Don’t like hybrids? Sure, but how do you feel about a mid-engine sports car with 488kW, all-wheel drive and track-bred handling for almost half the price of its European rivals?
That’s what the all-new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is packing as it arrives in Australia more than 18 months after its global reveal. General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) have confirmed that first deliveries of the car will begin by the end of August.
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“This is the best of Corvette today, paired with the brand’s exciting, electrified tomorrow, and it’s the kind of performance vehicle that needs to be driven to believed,” said Jess Bala, GM Australia managing director. “And that day is coming, and coming fast, for the people of Australia and New Zealand.”
Whether you’re a fan of electrification or not, the details of the E-Ray make for impressive reading. The 6.2-litre V8 LT2 engine makes 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque on its own, while the electric motor mounted on the front axle adds an additional 119kW. In total the E-Ray pumps out a potent 488kW/806Nm, which is enough for it to sprint 0-60mph (97km/h) in just 2.5 seconds (according to GM’s claims).
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The E-Ray is very much a performance-orientated hybrid, with the electric motor designed to provide a power boost as much as any fuel savings. This is evident by the so-called ‘Stealth Mode’, that allows the electric motor to drive the car unassisted by the petrol engine only lasting “for four to six kilometres” at speeds no greater than 72km/h.
Still, the plus side of the relatively small 1.9kWh battery is that it’s self-charging via the regenerative braking and therefore the E-Ray doesn’t require any plugging in.
GMSV has opted for a high level of standard specification for local E-Ray examples, with the ZER Performance Package fitted for all models landing in Australia. The ZER pack includes stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER Performance Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control as well as a taller spoiler wicker for track use. Australian models will also come fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes as standard too.
Another figure that makes a big leap over the existing C8 Stingray offered by GMSV is the price, which is an even $100k more than the most affordable Corvette. The E-Ray will be priced from $275,000 for the single specification model. While it’s a major jump up for the Corvette it remains relatively competitive, for comparison against other hybrid supercars, the McLaren Atura starts at $477,310 and the Ferrari 296 GTB is priced from $568,300.
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