New Corvette Hybrid Debuts Next Week With a ‘Stealth Mode’ So Quiet, You Won’t Hear It Coming
The Chevrolet Corvette’s C8 platform promises to include a hybrid option in addition to its already-revolutionary mid-engine application. The “E-Ray,” as the industry already knows it, will be the first hybrid gas-electric Corvette in the marque’s history. Better yet, the new Chevrolet model will debut on January 17th and unveil cool new features like “Stealth mode.”
Is the Corvette C8 a hybrid?
The newest Chevrolet Corvette C8s aren’t hybrids, but the automaker will add a hybrid Corvette to the lineup in 2023. The E-Ray will be the very first gas-electric hybrid Corvette ever, joining the Stingray and high-revving Z06 in the model’s offerings.
According to MotorTrend, the new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray will be a dual-motor application with two motors driving the front wheels, making it the first all-wheel drive (AWD) Corvette ever. Moreover, the upcoming E-Ray will marry its dual-motor electric system with the C8 Stingray’s 6.2L LT2 V8. Considering the C8 Stingray already produces 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, that’s a lot to anticipate.
Better yet, Car and Driver says the E-Ray will be available at different trim levels, just like the Stingray. For instance, both models will offer an entry-level 1LT trim. In addition to the 1LT, the Corvette will offer posher 2LT and 3LT options. Also, for fans of the top-performing Bowling Green supercar option, the flat-plane crank 5.5L V8-powered Z06 brings world-class performance to the model. Still, one of the wildest features of the hybrid Corvette is the new Stealth mode, which promises to be the antithesis of a screaming Z06.
What is Stealth Mode?
The new hybrid Corvette E-Ray will feature a Stealth mode. The function keeps the Chevrolet model in an electric setting, which quiets the rowdy V8 engine.
The new Corvette’s Stealth mode, along with a widebody application, is one of the features that Chevrolet teased in a recent video. Moreover, the automaker’s configurator tool leaked the E-Ray itself before the recent video. However, Chevrolet is excited to unveil its hybrid performance car next week, claiming that “after 70 years, we’re introducing one like none.”
Does Corvette have a hybrid now?
The Corvette’s first hybrid variant debuts early this year. Until now, no generation of Chevrolet Corvette has ever hosted an alternative-energy model. Instead, the vast majority of Corvettes packed gas-powered V8s. Moreover, the newest Z06 is the model’s first high-revving flat-plane V8 option.
How much will the Corvette E-Ray cost?
The new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray will debut on January 17th and start at approximately $70,000. That price reflects the entry-level E-Ray 1LT trim, the lowest-trim hybrid model.
At higher trims, the starting costs rise. For instance, Car and Driver estimates the 2LT will start at around $78,000. Moreover, the range-topping 3LT will likely demand a starting price of about $83,000, making it the most expensive non-Z06 variant in the model’s stable. However, it will probably cost around $4,000 more than the conventional 6.2L V8 Stingray at each trim.
Not a terrible ask for America’s first mass-produced hybrid supercar. Do you consider the new hybrid Corvette to be a supercar? Tell us in the comments below!
