GM Authority spy photographers have spotted what appears to be a C8 Corvette E-Ray prototype undergoing testing ahead of the hybrid sports car’s official debut.
This undisguised prototype features the same widebody treatment as the C8 Corvette Z06, along with the same front fascia. It also seems to be equipped with the available Z07 Performance Package, which includes the following equipment on the Z06:
- Carbon fiber aero package with larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, a rear wing and underbody strakes that enhance downforce
- Unique FE7 suspension with specific Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 calibrations
- Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires
- Brembo carbon ceramic brake system with larger front and rear rotors
Additionally, this particular prototype has the same rear fascia as the C8 Corvette Z06 – save for one very important change. Instead of the Z06’s quad-tip center-exit exhaust, the prototype features the same outboard exhaust setup as the C8 Corvette Stingray. This is notable, as the Corvette E-Ray is expected to pair the Stingray’s naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine with a battery-electric hybrid system, so it would make sense that this model would share an exhaust setup with the Stingray rather than Z06. We also spot some visible mounting points for a rear wing on this E-Ray prototype – which are likely for the Z07 package’s rather large wing.
This prototype is riding on the available carbon fiber wheels for the C8 Corvette Z06, as well, which can only be ordered when the Z07 package is already equipped. The abundance of Z07 package content on this prototype could therefore suggest the Corvette E-Ray will also offer this performance-enhancing equipment group as an option.
Our spies said the prototype sounded much different than the C8 Corvette Z06 – which has a very distinct exhaust note thanks to its flat-plane crank 5.5L LT6 V8 engine. While not a sure sign this is an E-Ray prototype, we’d say that’s about as good of an indication as we’re going to get at this stage in the vehicle’s development.
As we reported previously, the Corvette E-Ray will replace the Grand Sport model in the Corvette’s lineup. The Grand Sport, when it was still around, bridged the gap to the Z06 trim level, pairing the Z06’s widebody styling with the less powerful engine from the base model. The E-Ray will serve a similar purpose, putting a hybrid twist on the Grand Sport for better overall performance and fuel mileage.
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There was a sound clip of one of these, and the engine sounded like a DOHC 6-cylinder. I figured, a NSX competitor.
It could be to offset some of the hybrid’s weight?
Small block would be better than a turbo DOHC v6. The LT1 is well known for weighing between ford’s 2.7 and 3.5 EB in terms of weight, with a distinct advantage that the weight is lower down. It also has an advantage in requiring less cooling.
Can we get the 2.7L Turbo 4-Cylinder from Silverado/CT4CT5 as a gasoline Range Extender for it please? If only it turned out that the unexpectedly high electric-only range 50 miles+ to make it the ultimate Chevy Volt throwback!!!
It looks good and I’m not generally enamored with the C8 design. I think the wide body with no wing and the monotone finish is making the difference.
E-Ray won’t really work like that. It does have “room to grow” in that there is the potential for both under the hood L1 charging, and a larger battery via Ultium packs.
What you’re seeking probably will be in the Zora. Large battery with Level 2 charging paired to a TTV8.
E-Ray probably lost the Voltec power train when it got demoted to replace Grand Sport.
I would much rather see Chevrolet kill the Corvette than give it a four cylinder, it’s bad enough that it will eventually be turned into a BEV but no exhaust note is far better than a fart can exhaust note.
This car has one job and that is to introduce BEV performance to a Corvette.
They will give you the V8 of the Stingray and the addition of a FWD EV power adder that will amount to a lower cost car than the Z06 but one as quick.
GM will expand on this to more models over time and at some point introduce an all electric Corvette when the change has to be made.
That is my gut thinking here was they don’t want to make the full jump at one.
The Conversation of the Corvette to EV will be like boiling frogs they start out slow and let the water heat up so the frogs don’t notice. Doing it like lobsters would be a mess.
In the end we will end up with still faster Corvettes but different Corvettes. Half will love half will complain and in the end 95% will accept.
It has one other job. Introduce AWD to the Corvette, opening up an entirely new world of performance.
A lot of people don’t like AWD. But if done properly, it stays out of your way, bounces around corners… and keeps you a bit farther away from death.
And that’s why I am buying an E-Ray. Combined with the reinforced A-pillar, it’s the first world-beating safe Corvette for normal driving.
I was sure hoping for the LT6 engine as a hybrid but feel that it will have the 6.2. Maybe the ZR1 or that place holder will have the LT6 with higher performance motor or motors to get the extra boost. Someone working with GM suggested that I should not count too much on turbos.
Owning a Ford Fusion hybrid sedan since 2014, I know that once those Corvette owners drive and feel the power, then enjoy the economies of lower fuel cost and lesser maintenance (once a year oil changes and no brake pad replacements), they will be expecting the electric Corvette to be the best of all.
Raymond Ramirez So, you think the people that buy Corvette’s are similar to people that buy Fusions? LOL
This car has already been determined to be a early prototype Z06 with the corner exhaust with Z07 package and no rear wing. There are no front axles poking thru the front wheels (like the rear) as the E Ray will have a electric motor driving each front wheel. That set up with the LT2 is rated at 600 horse and of course all wheel drive.
When I saw that wishbone side scoop i thought Chevy was adopting it for all future models. Hope not. Glad to hear that this is probably not an E-Ray proto. Phew.
If is it a recent photo, why bother trying to fool us with outside exhausts when we know they are in the center? I actually question that an E-Ray even needs a wide body. It could be using a Z06 body just to really throw us off. I wonder about what comes next…ZR1 or whatever. Any news of testing with turbos? Or maybe a modified LT6 engine can be tested in the lab. Obviously a Z06 is a new car that needs testing in all conditions.
So it has AWD, a Z06 wide body, and has roughly 600hp. It should also be able to run in FWD for short distances.
Hybrid drivers call that “Whisper Mode” when you drive on electricity. Very efficient for heavy city traffic.
The front drive should launch the car faster and assist in handling as it should have vectoring torque.
It should offer an experience that is much different than what we already have.
This set up should attract new buyers to the Corvette.
That is not an E ray. The photographer should stick to flowers. He is not a car guy!!! That is a C8 Z06 being test driven by a good friend of mine as they do on all future and current models. It has the 5.5 V8 naturally aspirated Gasoline engine. 93 octane!! No KW!!! This is absolute fake news! Shame on GM authority for publishing an article that hasn’t been vetted. [excuse the pun]
At this point in the development of the Z06 (already revealed to the public with a center quad exhaust), why would they be driving around a test car in a configuration they are not going to build? They wouldnt. They would be driving a production configuration Z06. Thus, not buying your post. Must be an Eray. Plus, the exhaust sound was said to be not like the flat plane crank Z06 which also pushes it toward being an Eray.
lol GM Authority is all about the clicks… they don’t really care if they get the information right… idk why so many people on here act like this is some kind of official outlet direct from GM… they’re just hype authors building clickbait headlines and pretending like they’re exclusive… 🤣🤣
Very well said, but respectfully I have to agree. So often, it’s the comments are the most enlightening.
So…you are saying that this is a old photo passed off as new? Or that they are still testing Z06’s and this one never changed the exhaust to the inside as we all know is the case?
I love the new corvette’s because I have a blue one with two black stripe’s toy car