Corvette E-Ray Spotted On German Roads Without Vinyl Camo
GM Authority spies have just spotted the upcoming Corvette E-Ray testing without any vinyl camouflage for the first time, giving us a relatively clear view of the hybrid sports car.
The photos were captured on German roads surrounding the infamous Nurburgring race track, a favorite among car manufacturers looking to test their latest and greatest performance models. As such, it stands to reason that Chevy was evaluating the Corvette E-Ray prototype on the challenging German race circuit.
Without heavy vinyl coverings, this Corvette E-ray prototype shows a number of externally visible features, starting with the wide boy treatment. The front fascia appears to be identical to that of the recently-teased C8 Z06.
The body side features reconfigured fenders and intake treatment to work with the widebody configuration.
At the rear resides a subtle spoiler, along with a set of outboard exhaust pipes with quad, squared tips at the sides of the rear bumper treatment, identical to those on the C8 Corvette Stingray. By comparison, the C8 Z06 – which will also have the same widebody treatment as the E-Ray – will feature a center-exit exhaust.
Interestingly, this Corvette E-Ray prototype also has smaller brake rotors than the 2023 Corvette Z06. The split seven-spoke wheels, which we haven’t seen previously since they were covered by wheel covers – feature a black finish and appear to be wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, the same compound as on the Z51-equipped Corvette C8 Stingray.
While the exterior features are certainly noteworhty, the most important updates will be under the skin. The Corvette E-Ray will boast the same atmospheric 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine as the C8 Corvette Stingray, but the powertrain will be electrified with the addition of a new hybrid system.
The hybrid system is expected to mount a pair of electric motors in the front of the vehicle to power the front wheels, complementing the gasoline engine that drives the rear wheels, making the new Corvette E-Ray all-wheel drive. Peak output is estimated at around 600 horsepower.
Late in August, we spotted prototypes of the upcoming Corvette E-Ray testing alongside another hybrid all-wheel drive sports car – the Acura NSX. That test session gave us a chance to hear the new E-Ray accelerate, showing off not only the mid-mounted LT2, but also the front tires digging into the pavement thanks to the newfound electric motors.
As GM Authority covered previously, the C8 E-Ray will be available in both Coupe and Convertible body styles. The model will represent an indirect replacement for the Corvette Grand Sport, which will not be available for the Corvette C8.
Besides the Stingray, Z06 and E-Ray, the C8 family is also expected to include the C8 ZR1 and the range-topping C8 Zora.
SOURCE: GM AUTHORITY