Corvette has always been an enthusiast’s dream car since it arrived as the first generation 70 years ago in 1953. Every generation of Vette introduced something new and remained a true love affair. The current 8th gen model, C8 Corvette, started a new chapter in its history by sending the engine behind the driver seat. The current model is already a best seller and has grabbed a lot of praise and awards for its extraordinary performance and potential. It also undercuts price by a huge margin compared to other mid-engine vehicles in the league, currently for sale.
Stingray
C8 was introduced back in July 2019, and the entry-level Stingray version was revealed. The Stingray is powered by a naturally aspirated LT2 6.2L V8, which makes 490hp at 6450 and 630nm of torque at 5150. With the optional Z51 Performance Package, the performance numbers jump to 495hp and 644nm. The model comes standard with an 8-speed dual-clutch and rear-wheel drive only. The Z51 helps Stingray touch 60mph in under 3 seconds.
Z06
In 2021, Chevy added a second version of the C8, a more hardcore & performance version in the shape of the famous Z06. The engine remained naturally aspirated but an all-new 5.5L flat plane crank with 670hp and 623nm of torque. The naturally aspirated “LT6 “V8 revs up to 8600 while the torque is achieved at 6300. The Z06 remained an RWD.
The engine is all-aluminum with a lightweight crankshaft, forged aluminum piston, and forged titanium connecting rods. Visually the Z06 has some exclusive features comparing the regular Stingray model. Wider fender flares, new front splitters, front corner canards, and a big rear spoiler that offers up to 165kgs of downforce.
There were several other aerodynamic enhancing features for improved maneuverability and driving dynamics. Like Stingray, both options of Coupe and Convertible are available. The Z06 also got an upgraded suspension system which includes magnetic selective ride control. The front got 275/30ZR20, while the rear had 345/25ZR21 Pilot Sport 4S tires. A performance package known as Z07 helps ZO6 reach 60mph in 2.6 seconds.
New C8 Corvette E-Ray
Today, the American supercar has another flavor and somewhat a hybridized version, as the name suggests, the “E-Ray.” This is the first Corvette in history to have an AWD and FWD.
The same engine powers the model as in the Stingray, a naturally aspirated LT2 6.2L V8, which makes 495hp & 644nm of torque on the rear axle via 8-speed DCT, but there is an electric motor mounted on the front axle, which makes 160hp and 170nm of torque. The front axle has no mechanical linkage with the rear wheels, and there is no drive shaft, and basically, this is an electrified AWD.
Power
The central tunnel of the vehicle house a small 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery that charges with the help of brake regeneration. No, this is not a plugin hybrid, and the pure electric range might be a few miles and possibly be in single digits. In EV mode, which Chevy calls “STEALTH MODE,” the front axle moves the vehicle while the gasoline engine remains quiet.
As per Chevy, the electric drive unit and engine of C8 Corvette E-Ray are tuned so that 4 out of 8 cylinders are deactivated on low-speed urban driving using an active fuel management system. The combined total horsepower stands at 655hp while the 0 to 100 timings drop to 2.5 seconds, which means 0.1 seconds faster than the Z06. E-Ray can also hit the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds, reaching speeds of 209 km/h. Keep in mind that this makes this version of Corvette the fastest to 60 but also the heaviest.
Other technical factors include standard Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and, standard Magnetic Ride Control, a dynamic chassis control system. The model uses Michelin Pilot Sport 21″ and 20″ staggered wheels. Chevy will offer a “ZER Performance Package” with certain enhancements for E-Ray.
Exterior
On the exterior, the C8 Corvette E-Ray is not much different than the regular Stingray but has some slight exclusive aesthetics like wider fenders and quarter panels similar to Z06. The E-Ray is approx. 3.6 inches wider than the Stingray. On the interior of E-Ray, things are similar to other versions of C8 with a digital instrument panel with E-Ray specific visual layout user interface, colored heads-up display, performance data recorder, and a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system are some of the features.
Price
C8 Corvette E-Ray will be available in Couple initially, but a convertible will join later. The Coupe’s base price will be $102,900, while a fully loaded variant can reach $113,850 for US customers. Corvette is made in the city of Bowling Green in Kentucky, and Chevy will offer both LHD and RHD (export) versions depending on the market.
