GM Authority recently covered spy photos that show the up-and-coming hybrid Corvette C8 E-Ray testing in prototype form on public roads alongside the second-generation Acura NSX. Now, we have new footage of the E-Ray accelerating, giving us a chance to hear the hybrid ahead of its debut.
This latest video was captured during the same test session conducted with the Acura NSX, which GM Authority covered previously. As such, the second-gen NSX can be seen and heard tagging along with the convoy of Corvettes, which not only includes the hybrid Corvette E-Ray, but the standard C8 Corvette Stingray as well.
Listening to these vehicles accelerate, a few things are immediately obvious. For starters, the hybrid Corvette C8 E-Ray is most definitely not a “silent Corvette,” as some publications have claimed in the past. Quite the contrary – the E-Ray’s naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine makes plenty of noise under hard acceleration, and in fact, sounds quite a bit like a standard Stingray.
However, there are a few unique acoustic elements that stand out. Around the 1:35 mark, one of the hybrid Corvette E-Rays dips into the accelerator while cornering, giving us an earful of not only the LT2, but also what could be the electric motors doing their thing with the front tires. It sounds like the front-mounted rubber is digging into the pavement, giving the E-Ray extra grip, while also creating additional tire noise.
Of course, this is just a guess. It also sounds a bit like induction noise, or it could simply be a figment of the recording. It’s hard to say. Regardless, the E-Ray definitely makes some good noises, whereas the V6-powered NSX sounds decidedly sprightlier by comparison.
As a reminder, the upcoming hybrid Corvette C8 E-Ray will pair the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 with a front-mounted electric motor, blessing the sports car with not only hybrid power, but also all-wheel-drive grip. Output is estimated to peak at roughly 600 horsepower. Further upgrades will include new front and rear fascia styling, a widebody stance, and new wheel designs, including the possibility of carbon fiber wheels as an available option. Both a Convertible and Coupe model will be offered, as GM Authority covered previously.
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Comments
The nsx is hardly anything inspiring, why benchmark a car that was no a hit on the market?
Fuel efficiency
was the first one sitting in the gas station parking lot right hand drive with the yellow mirrors?
Yep! And again at 5:10.