Chevrolet’s Corvette E-Ray has dotted down, with deliveries both sides of the Tasman kicking off this month. Locally the V8 hybrid goes on sale for $285k.
Jess Bala, MD of GM Australia and New Zealand, said of the new machine: “The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is possibly our most hotly anticipated model to date. I can’t wait to see drivers across Australia and New Zealand behind the wheel of this tremendously engaging electrified Corvette.
“This is the best of Corvette today, paired with the brand’s exciting, electrified tomorrow. It’s the kind of performance vehicle that needs to be driven to be believed. And that day is coming, and coming fast, for the people of Australia and New Zealand.”
Like any Corvette it is a rocket but this one even more so. Most vehicles with its performance potential cost considerably more. System output from the 6.2L V8 and front-axle motor is 488kW and 806Nm. Its 0-97km/h time is 2.5sec, so it should get to 100km/h in under 2.7sec. It is roughly as quick as a Z06; both have standing quarters of around 10.5sec.
The E-Ray was previewed at the beginning of last year. Its arrival “heralds a new peak in electrified AWD performance” according to GM. The firm doesn’t call it a traditional hybrid, but rather “a fuel-efficient performance vehicle with electrified propulsion that does not need charging”. Oddly no combined fuel use figure is given – evidently it isn’t available yet which is surprising – but it’s said to be virtually the same as the Corvette’s. That is rated at 12.7L/100km.
Any advantage of the electrification is somewhat cancelled out by the extra 180kg of weight from the motor and battery pack. The E-Ray can EV for a short while in “Stealth Mode” at speeds up to 75km/h. However, its 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack limits distance somewhat, up to about 6km. Brake energy regeneration rezips the battery, as do coasting and normal driving. Stealth Mode allows near-silent start up and take-off in suburban environs.
The Corvette E-Ray arrives here in top-spec 3LZ Coupe configuration for Australia and New Zealand. It gets the wireless charger and premium Bose audio system of 2LZ. There’s also a leather-bound wheel and carbon flappy paddles for its eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.
In the midships of the car is the LT2 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Stingray. That has peak output of 369kW and 637Nm of torque that goes to the rear wheels. The motor adds another 119kW and 169Nm to the front axle. It weighs in at 1781kg, so with its AWD status and gobs of power it’s little wonder this can hike. Intelligent control systems dynamically adjust in real time to provide front axle assist for stability and balance.
Reining in all the forward momentum are carbon ceramic brakes by Brembo. As part of the standard ZER Performance Package this rolls on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP rubber – 275/30ZR20 front and 345/25ZR21 rear – along with performance suspension and Magnetic Ride Control (adaptive damping). The latter dials up E-Ray’s track-ready character, with the inclusion of high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tyres, ZER Performance Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control, and a taller spoiler for added downforce.
This has the same exterior proportions as the Z06, delivering a low, wide stance. Standard ground effects and a rear spoiler contribute to aerodynamics, while matching body-colour accents, E-Ray badging and unique alloys provide a look that’s distinctive.
Drive modes include Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, MyMode and Z-Mode. These deliver both track performance and genuine comfort, thanks in large part to Magnetic Selective Ride Control, making this a proper GT. There’s also a Performance App to monitor driving data.
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray is available in 14 exterior colours and seven interior hues, while there are also two seating options.
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