The Corvette has lengthy been America’s reply to the European sports activities automotive. With the brand new E-Ray, it now takes on hybrid energy—and rivals just like the Porsche 911 GTS E-Hybrid—head-on. I drove the brand new electrified ‘Vette on the 2025 German Automobile of the 12 months take a look at, the place its efficiency, usability and distinctive hybrid structure left an enduring impression. Now on sale within the UK from £153,440 for the Coupe and £159,230 for the Convertible, the E-Ray blends conventional V8 theatre with cutting-edge electrification.
The E-Ray is the primary Corvette with all-wheel drive, but it surely nonetheless delivers energy in a somewhat unconventional approach. On the rear sits a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 482bhp, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Up entrance, a completely excited electrical motor provides 161bhp, bringing whole system output to 646bhp and 637Nm. The mixed system launches the automotive from 0-60mph in simply 2.9 seconds, making it faster than the extra highly effective C8 Z06. Prime pace exceeds 180mph.
To energy the e-motor, there’s a compact 1.9kWh battery positioned between the seats for optimum weight distribution. It’s not plug-in rechargeable—it recoups power through regenerative braking. A set of drive modes, together with Tour, Monitor and My Mode, controls the hybrid deployment. A ‘Stealth Mode’ permits quiet, electric-only operation at as much as 44mph. Throughout cruising, the system can deactivate 4 cylinders of the V8 to avoid wasting gas.
Regardless of a dry weight of 1,712kg—110kg heavier than the usual automotive—the E-Ray handles with poise. Carbon ceramic brakes and Magnetic Trip Management 4.0 come as commonplace to compensate for the added weight. The automotive is over 9cm wider than the usual C8 and wears bespoke 20-inch entrance and 21-inch rear wheels.
Tyre choices embody Michelin Pilot Sport and Pilot Sport 4S, with non-compulsory carbon fibre wheels chopping unsprung mass by 18.5kg.
Visible tweaks embody a Z06-inspired entrance bumper and widened rear arches. In and out, carbon trim is accessible, and patrons can select from ten exterior colors. This isn’t only a greener Corvette—it’s a daring evolution of the model’s DNA. With UK availability confirmed, the E-Ray introduces American hybrid muscle to a brand new viewers with out dropping any of its conventional allure.
