The 2024 Corvette E-Ray Will Arrive this Year with AWD and an Electrified Drivetrain

• This will be the fastest Corvette ever, with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 2.5 seconds.

• The electric motor adds all-wheel drive and a fully electric mode for short distances.

• The 2024 Corvette E-Ray coupe will start at $104,295 in the United States.

Chevrolet launched the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, the first AWD or electrified version of the sports car since its debut 70 years ago.

The Corvette E-Ray had been the subject of rumours for a while already, but we now know the full details about it, including that it will be the fastest Corvette ever.

Indeed, the first electrified Corvette will accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and will complete the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds.

This will be possible because the powertrain which combines a new electric motor with the 6.2L LT2 V8 engine will generate a combined output of 655 horsepower.

On its own, the electric motor placed on the front axle will deliver 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Due to the instant response that characterizes electric propulsion, this should improve throttle response and low-speed accelerations.

In addition to its increased power, the Corvette E-Ray will also benefit from all-wheel drive, which Chevrolet says will improve both its performance and its usability in inclement weather.

Electrification also allows for new features such as an all-electric stealth mode that is designed to allow drivers to quietly exit their neighbourhood at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h). This will only be possible on a short distance however since the battery, placed between the seats, is only a 1,9-kWh unit and it can’t be charged via a cable.

In order to make for extended track sessions, drivers can choose the Charge + drive mode which uses the engine to charge the battery at a faster rate.

According to Chevrolet, the E-Ray will also be more efficient than Corvettes before since the electric motor will make it possible for the V8 engine to remain in cylinder deactivation mode longer by providing additional torque under light accelerations.

Apart from its powertrain, the Corvette E-Ray will be based on the Z06, which means that it shares the same widebody proportions.

Items that will also be introduced on the E-Ray include new staggered wheels, standard Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, standard Magnetic Ride Control, a blue body-length stripe package, available carbon fibre ground effects, and a new green-toned interior that will only be offered for 2024 model-year Corvettes.

Inside, the infotainment system and the digital instrument panel have also been modified to show information relating to the electrified powertrain, such as the battery’s state of charge, the power distribution, and a dyno chart.

Chevrolet says to expect the Corvette E-Ray to enter production later this year and to arrive on the American market with a base price of $104,295 for the coupe and $111,295 for the convertible.

No information about Canadian pricing and availability has been announced yet.