Corvette News Summary | E-Ray Edition | January 2023
The all-new Corvette E-Ray, a hybrid electrified AWD Corvette is sure to be a hit, even brand loyalists and purist cannot argue the amazing tech that Chevrolet has revealed for the E-Ray.
The specs of the E-Ray, which includes a single electric motor that is capable of 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, a 1.9 kWh battery pack located centrally between the seats, and a combined output of 655 horsepower has already left us speechless.
Chevrolet is claiming an impressive 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds and 10.5 seconds in the quarter-mile. Additionally, the E-Ray features Brembo's Carbon Ceramic brake system, Magnetic Ride Control, Michelin's Pilot Sport all-season tires, and 20/21-inch forged aluminum wheels. With the E-Ray, Corvette owners can expect an exhilarating driving experience on both the road and the track, with an unexpected degree of composure. The 2024 E-Ray will go on sale in 2023 with an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ Coupe.
In this special edition of the ACS Corvette News Summary we will go deep into the new electric midengine's features and what we know so far.
All-Wheel-Drive
get ready for a whole new level of performance with the E-Ray's electric all-wheel-drive (eAWD) system. You won't be able to deny the benefits it brings to the iconic sports car. The eAWD system actively monitors road conditions and adjusts power distribution to provide optimal traction, even in low-traction environments. This is especially useful when driving spiritedly or on the race track, where the eAWD system provides additional torque to the front axle when needed.
But that's not all. The E-Ray's Performance Traction Management (PTM) is specially designed to work seamlessly with the eAWD system, providing unparalleled stability and balance. And with limited EV-only drive modes, drivers can enjoy a quiet and stealthy driving experience.
We can expect the E-Ray to provide an exhilarating driving experience on both the road and track, with an unexpected degree of composure thanks to the intelligent controls that dynamically adjust in real time.
Design and Featured Options
Much like the Corvette Z06, the E-Ray's exterior features a widebody design that is 3.6 inches wider overall than the Stingray, giving the car a more aggressive and aerodynamic look. The E-Ray is only available in body color trim, which emphasizes the car's sleek lines and curves.
The E-Ray's front electric motor is compact, which helps preserve space in the front storage compartment. Unlike other electric vehicles, you won't have to compromise on storage space with the E-Ray, making it a more practical choice for those who love to travel.
In addition to its striking exterior, the E-Ray comes with a variety of standard and optional features that elevate the car's performance. The E-Ray comes standard with Brembo's Carbon Ceramic brake system, which offers optimal braking performance, and Magnetic Ride Control that provides three distinct suspension settings. The Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires are also standard equipment, while the ZER Performance Package offers the option to upgrade to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires.
The E-Ray will come with its own specific staggered 20/21-inch forged aluminum wheels, available in four distinct finishes, adding to the car's sporty and stylish design. For those looking for an even more high-performance driving experience, the Z06's three designs of carbon fiber wheels can be ordered with the optional Performance Package. Visible carbon fiber ground effects are also offered as an option, giving the E-Ray a more aggressive and aerodynamic appearance.
Engine
LT2 V8 Engine
The heart of the Corvette E-Ray, the LT2 V8 engine, has been engineered to deliver a thrilling and exhilarating driving experience both on the road and the track.
The 6.2L small block engine packs a powerful punch, generating an impressive 495 horsepower and an astonishing 470 lb.-ft. of torque, with an overall power output of 655 hp (160 hp from the e-AWD unit).
The engine features eight equal-length intake runners of 210 mm to provide maximum torque and airflow. To ensure a steady flow of oil under high g-force cornering and acceleration, a dry-sump oil scavenge system with three pumps has been incorporated.
Together, these design elements make the LT2 V8 engine an impressive powerhouse that will satisfy even most of our every day driving and more!
Transmission
8-Speed Transmission
The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that comes standard on the Corvette E-Ray is a remarkable piece of engineering that combines the best aspects of automatic and manual transmissions. With its lightning-quick shifts and high efficiency, this transmission provides the perfect balance of speed and control, helping you achieve shorter lap times and more exciting driving experiences.
The Drive Style Index on the transmission is fully adjustable, sensing and responding to your driving inputs in real-time to provide the perfect gear holds and downshifts when you need them most. Whether you're cruising down the highway or pushing your Corvette to its limits on the track, the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is sure to provide an unforgettable driving experience.
Battery
The E-Ray's electric drive unit, powered by the 1.9 kWh lithium-ion battery, adds a new level of excitement to the mid-engine Corvette lineup. With its self-charging feature, drivers can focus on the road ahead while the battery regenerates energy on the go.
The battery system's integrated power electronics offer maximum responsiveness, efficiency, and performance for an impressive 0.5-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration time.
Essential to the E-Ray's overall performance, the battery is centrally located between the seats, optimizing weight distribution for a balanced and exhilarating driving experience.
Electric Drive Unit
The E-Ray's electrified motor provides a formidable rated output of 160 horsepower, allowing it to work harmoniously with the LT2 V8 engine to produce a breathtaking 655 combined horsepower.
The electric motor's contribution of 125 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels, coupled with the LT2 V8 engine's 470 lb.‑ft. of torque to the rear wheels, results in remarkable acceleration, whether launching from a standstill, exiting tight turns, or executing passing maneuvers
Additonally, the E-Ray is introducing Stealth Mode which will allow you leave the neighborhood quietly by utilizing the EDU to let you drive short distances at limited speeds (45mph) using electric power to the front axles
Colors
The Corvette continues to push the boundaries with its selection of striking exterior paint colors. With the C8 Corvette, Chevrolet has broken free from traditional hues of white, red, and black, and introduced exciting new colors like Accelerate Yellow, Rapid Blue, and Caffeine Metallic.
And for the 2024 E-Ray, even more custom tintcoats are available to enhance your driving experience such as Sea Wolf Gray, Cacti, and Riptide Blue. Here is a list of the exclusive colors that you can choose from when building your C8 Corvette E-Ray:
Price and Availability
Chevrolet recently announced that the new model will be produced by the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky and will be available for purchase in 2023 at an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ Coupe.
While some may have been hoping for a lower price point, it's likely reflective of the development costs of electrification and the high demand for this innovative new model.
We were hoping for a more affordable price point to make the EV hybrid concept more accessible to traditional enthusiasts who may still be hesitant about the promise of electric Corvettes.
With the price of the E-Ray surpassing the Stingray and knocking on the Z06's doors, buyers will be paying a premium for the opportunity to be the first to experience this groundbreaking vehicle. Shelling out a few extra grand would get you in the driver's seat of the C8 Z06.
Despite the higher cost, the Corvette E-Ray offers cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and exceptional performance
C8 Corvette E-Ray Visualizer
If you haven’t heard already, then let us be the first to tell you that the C8 E-Ray Visualizer/Configurator is now online on Chevrolet’s website. This means you can build your future futuristic C8 Corvette.
C8 E-Ray Videos
Here are a few videos with a lot of great information about the 2024 E-Ray Corvette:
Summary
The 2024 Corvette E-Ray is a revolutionary electrified AWD vehicle that is set to impress car enthusiasts. The car boasts an LT2 V8 engine and electric drive unit, delivering an impressive combined horsepower of 655 and a blazing 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds, as well as a 10.5-second quarter-mile time. The car also features Brembo's Carbon Ceramic brake system, Magnetic Ride Control, Michelin's Pilot Sport all-season tires, and 20/21-inch forged aluminum wheels.
Furthermore, the car's e-AWD system adds more power to the front wheels, providing enhanced stability and performance. The E-Ray will be available for purchase in 2023 with an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ Coupe. This is a great option for thrill-seekers who are looking for an exhilarating and unique driving experience with unexpected composure
| 2024 Corvette E-Ray | |
|---|---|
| Power | 655 horsepower |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel-Drive |
| 0-60 mph | 2.5 seconds |
| Quarter-mile | 10.5 seconds @ 130 mph |
| Dry Weight (Coupe/Convertible) | 3,744 pounds / 3,856 pounds |
| Starting MSRP | $104,295 |
| Battery Pack | 1.9 kWh |
| Charging Time (0-80%) | 45 minutes |
| Range | 300 miles |
| Stealth Mode | Up to 45 mph on electric power |
| Driver Modes | Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, Z-Mode, Charge+ (NEW) |
| Standard Features | Brembo’s Carbon Ceramic brake system, Magnetic Ride Control, Michelin’s Pilot Sport all-season tires |
| Available Upgrades | Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires (ZER Performance Package), Forged aluminum wheels, Carbon fiber wheels, Visible carbon fiber ground effects |
| Production Location | Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky |
| On Sale | 2023 |
ACS Spotlight: ACS Composite C8 Corvette Stingray Undertray Splitter
Starting the new year off with a bang by introducing a new product!
During the C7 Corvette generation, our ACS C7 Z06 Splitter Undertray was a highly sought after product, particularly among track-goers who appreciated its aerodynamic benefits.
However, not everyone who owns a Corvette frequents the track, so this solution wasn't always ideal for everyone especially because this product was not made out of our PC Composite. We had used a RTM Composite process which is predominately fiberglass.
With the release of our C8 Corvette Splitter line, customers began asking for a product that could not only improve aerodynamics but also protect the splitter. That's why we used our PC Composite material to create the ACS C8 Corvette Splitter Undertray System. This solution not only enhances aerodynamics, but also provides added protection for the underside of the C8 and, more importantly, the front splitter.
Our C8 Undertray is compatible with all our C8 splitters (1VM, 5VM, and 7VM), as well as the OEM Carbon Fiber 5VM Front Splitter, which is an expensive piece that you don't want to risk damaging by scraping.
Take a look at Joseph's walkthrough of this latest product, and see how to install it. And don't forget to visit the ACS C8 Corvette Splitter Undertray System product page for more information.