On January 17, 1953, Chevrolet unveiled a concept car called “Corvette” at the Autorama show in New York. Since then, the car has gone through eight different versions in 70 years. It quickly established itself as one of the most popular models on the other side of the Atlantic.
With this new E-Ray version, the Corvette is equipped with an electric motor, the first in its history. In this hybrid variant, the mythical 495 horsepower V8 is accompanied by a 160 horsepower electric group entirely dedicated to the front wheels.
© Chevrolet / GM
A unique power distribution for Chevrolet that makes this E-Ray the first four-wheel drive in the range. With over 100 horsepower to the front axle, the car can use that electric power as a “boost” for overtaking or when exiting slow corners.
Important gains for track use that can also help everyday drivers. With this power available, insertion on fast sections will be much easier. The maneuver will be carried out without over-consumption, which is good news for the planet.
In total, the two power units bring 655 horsepower. The car is thus capable of achieving 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. By way of comparison, the Tesla Model 3, known for its acceleration, reaches this speed in 6 seconds in its consumer version.
For Tadge Juechter, the chief engineer of this new Corvette, the arrival of an electric motor makes it possible to “stay in control in all circumstances. » To power it better, Chevrolet placed a battery under the hood of the Corvette E-Ray. But in order not to weigh down the car too much, the manufacturer has chosen a very small battery (1.9 kWh).
A range of 6 kilometers
Placed between the seats, it is nevertheless capable of operating the car in 100% electric driving for six kilometers of autonomy and with a maximum speed of 72 km/h. The car does not have a charging socket, the battery uses power from the V8 to recover energy.
Technologically, the new Corvette comes with several driving aids. The automatic maintenance between the white lines or the automatic emergency braking are among the welcome new features.
The Corvette E-Ray will be launched later this year by Chevrolet. The group has set its starting price, with no options above $100,000. General Motors has assured that production will focus on the Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
