km/h. No other Corvette achieves those times: for example, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, absolute king until now, takes one tenth more to achieve both marks.
Where the Z06 does take advantage of it is in the ability to withstand G forces in curves, and also in the balance: it weighs 1,561 kilos dry, much less than the 1,712 kilos that the hybrid in coupe bodywork accuses, the lighter of the two. –The convertible adds 37 more kilos–.
The constant comparison with the Z06 is not random, since it is on this version that the E-Ray is based. While the Z06 uses a 5.5-litre V8 that makes 689bhp, the brand new E-Ray is closely related thanks to many design solutions, such as a wider bodythe front air inlets, or the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.
However, it’s still a full-fledged Corvette and not just a derivative of that particular version: the quad exhaust, for example, is an idea straight from the Stingraywhile other elements are directly linked to the conventional C8.
In this sense, it is clear that General Motors’ plans with this car focused, rather than on sustainability, on the benefits that hybrid technology helps to provide.
In fact, the battery of this E-Ray –which is the first step towards the even more anticipated 100% electric version– is just 1.9 kWh and can not plugwhich indicates that with this system they did not seek large numbers of autonomy either.
Regarding configuration and aesthetic possibilities, Chevrolet promised 14 body colors to choose from, the possibility of adding Electric Blue stripes – although only in the first year of production – and the Artemis Dipped green cabin.
There will also be no shortage of options to make it even more extreme, such as a aerodynamic kit or carbon fiber wheels –the standard ones are made of 20” alloy and five points–.
Although its production has not yet started and there is no confirmed date to do so, it is a fact that it will take place starting this year, with the aim of making the first deliveries sometime in the second semester, with a US base price of US$104,295.