The design of the new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid has been revealed not by a leaked patent filing or unapproved photo from a factory or proving ground, but by the online configurator going live ahead of schedule.
User KK87 on the Mid-Engine Corvette Forum found the configurator, and managed to post screen caps of it before GM took down that part of the Chevrolet website.
From what we can see, the E-Ray seems to use the wider body panels fitted to the Z06. To help differentiate the two, the vents at the rear, the plastic trim around the side air intakes, and the blade spanning the grille and front intakes are colour coded instead of being finished in gloss black.
The E-Ray also misses out on the Z06’s front splitters, side sill extensions, and large rear wing.
There doesn’t seem to be a visible flap for a charging port. So, unless Chevrolet has done an exceptional job at hiding it or omitted it from configurator, it seems the E-Ray will be a hybrid rather than a plug-in hybrid.
Earlier reports indicated the E-Ray will come with an electric motor for the front axle, with the mid-mounted V8 responsible for driving the rear wheels. This means the E-Ray will be the first Corvette with all-wheel drive, and will be front-wheel drive when cruising or during gentle acceleration.
Given the E-Ray has a wider body than the entry-level Stingray, but misses out on the Z06’s aero kit, it’s probably safe to say its total power output will fall between the two.
For reference, the Stingray’s 6.2-litre V8 engine makes 364kW and 630Nm, while the Z06 uses a 5.5-litre V8 with a flat-plane crank rated at 500kW and 624Nm.
Both the Stingray and Z06 have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.
One screen cap of the interior shows the E-Ray has the same redline as the Stingray, suggesting it will use the 6.2-litre V8. Near the driver’s knee are buttons for Battery Regenerative Braking and Automatic Engine Start/Stop.
A full EV variant of the eighth-generation, or C8, Corvette will join the range in the not-too-distant future.
Last month Car and Driver reported GM will turn Corvette into a sub-brand, with an high-performance EV sedan, and a Urus-baiting EV crossover due to launch from 2025.
