Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray

To the eyes of purists, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 is treason to its heritage because of its mid-engine layout and to add more salt to the wounds, the first-ever hybrid Corvette comes to life. A fitting upset to the Corvette's seven-decade history.

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible

Starting at an epically expensive 102,900 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, in coupe and convertible forms, is by no means the biggest treason to the Corvette's seven-decade heritage because this is the first time a Corvette's been hybridized and the first to have AWD a la Honda NSX.

While the styling is more of a toned version of the Z06 while the interior works and feels just like most of the C8 Corvette lineup, the E-Ray's hybrid powertrain is the most controversial feature worth noting. The 6.2L LT2 V8 engine is mated to an electric drive unit, producing a total power output of 655HP. Although awfully close to the Z06, it's more powerful than the now-defunct Honda NSX, in Type S form. Unlike the NSX, the E-Ray is one gear short, 8 vs. 9.

Thanks to its electric drive unit, drivers can engage Stealth Mode to run on electric power only for up to four miles at 45mph. Handy if you want to quietly leave your home for a little night out at the pub with your friends. That's the element of surprise, the Corvette way. 

Because this is the first Corvette in history to have AWD, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. Whilst the added punching power, the AWD system made the Corvette E-Ray capable of going places that no supercars can't and thanks to its all-season tires, there's no need to wait for summer to let it loose in the wilderness. 

You can really take it to the track even when the weather has a gloomy outlook, although you may need to wait for another summer vacation to unleash its full potential when you have the ZER Performance Package which comes with high-performance Michelin® Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements. Bummer but not as bummer as the fact that most Corvette clubs actually ban the E-Ray for racing on track days due to fire concerns.

Yes, the Corvette E-Ray is no doubt the most controversial Corvette ever made because of its hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive but despite being a treason to the Corvette heritage, this is the ideal substitute for the now-defunct Honda NSX. In fact, jealousy is an out-of-issue for the Corvette E-Ray because this car is making its appearance in the new Forza Motorsport game and it's going to be as awesome as most supercars can get.

Love it or hate it, the Corvette E-Ray is ready to strike first and ask questions never. Be prepared to want one.

Photo: General Motors