2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Review: The Street ‘Vette

The last few generations of Chevrolet Corvette have followed a similar formula. First, an all-new Corvette is released that includes a sporty option, usually the Z51 package. Then, those are followed up by a track-focused Z06 model, with the ultimate performance ZR1 arriving just before the end of the generation’s lifespan.

With the latest Corvette, nicknamed the C8, not only did Chevrolet change the engine’s placement in the car, but the brand is also introducing an entirely new Corvette, the E-Ray.

The E-Ray marks many firsts for Chevy’s sports car. It’s the first time a Corvette has all-wheel drive from the factory, and it’s also the first time it’s a hybrid. To see where this new car fits within the Corvette hierarchy, we borrowed a 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray for a week of driving.

What’s New for 2024:

The E-Ray is a bit of a mix-and-match of Corvette parts. The exterior features the widebody shared with the Z06 while the engine is shared with the regular Corvette Z51. Where things really differ are in the center tunnel and front axle. A small battery is wedged between the driver and passenger that powers a front motor. This makes the car all-wheel drive as well as a hybrid.

Exterior Style:

Our tester arrived painted in Riptide Blue with the optional Flash Carbon forged wheels. It garnered attention everywhere we went. Although the body is just over 3-inches (77 mm) wider than a regular Corvette, it really completes the car’s looks. It appears more in proportion as the regular-bodied Vette looks a bit long and narrow to my eyes.

We had the coupe in for a test drive which meant it had the removable roof panel that stowed nicely in the rear trunk. Although it is a manual process to remove, it involves just three latches and can be done by one person.

Besides the widebody, the only giveaway that this is an E-Ray is a pair of small badges on the car’s side sill. Personally, I really like the look of the E-Ray. It flows nicely and has a serious presence. The only thing I would change are the square, quad exhaust tips for oval or circular ones. The squares have always looked out of place on the car.

Powertrain and Fuel Economy:

As mentioned earlier, sitting behind the driver is a 6.2-liter V8 making 495 horsepower and 470 pound feet of torque. Like every other Corvette, power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Up front sits an electric motor producing 160 hp and 122 lb-ft fed by a 1.9 kWh battery pack.

This all adds up to a total of 655 hp, which isn’t much off the Z06’s power numbers. Although there is no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles, the E-Ray is indeed an all-wheel drive. Chevrolet claims it can go from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and finish the quarter mile in the mid-10-second range.

We don’t doubt these numbers as launching the E-Ray is a violent, g-force-filled affair. The extra grip and power provided by the front motor catapults the Corvette forward from a dead stop. The combination of the V8 bellowing over the driver’s shoulder and the motor whirling up front add to the acceleration drama. Although it’s heavier and less powerful, on an unprepared street, we’re not sure the Z06 would be able to out-launch the E-Ray.

When not conducting standing starts that reorganize internal organs, the added boost from the electric motor works quite well in regular driving scenarios. On the highway, if an extra shot of power is needed, the electric motor handles this and doesn’t require the engine to downshift any gears. Around town, the initial power from the electric motor smoothens out any sort of jerkiness from the dual clutch transmission. The electric motor whirling about its business is so unusual in a Corvette, especially when the exhaust is on one of the quieter settings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray can also be used in Stealth Mode. Before the car is turned on, if the driver has their seatbelt on and foot on the brake, it is possible to enter Stealth Mode. The has the E-Ray drive with just the electric motor powering the front wheels. So, in essence, it becomes a *gasp* front-wheel drive Corvette.

Chevrolet claims it can go for 3-4 miles (5-6 kilometers) at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h). We tested this mode out and if the driver keeps throttle inputs below the threshold of a gauge on the head-up display, the E-Ray will need drive around town silently.

Handling and Drivability:

As is the case with any hybrid or electric vehicle, there’s a weight gain for the E-Ray. Weighing in at 3,774 pounds (1,712 kg), it’s about 300 lbs (136 kg) heavier than regular Corvettes.

To help compensate for the added heft, the tires are now wide enough to make steamrollers jealous. Up front are 275/30ZR20 tires, while the rear has 345/25ZR21. The Brembo brakes receive a similar biggie size treatment, growing to over 15-inches in diameter. Oh, they are also carbon ceramic. The final piece of car control comes from the standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0.

All this hardware makes a car that’s more capable than we can possibly explore within legal limits on the street. The extra weight is noticed when asking the car to change directions quickly, but only for a fraction of a moment. Then the excessive grip from the tires takes over and whips the E-Ray through a corner with ease.

Ride Quality and Comfort:

In Sport or Track mode, the suspension is so tight, the body roll is near zero. But ride comfort isn’t too far off that mark as well. When more relaxed, comfortable cruising is requested, drivers can put the E-Ray into Tour or a customized My Mode that has the car soak up bumps better than most sports cars. Heck, even better than some sports sedans. Other drive modes include Sport, Track, Weather, and Z-Mode.

As we have the top-of-the-line 3LZ edition in for testing, our E-Ray includes the GT2 8-way power seats which are highly supportive and way more comfortable than they have any right being. The seats are also heated and ventilated and the steering wheel is heated as well. For weekend getaways, the E-Ray isn’t a terrible option as the front and rear storage areas combine for 12.5 cubic feet (354 liters), assuming the Targa roof is left in place.

Interior Style and Quality:

It’s cliché at this point to say a Corvette doesn’t have as nice of an interior as the competition. Back in the day this was undeniably true, but today, it’s not. The Corvette is wholly competitive, especially with the 3LZ trim. Sueded microfiber trim, a carbon and leather-wrapped steering wheel, seats with Napa leather and carbon-fiber trim, and various other leather-wrapped surfaces give the E-Ray an upscale feel, as it should given the price point.

Best of all, there are interior choices, and the design/use of materials makes it interesting. Will the row of buttons running down the center console or the Chevy infotainment system be everyone’s taste? No. Opinions were even mixed amongst our staff, but this author quite likes them.

Tech and Safety:

The infotainment system features an 8-inch screen which is smaller than the 12-inch digital and customizable driver information center. It’s just one of the many aspects that show the Corvette is a driver’s car first. Still, it does have many modern conveniences like a wireless phone charging pocket, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.

There is also a standard rearview camera integrated into the rearview mirror as the engine and associated bodywork interfere with rearward visibility. The 2LZ and 3LZ also get Chevrolet’s performance data recorder for use at the track.

Although autonomous safety systems aren’t a key selling point in a car like the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, the car does come equipped with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, as well as front and rear cameras.

Value Dollars and Sense:

With all the technology involved in the Corvette E-Ray, it’s a substantial step up pricewise from a regular 2024 Chevrolet Corvette. The E-Ray’s MSRP is nearly on par with the similarly powerful Corvette Z06, starting at $106,595 (all prices include destination charges). Our loaded-up 3LZ coupe came in at $117,545 plus options.

In Canada, the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray starts at a price of $141,099. As tested, our 3LZ coupe with the optional wheels came in at $158,239.

Final Thoughts:

Who would have thought there would one day be a mid-engine, all-wheel drive, hybrid Corvette? But here we are. More than just a technological exercise, the E-Ray is in our opinion the most street-capable Vette. It has all-wheel drive traction and instant electric motor torque, all while still maintaining Corvette capabilities.

Simply put, if someone wants a special Corvette and plans to hit the track regularly, get the Z06. For those wanting similar performance in a more street-capable car, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray is the right fit.

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