Chevy unleashes $285k sports car
Chevrolet has confirmed deliveries of its Corvette E-Ray, which can go from 0-100kph in little more than 2.5 seconds, will begin in New Zealand this month.
The marque is lauding the model, which has a recommended retail price of $285,000, as a new peak in electrified AWD performance, describing it as a fuel-efficient performance vehicle with electrified propulsion that does not need charging.
Offered exclusively in 3LZ Coupe configuration for New Zealand and Australia, the E-Ray retains the same LT2 6.2L V8 engine from the Corvette Stingray but adds an electric drive unit on its front axle.
The V8 delivers 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque on its own, but the E-Ray’s electrified powertrain lifts those outputs to 488kW and 806Nm respectively.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering automatic or driver-focused manual mode, and the electrified AWD system delivers grip, balance and precision.
Carbon-ceramic brakes come as standard and the ZER Performance Package for New Zealand units also includes Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER Performance Suspension with magnetic ride control, and a taller spoiler wicker for track use.
Jess Bala, managing director of General Motors Australia and New Zealand, says: “The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is possibly our most hotly anticipated model to date, and I can’t wait to see drivers across Australia and New Zealand behind the wheel of this tremendously engaging electrified Corvette.
“This is the best of Corvette today, paired with the brand’s exciting, electrified tomorrow, and it’s the kind of performance vehicle that needs to be driven to believed.”
A 1.9-kWh lithium-ion battery electrifies Corvette for the first time, powering the unit that runs the front wheels. The battery is self-charging, picking up energy as the vehicle drives and brakes.
Drive modes include Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, MyMode and Z-Mode, and exclusive to the E-Ray is a Stealth Mode that allows drivers to use only electric power for four to six kilometres at speeds of up to 72kph. The latter option provides near-silent start-up and take-off in suburban streets.
Fourteen exterior colours are available along with seven interior colour schemes and two seating options.
