The upcoming hybrid Corvette E-Ray has been grabbing our attention as of late, with a few prototype models recently spotted testing alongside the Acura NSX, as well as captured on video accelerating hard away from a stop. Now, we have another enticing detail to share, this time about the new hybrid Corvette’s interior.
A fresh batch of spy photos reveal a new button located along the side of the center console, just below the upper upholstery cover and adjacent to the top of the cupholders. A closer look at the button reveals what appears to be a graphic depicting a battery, with a black upper portion and white lower portion.
Obviously, this button isn’t found on the standard C8 Corvette Stingray, and is likely related to the hybrid Corvette E-Ray’s electric propulsion goodies. However, the exact purpose of the new button remains to be seen.
One possibility is that it provides a quick way for the driver to switch between driving modes, selecting between either electric assistance, or gasoline-only propulsion. Another possibility is that the button is used as a sort of “push-to-pass” switch that dumps all available electric power to the motors for maximum acceleration, although the placement of the button on the side of the center console would be an odd choice for such a feature, as we would expect something like that to be placed on the steering wheel instead.
One other notable aspect of these new spy photos are the blocked-off gauges and infotainment screen, an indication of the hybrid Corvette’s new, unique display graphics focused on the hybrid powertrain.
As a reminder, the hybrid Corvette E-Ray will come equipped with the same naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine as the standard C8 Corvette Stingray, plus a front-mounted electric motor to provide the sports car with all-wheel drive grip. Total output from is expected to be around 600 horsepower.
What’s more, the hybrid Corvette E-Ray will be available as both a Coupe and a Convertible, as GM Authority reported previously. Also look for revised front and rear fascia designs, plus new wheel designs, with carbon fiber wheels possibly offered as an optional extra. Tire sizing will be set at 275/30R20 in front, and 345/24R21 in the rear.
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Comments
Looks to me like an arrow into the battery, so I think it tells the system to charge up the battery to maximum so you can use it on the track. A number of other hybrids have this feature, like mountain mode on the Volt, target battery level mode on BMW eDRIVE, and EV Charge mode on Ford plug-ins.
Probably a disco ball deployment button with accompanied music to remind most Vette buyers of their party life when most were in their 20s ….🙃😉🙃
@JONATHAN LOPEZ that button has the same icon as those on the Bolt for the regen on-demand paddle.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Chevrolet-Volt-Regenerative-Braking-720×300.jpg
Good eye! Stay tuned for a follow-up.
This thing is gonna rip!!
The button unlocks the door covering the charge port on the outside of the car.
It’s in a really bad place for that because when you’re out of the car you have to reach in and over the seat to get to it. That’s why trunk, fuel, and hood releases on normal cars are on the door or immediately adjacent to the door.
fire extinguisher button?
I believe that more than likely the switch is an emergency battery deactivation switch to shut it off in case of an emergency. It is there by drivers right hand to quickly switch if off in case of a situation where there is probability of a serious wreck etc.
If I’m not mistaken, that looks an awful lot like the on-demand regenerative braking activation symbol present on the steering wheel of the Bolt EUV. Afraid that doesn’t make it as cool as some “electronic NOZ” activation button or whatever we fanboys would like to believe it is.
This ^
Good work! You and Nebula nailed it
I don’t know. An electric Corvette just seems wrong.
John,
When you see the Tesla Roadster finally put out on the market, you will realize that the beloved Corvette (I love mine) is a distant second to the engineering marvel of the Roadster. I look forward to the day that GM will match and surpass Tesla engineering. The Corvette platform is the optimum place to do so when looking strictly at acceleration and performance.
🤣🤣🤣 you really think there’s going to be a Tesla Roadster still? You fanbois are lucky Elon hasn’t sold his little niche car company yet..
Jerry,
Thank you for that and I do not necessarily disagree. But an eventual all electric Corvette, while potentially a performance monster, would suggest denying the visceral qualities that we have all come to love. Kinda like when Harley Davidson tried to market an “E-Motorcycle”. I’m both an HD and a Corvette fan, and I love my C8, but the exhaust note really adds a lot.
John
i bet gm will keep the corvette gas powered for as long as possible, while maybe selling an electric or hybrid model beside it
Button might be for electric motor only mode?
My guess, based upon rumors from people who have high connections within, is that this button activates the mechanism which ejects the passenger seat up and out of the car allowing for quicker getaways.
Charger door release button
It is an extension of On-Star call button to alert your auto club service provider to come and change your battery.
I have a stupid question and apologize in advance. If the vette and possibly the Camaro & pickup trucks are going electric what type of exhaust note will they generate? I’ve always loved the sound of a exhaust with a bark :-). My Silverado has a Magnaflow duel catback and has a nice rumble , I can’t even imagine a vette or ZL1 Camaro starting up and there is no sound ! If anyone knows what the future holds for exhaust notes for these type of vehicle’s please comment.
Ever heard what a Tesla sounds like? Ghostly silence.
I believe the only exhaust notes you will hear are the “exhaust notes” coming from the mouth of political figures who detest fossil fuels.
No exhaust, no noise other than tires screeching as it catapults forward without delay.
I’d guess it’s a button to open the charge port door just lack a gas fill door.