A hybrid version of the C8 Chevrolet Corvette has been rumored for years and finally confirmed in April, along with plans for an electric Corvette.
While an all-electric Vette is likely to be around for a few more years, the hybrid will hit the market in the summer of 2023 and will be dubbed the Corvette E-Ray.
The first photos and market timing for the Corvette E-Ray recently appeared in a visualizer on Chevy’s website. The content has since been removed, but not before enthusiast website Corvette Blogger was able to take these screenshots.
When asked about the vehicle, a Chevy spokesman told Corvette Blogger, “Looks like the holidays are coming early for some discerning Corvette fans. Stay tuned for more.”
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray leak – Image credit: Corvette Blogger
The photos show that the Corvette E-Ray will feature the same wide-body design as the Corvette Z06. There doesn’t seem to be a charging port, which probably rules out the car being a plug-in hybrid. This makes sense as Chevy engineers have compared prototypes to an Acura NSX, which is also a conventional hybrid with a mid-engine layout.
The Corvette E-Ray is expected to have one or two electric motors driving the front axle and the current Corvette Stingray’s 6.2-liter V8 driving the rear axle, supported by an early teaser video showing a Prototype test on snow showed. The video shows how the front wheels of the car turn under their own power. An electric motor integrated into the Corvette’s 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and capable of driving the rear wheels is also a possibility, according to a recent patent.
The peak power should be between 600 and 650 hp. A more powerful hybrid configuration is expected during the C8 Corvette’s product cycle, with rumors suggesting it will appear in a range-top variant dubbed the Zora.
Look to Chevy to release official details about the Corvette E-Ray early next year.