The latest Corvette Stingray, along with the new Z06 (see separate news item) and E-Ray hybrid have arrived in New Zealand. Pricing kicks off at $192k through $285k for the E-Ray. The range-topping Z06 Coupe goes for a cool $346,000. A preview of the E-Ray can be found here.
Corvette is now over 70 years old and enters the era of electrification with the E-Ray. This involves an electrified all-wheel drive system that works in tandem with the 369kW/637Nm LT2 6.2L V8 engine. The system total is 488kW of power and 806Nm of torque. E-Ray’s rear wheels are driven by the engine via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission.
E-Ray essentially borrows the Corvette Stingray mill and adds a 119kW/169Nm motor to its front axle. The combined output translates to a sprint time of 2.9sec.
The E-Ray is a self-charging hybrid. It uses a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers the motor, and enables a Stealth Mode. The car can run on electric power alone for four to six km at up to 72km/h. Stealth Mode must be selected at start-up. The battery pack recharges by coasting and braking, as well as during regular driving.
The E-Ray comes with the ZER Performance package as standard fit. It comprises carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER Performance Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and a spoiler Gurney flap.
Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 offers drivers three suspension settings ranging between comfort and firm for best handling. Six drive modes are available (Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, Z-Mode), if you exclude Stealth Mode.
Design features unique to E-Ray include special badging and alloys, while matching body-coloured accents, ground effects and optional black exhaust tips round out the look.
Available in ten exterior and seven interior colour schemes, there are also six wheel options for personalisation. The GT2 seat is standard while Competition seats are available as an option.
Eight-way heated and cooled driver and passenger seats with power adjustment are all part of the sticker price. There’s leather or suede for the heated steering wheel and instrument panel surround. Carbon fibre and suede microfibre also make an appearance.
Driver assistance technologies across the Corvette range include Forward Collision Warning, Lane-Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam Assist, and low-speed AEB with pedestrian detection.
There’s also a colour head-up display, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and an 8.0-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
An in-car Performance App delivers key driving data in the E-Ray.
Available as a removable roof coupe or hard-top convertible, the 2024 Stingray offers two trim levels (2LT or 3LT). Both feature a 369kW/637Nm 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent to the rear axle through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Read our review of the 2024 Corvette Stingray 3LT Convertible.
New for 2024 is an enhanced safety package. It includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam Assist, and low-speed AEB with pedestrian detection. A soft-close bonnet is also new, while three extra colours, a revised rear spoiler design, and two fresh wheel options round out the enhancements.
The 2LT Coupe kicks Corvette off at $192,000 while the 2LT Convertible is $209,500. The Stingray 3LT Coupe ask is $207,000 and the 3LT Convertible costs $224,500.
