E-Ray breaks new ground
The Corvette supercar range has arrived down under – the “groundbreaking” hybrid E-Ray, “everyday” Stingray and “high performance” Z06.
The E-Ray, pictured, heralds a new era for Corvette, one that leverages an advanced powertrain to deliver “blistering acceleration, efficient excitement and a hybrid electric system that enables all-season driving”.
It offers a Corvette first. That’s an electrified all-wheel-drive system that works in tandem with a LT2 6.2-litre V8 for 488kW of power and 806Nm of torque.
Offered exclusively in 3LZ Coupe configuration, the E-Ray retains the same powerful engine from the Stingray but adds an electric drive unit on its front axle for more power, more torque and even faster acceleration.
While Chevrolet’s V8 delivers 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque on its own, the E-Ray’s electrified powertrain lifts those outputs for a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds.
The E-Ray is not an EV or traditional hybrid, but a fuel-efficient performance vehicle with electrified propulsion that doesn’t need charging.
Fed by a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack between the seats, the electronic drive unit powers the front wheels to offer instant response and control.
Broadening the E-Ray’s appeal further is “stealth mode”, allows the car to run in total silence on electric power alone for 4-6km or up to 72kph when selected at start-up.
Developed to be the Corvette that owners can arrive in “anywhere no matter the season”, the E-Ray uses electrification to enhance the driving experience with grand-touring capabilities that can only be achieved with eAWD.
Further elevating the E-Ray’s unrivalled performance is the ZER Performance package and carbon-ceramic brakes that come as standard on both sides of the Tasman.
The pack dials up the E-Ray’s track readiness with the inclusion of high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER suspension with magnetic ride control and a taller spoiler wicker-bill available for track use.
“The Corvette is a true icon of the performance-car world and now that story is entering a new era with the arrival of our first electrified supercar, the E-Ray,” says Jess Bala, managing director of General Motors Australia and New Zealand.
“With the surety of all-wheel drive, the E-Ray isn’t only the quickest Corvette yet, but it’s the ultimate all-weather, all-condition supercar.
“Its arrival means we now have a Corvette to suit every driver. From the ultimate everyday performance car in the Stingray, to the focused, track-honed Z06, and the best of both worlds in the all-weather, the E-Ray.”
In New Zealand, the E-Ray is priced from $285,000. As for the Stingrays, they start at $192,000 for the 2LT coupe and its convertible sibling at $209,500. The Stingray 3LT coupe is $207,000 and the convertible $224,500. The Corvette Z06 Coupe starts at $346,000.
