2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is The Quickest 'Vette in 70 Years

Kyle Patrick
by Kyle Patrick
2024 chevrolet corvette e ray is the quickest vette in 70 years

Hybrid system + LT2 V8 = 655 horsepower = 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds.

Chevrolet early Tuesday finally revealed the car we all knew was coming: the 2024 Corvette E-Ray. Celebrating the model’s 70th anniversary, the E-Ray brings numerous firsts to the Corvette recipe, including all-wheel drive and hybridization, resulting in the quickest production ‘Vette ever.

Now Chevy hasn’t strayed too far from tradition: the E-Ray still houses an eight-cylinder engine, even if it’s now midship since the C8 generation debuted a few years ago. In fact, it’s the same LT2 V8 as in the standard Stingray, producing the same 495 horsepower as before. The classic is now joined by a 160-horsepower electric motor acting on the front axle. With a combined output of 655 horsepower, the E-Ray will scoot to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds. That makes it quicker than the ballistic Z06, which is lighter and more powerful. If you needed a more concrete example of how AWD grip and instant electric torque can impress, here it is. Curb weight is up, to 3774 pounds (1712 kilograms) for the coupe, and 3856 lb (1749 kg) for the convertible.

Close up view of E-Ray badge on 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe in Riptide Blue. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Model year 2024 Corvette E-Ray available 2023.
Close up view of E-Ray badge on 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe in Riptide Blue. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Model year 2024 Corvette E-Ray available 2023.

Chevrolet has fit the E-Ray with a tiny 1.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, snuggled in the ample tunnel between the seats. While there is a new all-electric drive mode—Stealth Mode, appropriately enough—don’t expect the E-Ray to be a silent errand runner. Chevy says Stealth Mode is made for quietly leaving the neighborhood at start-up, and is limited to 45 mph (72 km/h). The V8 will wake up if “the vehicle’s speed exceeds the limit, additional torque is requested by the driver, or the E-Ray’s battery pack is depleted,” according to the automaker.

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In addition to Stealth Mode, a new Charge+ mode is said to prioritize consistent battery charge for “extended lapping.”

Passenger side front 3/4 view of 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe in Seawolf Gray parked in a parking garage. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Model year 2024 Corvette E-Ray available 2023.
Passenger side front 3/4 view of 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe in Seawolf Gray parked in a parking garage. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Model year 2024 Corvette E-Ray available 2023.

All this whiz-bang tech comes hidden underneath bodywork largely shared with the Z06, which is 3.6 inches (91 millimeters) wider than the Stingray. For E-Ray duty, Chevy has painted the front bumper inserts and rear heat extractors body color, instead of black. There are unique, pretty five-spoke wheels, measuring 20 inches up front and 21 inches out back. Michelin Pilot Sport all-seasons are standard, but buyers will have the option to swap in PS 4S summer rubber. Either way, big Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes peek out from behind the spindly spokes. The E-Ray will come in 14 exterior color options—three of which are new for 2024—plus offer an exclusive Electric Blue stripe package.

SEE ALSO: 2022 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE Review

Other standard kit includes Chevy’s impressive Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, a lightweight 12-volt battery, and Performance Traction Management modes specially tuned for the eAWD system. Chevy will also be introducing what it calls the “Artemis Dipped” interior, which adds green to “nearly every interior surface” and sounds like a 2024 exclusive.

Driver side 3/4 view of 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ convertible with Natural Tan Interior. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Model year 2024 Corvette E-Ray available 2023.
Driver side 3/4 view of 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ convertible with Natural Tan Interior. Pre-production model shown. Actual production model may vary. Model year 2024 Corvette E-Ray available 2023.

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray will go on sale later this year. All the extra standard tech and equipment translates to a starting MSRP of $104,295 for the coupe and $111,295 for the convertible (both before destination). That’s a lot for a Corvette, but it’s a whole lot less than other cars offering similar levels of performance.

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Kyle Patrick
Kyle Patrick

Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.

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