The Corvette EV: Chevrolet’s Electrifying Celebration of 70 Years

Chevrolet marks the 70th anniversary of the Corvette’s debut by introducing the groundbreaking 2024 E-Ray. This first-ever electrified Corvette features an all-wheel-drive and a potent 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8 engine. The E-Ray combines electrification and eAWD to deliver exceptional performance, all-weather capability, and refined grand touring features. With its unique pairing of two propulsion systems, including a powerful V-8 engine and responsive electric motor, the E-Ray offers an unmatched driving experience. The E-Ray sets new records as the fastest production Corvette to date, showcasing its impressive acceleration and handling. With its blend of power, control, and electrification, the E-Ray elevates the Corvette legacy to new heights, enticing more enthusiasts to join the Corvette experience.

The intelligent eAWD system of E-Ray is constantly acquiring knowledge about the road surface, adapting seamlessly to match traction conditions and the driver’s requirements. It adds extra power to the front wheels during spirited driving and in low-traction situations, thereby improving vehicle stability.

 

E-Ray’s battery system does not require plug-in charging. Instead, it gets charged through regenerative energy obtained from coasting, braking, and regular driving.

 

Here are some additional features and technologies offered by the all-new E-Ray:

 

1. Stealth Mode: An electric drive mode designed for street use, effective up to speeds of 45 mph.

 

2. Lightweight Lithium-Ion 12-volt Battery: Supports the stop/start functionality of the LT2 V-8 engine, and it is constructed to be lightweight.

 

3. Standard Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brake System: Ensures optimal braking performance for the vehicle.

 

4. Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0: Equipped with three distinct suspension settings for improved ride quality.

 

5. Staggered 20- and 21-Inch Wheels: Comes with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires, while an optional performance package offers Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires.
6. Low, Wide Stance with Crafted Body Styling: The overall width of the car is 3.6 inches wider than the Stingray, providing a sleek and aggressive appearance.

 

7. Visceral Sound Experience: The electric front motor and LT2 engine work together to produce an exhilarating sound that complements the car’s dominating presence.

 

8. Enhanced Driver Assistance Technologies: Includes Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Automatic Emergency Braking. These features are shared with all 2024 Corvette models.

The electrified propulsion system of the 2024 Corvette E-Ray delivers thrilling acceleration, enabling confident corner exits and effortless passing maneuvers. At the driver’s discretion, it can also provide a limited all-electric mode upon startup. In various driving scenarios, the E-Ray utilizes its standard Active Fuel Management system, leveraging the electric motor to extend 4-cylinder operation.

The level of electric assistance is customized for each of the Corvette E-Ray’s six driver-selectable modes: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, and Z-Mode. Additionally, drivers have the option to activate the Charge+ feature, maximizing the battery’s charge level.

The E-Ray Performance App, accessible through the infotainment system, offers the driver technical insights into the operation of the propulsion system. It presents information in three primary display layouts:

1. Gauges: Shows the dynamic power output from the electric motor and V-8 engine.
2. Dyno: Provides a graph illustrating power and torque over selectable time intervals.
3. Data: Displays performance and efficiency metrics of the electrical system.

To preserve space in the front storage compartment, the electric motor of the Corvette E-Ray is designed to be compact and located over the front axle.

The Corvette E-Ray offers two driver-initiated electric modes that allow the vehicle to operate under electric propulsion in specific conditions. These modes not only enable electric driving but also optimize track performance through the electric motor.

One of these modes is Stealth Mode, which can be selected at start-up. It allows for all-electric driving for a limited period before the engine kicks in for a normal operation. Stealth Mode is particularly useful for silently maneuvering in residential areas, with a maximum speed of 45 mph. However, the engine will automatically engage if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, if the driver requests additional torque, or if the E-Ray’s battery pack is depleted.

In terms of track performance, the E-Ray’s eAWD control system efficiently distributes torque to the front axle as necessary. This helps enhance traction and optimize the vehicle’s performance on the track. Additionally, the Charge+ feature can be utilized to maximize the battery’s state of charge, enabling extended lapping sessions.

To further enhance performance, the custom-designed Performance Traction Management (PTM) modes work in harmony with the eAWD propulsion system.

E-Ray’s aesthetic builds upon the sleek and high-performance design that Corvette enthusiasts are familiar with. Instantly recognizable, the E-Ray shares its purposeful and wide-body proportions with the Z06 model, accommodating wide wheels that effectively handle the increased torque delivery of the car. Unique to the E-Ray, the lightweight alloy wheels feature a distinctive twisted five-spoke star design.

According to Phil Zak, the executive design director of Global Chevrolet, the E-Ray boasts a sophisticated design that sets it apart from any previous Corvette model. The body color trim plays a significant role in capturing attention and highlighting the E-Ray’s exotic proportions. Inside the car, customers have the freedom to express their individuality by choosing from various color executions that offer a refined or dynamic sporty look and feel.

• Four different aluminum wheel finishes
• A selection of fourteen exterior colors, including the newly introduced Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray, and Cacti options for 2024
• An exclusive body-length stripe package in Electric Blue
• Standard carbon flash badging
• Optional black exhaust tips and bright badging
• Available carbon fiber ground effects
• Optional carbon fiber wheels in carbon flash, visible carbon fiber finish, or visible carbon fiber with a red stripe

Furthermore, the E-Ray introduces the all-new Artemis Dipped interior, which showcases deep green tones across almost every interior surface. This interior option will be exclusively available for 2024 Corvettes. Customers have a wide range of choices for personalizing their E-Ray’s interior, including two carbon fiber trim packages, three seat options, and seven interior colors, among others.

In addition to the visual enhancements, the E-Ray features new Charge+ and Stop/Start buttons on the console, along with updates to the infotainment system and instrument cluster. These updates aim to provide a more seamless and integrated appearance throughout the car.

For more information on the 2024 Corvette E-Ray, including pricing and production details, please visit chevrolet.com. The E-Ray is set to go on sale in 2023, with an MSRP of $104,2954 for the 1LZ coupe variant and $111,2954 for the 1LZ convertible model. Production will take place at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky, utilizing parts sourced both from the United States and internationally.