Auto | Corvette
FOR ITS 70TH BIRTHDAY - CHEVROLET GIVES THE WORLD AN ELECTRIFIED AWD CORVETTE
| 2023-01-17 |     |
First-ever eAWD Corvette E-Ray uses an advanced electrified propulsion system in addition to its 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8 enabling all-season performance and composure — and 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds1
NEW YORK
Exactly 70 years after the Corvette debuted at Motorama in New York City, Chevrolet has returned to introduce the first-ever electrified Corvette with all-wheel-drive and a powerful 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8, the 2024 E-Ray. “In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicked off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors president. “E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver.”
Developed to be the Corvette owners can arrive in anywhere, no matter the season, the new E-Ray — available in removeable roof coupe and hardtop convertible models — uses electrification to enhance the driving experience with intense straight-line performance, all-weather confidence and sure-footed grand touring capabilities that can only be achieved with eAWD. E-Ray is also the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD, making it one like none.
“Corvette has been a halo for Chevrolet since 1953,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. “E-Ray’s unprecedented blend of confidence, luxury performance, sophistication and style provides a new reason for more people to experience Corvette.” The E-Ray is the quickest production Corvette in history, clocking a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time1 before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds1. “Corvettes must provide an exhilarating driving experience on backroads and tracks, and E-Ray nails it,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “The electrification technology enhances the feeling of control in all conditions, adding an unexpected degree of composure.”
A near immediate feeling of thrust from low-end torque is core to the Corvette driving experience, and the E-Ray packs plenty of it. Power comes from the 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8, putting 495 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque to the rear axle. It is complemented by an electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb. ft. of torque through the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack which is located between the seats. In total, E-Ray produces a combined 655 horsepower from both the electric motor and Small Block V-8.
Creating its own lane
E-Ray’s intelligent eAWD system is constantly learning the road surface, seamlessly adapting to meet traction conditions and driver needs. During spirited driving and in low traction environments, E-Ray’s eAWD system applies additional power to the front wheels, helping to enhance vehicle stability. There is no need for plug-in charging for the E-Ray’s battery system. The battery is charged via regenerative energy from coasting and braking, as well as during normal driving.
