Every Chevrolet Corvette built since the first one in 1953 has this in common: A gasoline engine has been the sole power source.
That changes this spring when the E-Ray — a gasoline-electric version of the eighth-generation sports car that adds all-wheel drive for the first time — goes on sale.
Chevrolet plans to reveal details of the E-Ray on Jan. 17, the 70th anniversary of the car’s debut at GM’s Motorama in New York, according to a Facebook post Tuesday that reads: “After 70 years, we’re introducing one like none. 01.17.23.”
A teaser video released last April by Chevrolet showed the hybrid Corvette winter testing with the front wheels blasting loose snow, confirming the addition of electric drive on the front axle. It’s not clear if GM engineers designed the hybrid system with one motor or two, or where the batteries to power the motor or motors are mounted.
It’s likely the storage area in the front of the mid-engine car will house the hybrid system, since space everywhere else is at a premium.
A video released Tuesday on the Corvette Facebook page with the tagline “One like none” shows the car running silently in “stealth mode.”
The E-Ray is expected to be a 2024 model, according to a leaked configurator that was quickly removed in December. The configurator showed the vehicle being available with a number of options and features, including adaptive cruise control and carbon fiber wheels, as well as new colors.
The Corvette will also have auto start-stop that can be disabled by pressing a button on the center console. Leaked images show a switch with a battery logo, possibly indicating the driver can switch off regenerative braking.
The E-Ray’s engine is likely to be the 6.2-liter V-8 in the current base model car.