I can’t help but burst into laughter as smoke billows from the rear tires of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray during an exhilarating drift in the parking lot at Pikes Peak International Raceway. This moment perfectly encapsulates the sheer joy and thrill that comes with driving the first-ever all-wheel-drive Corvette, a feat that seemed unimaginable until now. Chevy engineers generously shared their technique with me before my run: simply pin the throttle and control the drift with steering inputs. And boy, were they right. It was an absolute blast.
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray represents a significant evolution of the iconic ‘Vette. It introduces a hybridized system that draws inspiration from the Acura NSX and certain Ferrari models, showcasing Chevy’s commitment to forward-looking technology. The vehicle features a front motor powered by a 1.9-kWh battery pack, comprising four modules and 20 pouch cells mounted in the central tunnel. In normal driving conditions, drivers can tap into 1.1 kWh of that total to enhance acceleration. However, the hybrid/all-wheel-drive system adds approximately 300 pounds to the car’s weight, resulting in a total weight of 3,774 pounds for the coupe and 3,886 pounds for the convertible.
To further enhance the driving experience, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray offers two electric driving modes—Shuttle and Stealth—that must be selected via the instrument cluster upon startup. Shuttle mode utilizes EV power exclusively but is limited to speeds of 15 mph. On the other hand, Stealth mode allows the car to operate solely on electric power for a range of 3-5 miles, as long as the driver stays below 45 mph, uses less than 30% throttle, and doesn’t exceed 0.15 g of forward acceleration. Even after depleting the battery in Stealth mode, the E-Ray can still utilize its hybrid power thanks to a 0.8-kWh buffer that is always available, except during drifting.
Speaking of drifting, engaging Track mode and disabling the traction control and stability control are essential for executing epic drifts with the E-Ray. By pressing and holding the traction control button for five seconds, drivers can turn off these systems and enjoy the adrenaline-pumping experience of drifting to their heart’s content. However, it’s worth noting that prolonged drifting will deplete the battery significantly, as the front motor continuously tries to engage. During my drifting escapade, I felt the gradual loss of power as the battery drained, which became evident during the subsequent autocross section of the track. Thankfully, activating Charge+ on the side of the center console and driving at around 40 mph for approximately one mile quickly replenished the battery.
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While the Corvette E-Ray may not be the most powerful version of the ‘Vette, it is certainly the quickest. Its 160-hp front motor can operate independently, but it mainly works in conjunction with the Corvette Stingray’s 6.2-liter V8 engine. Together, they deliver a combined output of 655 hp and a prodigious amount of torque. This additional power, coupled with the superior traction provided by the front motor, enables the E-Ray to achieve mind-blowing acceleration figures. According to Chevrolet, the E-Ray can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds—10ths of a second quicker than the monstrous Corvette Z06 and 4/10ths quicker than the Stingray. Furthermore, it can complete a quarter-mile run in just 10.5 seconds, which is again a tenth quicker than the Z06.
During my driving experience, a Chevy engineer introduced me to the manual launch control feature of the E-Ray. By deactivating the traction and stability control systems, drivers can engage this feature by holding both steering wheel paddles to put the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in neutral. Then, they should continue holding one paddle, release and re-pull the other, followed by pressing and holding the brake pedal and gradually rolling onto the throttle to adjust the engine revs. Launching the E-Ray at 3,500 rpm, I felt the exhilarating moment when all four tires momentarily slipped before propelling the car forward with incredible force. The acceleration was noticeably stronger than in the Stingray—thanks to the assistance provided by the front motor.
From behind the wheel, the E-Ray emits a familiar growl reminiscent of the Stingray, as the 6.2-liter V8 engine roars passionately. The electric motor contributes subtly to the acoustic symphony, although its sound is quite muffled compared to the previous C7 Corvette or the recent Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Furthermore, in all-electric modes, the car emits an artificial exterior sound, akin to a B-movie flying saucer, to alert pedestrians of its presence.
Visually, the E-Ray closely resembles the Z06, sporting several minor changes. It adopts the Z06’s wider body, ground effects package, and spoiler, along with the Z06’s carbon-ceramic brakes and magnetic dampers as standard equipment. Distinguishing an E-Ray from the Z06 is relatively easy, thanks to the E-Ray logo, sleek five-spoke twist wheels (considered by many as the best-looking option for the Corvette), body-colored trim, and the availability of Electric Blue full-length stripes.
Chevrolet has meticulously tuned the E-Ray’s suspension to strike a balance between the comfortable ride characteristics of the Stingray with the Z51 Performance Package and the sheer focus of the Z06. This compromise results in a vehicle that is more refined and suitable for everyday driving, while still delivering an exhilarating performance on the track. During our track drive at Pikes Peak International Raceway, which combined the D-oval and a tight infield circuit, I couldn’t help but marvel at the E-Ray’s impressive composure and increased confidence it instilled in me compared to other ‘Vettes I’ve driven. The Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires provided ample grip, allowing the car to achieve 1 g of lateral acceleration on a skidpad. However, the track cars we tested were fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires—similar to the base tires on the Z06—offering a remarkable 1.1 g of grip. With these performance-focused tires, I threw the E-Ray into demanding corners with utmost confidence, trusting in the immense grip provided by the massive rubber.
What struck me most during the track drive was the overall balance and handling of the E-Ray. Exiting tight switchback corners felt a lot more balanced, thanks to the added traction and pulling power of the front motor. This newfound balance allowed me to get back on the throttle earlier than expected, just before the apex, resulting in smoother and more controlled corner exits. Although I’ve never spun a C8 Corvette before, the E-Ray felt significantly less likely to lose grip at the rear, further enhancing its overall stability and agility.
In addition to its superb handling, the E-Ray’s additional power became evident on the track. While the Z06 is known for its horsepower-driven performance, the E-Ray strikes a different balance. The power delivery is distributed differently, with the E-Ray harnessing more torque than the Z06. As a result, the E-Ray feels more responsive and pulls harder out of corners, delivering an exhilarating experience from one corner to the next.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray exemplifies the future of performance vehicles. Its hybridized system seamlessly integrates the power of an electric motor with the brute force of a V8 engine, resulting in incredible acceleration and remarkable handling. With its all-wheel-drive setup, the E-Ray achieves a perfect balance and provides enhanced control in various driving scenarios. While drifting may not be the primary focus of the E-Ray, it certainly showcases its capability and adds an element of controlled chaos to the driving experience. Chevy has once again pushed the boundaries of what a Corvette can be, and the E-Ray certainly sets the stage for the bold and electrifying future of this iconic American sports car.
