The eighth-generation Chevy Corvette C8 first hit the scene for the 2020 model year, introducing an innovative mid-engine design that breaks from decades of tradition. GM is currently working towards the launch of several new variants of the Chevy Corvette C8 that promise even more performance, and now, we have images of a new prototype caught testing on public roads in some heavy camouflage covers, a model which some believe could be the new Corvette ZR1, or the new Corvette E-Ray.
From the off, we should mention that although several other publications may refer to this Corvette C8 prototype as the new Corvette ZR1, that is in fact incorrect. Rather, according to GM Authority sources, this particular prototype is actually the new Corvette E-Ray.
The first thing to strike us about this Corvette E-Ray prototype is the widebody design, which is plain to see, no matter how much camouflage is added. Also of note are the wheels, which, despite the disc covers, reveal a new design not yet seen anywhere in the current Corvette C8 lineup. Although it’s difficult to tell, the wheel design does not match the Corvette C8 Z06’s open-spoke rollers or its optional five-spoke carbon fiber wheels, and rather, presents a unique design that incorporates a technical multi-spoke layout. More on that shortly.
The exhaust treatment is also interesting, with this particular Corvette C8 prototype running center-mounted pipes with a quartet of outlets, similar to the exhaust equipped by the Corvette C8 Z06. As GM Authority covered previously, both the Corvette C8 Z06 and Corvette C8 E-Ray incorporated an outboard exhaust as part of the initial design, and although the design was later changed to a centrally mounted layout, some prototypes for these model variants continue to incorporate an outboard exhaust.
Critically, GM teased the new Corvette C8 E-Ray this morning with a brief video that shows the upcoming model accelerating on snow. Notably, the teaser video gives us a glimpse of the new Corvette E-Ray’s unique five-spoke wheels, which appear to have the same inner design around the lug nuts as the prototype model featured here, lending further evidence that this prototype is not the new Corvette ZR1.
As for specs and expectations, the new Corvette E-Ray will combine the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine of the C8 Stingray with a new hybrid power system, resulting in the first-ever hybrid production Corvette. What’s more, the new hybrid powertrain will drive the front and rear wheels, resulting in the first-ever all-wheel drive production Corvette.
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Comments
ZR1
Ha! they removed my post. Detroit News and others reported electric corvette announcement for introduction next year. What’s wrong GM Authority? Sour grapes you missed the story?
E-Ray is not an electric Corvette…it is an “electrified Corvette”…hybrid that is. I hope the Zora does not become the first actual electric Corvette.
So the E-Ray would be just a step up above the Stingray?
If this is the case. Will it be comparable to the NSX?
Also will the new ZR1 be DOHC TT?
I know the electric motors in the front would add weight but I was wondering if they implement electric motors for torque vectoring?
Or will it be 5.5TT? I’m assuming that it will but the ZR1 has been the top line Corvette. Will it have some other features that would make it unique..
Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, ZR1, EV. Lots of choices – maybe becoming too many too soon.
You missed one…maybe…the Zora. Yes maybe too many. Not for me but for the reality of production. Just look at the problems of getting out Stingrays. Then add the Z06 with a HUGE demand, plus the E-Ray that could really catch on as well particularly if it has a spectacular 0-60 number. Then the claim of a EV coming soon. To that add a ZR1 and Zora? I wonder if the ZR1 might get skipped for the Zora. I just hope that the Zora is as predicted rather than that “soon to come electric”. I’m worried that GM too is anxious for the move to electrics and may cut back on the ICE variants. The best we can hope for is that the C8 has a long run before the C9 electric.
If it ev corvette it wouldn’t have the exhaust coming out the back
camo cover blocks front grills… no rads up there?
It’s still got an ICE
I think it’s worth noting the C8 in the video had same exhaust setup as the stingray, and the one pictured above has the same setup as the zo6. So, this could honestly be the E-ray with just a different exhaust setup or it could be the ZR1.
This car is not the same one in the short GM video. “Notably, the teaser video gives us a glimpse of the new Corvette E-Ray’s unique five-spoke wheels, which appear to have the same inner design around the lug nuts as the prototype model featured here”. These camouflaged rear wheels are NOT the same ones as those 5 spoke wheels on the car in the video….check the contact at the rim and the central design around the lug nuts are NOT the same…check other past photos of “E-Rays” as taken in Ohio with an NSX present. Why would this car have so much cladding while the car in the video has only wrap? I don’t believe the car in the video will have center exhaust with the LT2. This car is another upcoming variant and we don’t know if AWD or not. The front wheels of this car are the same as the stock Z06 wheels.
ZR1 as the center rear exhaust.