Skip to main content

Fans can’t seem to agree on the new Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. However, even with some C8 Corvette enthusiasts’ hesitance to welcome the new ‘Vette, the Chevrolet performance model has a stage presence. The new hybrid electric Corvette E-Ray stole the show at the National Corvette Museum (NCM) Annual Michelin Bash

Program engineers brought out several new Corvette E-Rays for fans to enjoy at the NCM Annual Bash

A cutaway view of the new C8 E-Ray.
A cutaway view of the E-Ray | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

The National Corvette Museum is normally something of a pilgrimage destination for Corvette owners and fans. However, the annual bash takes the energy that much further; hundreds of models, from Chevrolet Corvette C2s to brand-new C8 Z06s, lined the lots around the property. However, the gleaming new E-Rays had everyone’s attention. 

Program representatives and engineers accompanied the three cars on the apron outside the museum’s doors. Several cars were on display, and the busier days of the bash included a cutaway showcase of the E-Ray’s inner workings. Of course, the cutaway’s focal point was the Corvette E-Ray’s new 1.9 kW battery pack and 160-horsepower front-mounted electric motor. 

The engineer and driver behind the Corvette E-Ray Rockefeller Cyclone stunt talked about the E-Ray’s grippy AWD system

A badge on the new Chevrolet Sea Wolf Gray paint.
An E-Ray badge | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

In addition to display models and a cutaway for curious Corvette fans, the NCM hosted talks about the latest happenings in the subculture. Cody Bulkley, a GM engineer who worked on the E-Ray, spoke about the vehicle’s public rollout. Specifically, Bulkley was the driver who piloted the E-Ray to do “cyclones” on New York City’s Rockefeller Square ice skating rink. 

According to Bulkley, turning off some of the E-Ray’s traction and stability control systems will allow a driver to spin the AWD vehicle around like a top on a low-friction surface. As a result, Bulkley and his team were able to cyclone two new Corvette E-Rays in place on the NY rink to unveil the car to the world during a morning television program. 

The new Corvette’s giant carbon ceramic brakes will draw your attention in 

A new hybrid electric Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray shows off its brakes and wheels.
20-inch wheels and Brembo brakes on a new E-Ray | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

In addition to an aggressive profile, low-slung stance, and unmistakable Corvette styling, the new E-Ray’s Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system is an eye-catching setup. Like the carbon ceramic setup on the Z06, the E-Ray’s six-piston front calipers hug massive 15.7 and 15.4-inch rotors. 

Furthermore, the staggered 20 and 21-inch wheels frame the big brakes. Big wheels are necessary, too; the E-Ray’s rear rubber is a thick set of 345/25ZR21 Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Moreover, Car and Driver says the hybrid performance car can accommodate Pilot Sport 4S summer tires from the factory.

Chevrolet’s latest performance model showed off its new colors

A Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray shows off its Sea Wolf Gray color scheme.
A Sea Wolf Gray Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

In addition to showing off the new E-Rays, GM representatives brought cars in the newest Corvette colors. Specifically, the new Riptide Blue Metallic, Cacti, and Sea Wolf Gray hues made an appearance at the NCM’s annual bash. 

What do you think of the new hybrid electric Corvette? Is the E-Ray the next step for America’s historic performance car? Be sure to keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest hybrid news!

Related

Godzilla Vs. King Kong: Is the Nissan GT-R Up to Corvette Z06 Standards?