New hybrid brings 4WD, for fastest accelerating Vette
The first electrified Chevrolet Corvette, Labelled the E-Ray, not to be confused with an all-electric model, makes its debut 70 years after the original Corvette was revealed, underneath is the standard small-block 6.2-litre V8 engine with an electric motor on the front axle for astounding performance to rival the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura.
The collective motors make it the first four-wheel-drive Corvette, giving the new car a blistering 0-60 time of only 2.5 seconds, making the new Vette the fastest yet to make production. The 495bhp power from the V8 is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, aided by the 160bhp power from the electric motor at the front to make a combined 655bhp.
Chevrolet also claim it can cover a quarter-mile in just over 10.5sec.
The E-Ray can be driven in ‘Stealth’ mode up to 45mph on electric only power, but no official range has yet to be revealed, the power for the electric motor is stored in a 1.9kWh lithium ion battery, which is amped up through a regenerative braking system.
The electric motor can also benefit fuel efficiency when cruising whilst the V8 is running on four cylinders.
The eAWD system constantly learns the road surface and adjusts the power input from the driver to all four wheels with the electric motor contributing more power in dicey conditions.
The interior of the E-Ray is largely the same as the top-spec Z06 apart from a few nods to the electric capabilities.
Expect the E-Ray to arrive in the UK in right-hand-drive like the standard Corvette, Chevrolet has yet to confirm this tho.
