Hybrid Chevrolet Corvette the fastest, but potentially rarest

Yesterday at 09:00 PM

The newly launched CorvetteE-Ray hybrid supercar is likely to be the least popular variant in the mid-engine, V8-powered supercar line-up, according to the local General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) boss.

Speaking to media at the launch of the updated Corvette range, which also includes the entry-level Stingray and track-focused Z06, GMSV boss Jess Bala said the majority of orders are still expected to be for the most affordable variant.

"We've only just opened orders pretty recently, so we'll be able to gauge that more accurately probably in the next couple of months, but I would say the bulk is still expected to stay Stingray," she said.

"Traditionally, at least to date, with Stingray and Z06, obviously the bulk is in Stingray, given the price point and Z06 being much more of an aspirational – obviously, much more of a track capable – model.

"We don't expect that to change a whole lot."

For reference, GMSV has sold 240 examples of the Chevrolet Corvette to the end of September this year, split between 196 Stingrays, 41 Z06s, and three E-Rays.

When asked if the E-Ray hybrid could convince Stingray customers to step up, Bala said more are likely to step down from the Z06.

"Probably the E-Ray buyer is going to come more for the Z06 category, just again because of that price split," she said.

Pricing for the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette line-up starts from $182,000 before on-road costs for the Stingray in 2LT Coupe form, with the E-Ray and Z06 positioned at $275,000 and $336,000 respectively – a $93,000 and $154,000 premium each.

However, all three models feature a petrol V8 powertrain, with the Stingray equipped with a 6.2-litre 'LT2' unit producing 369kW/637Nm to the rear wheels.

The E-Ray adds an electric motor and small lithium-ion battery that enables all-wheel drive and boosts output to 488kW/806Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 2.9 seconds, but tested at 2.5s.

The Z06 meanwhile, is equipped with a 5.5-litre 'LT6' flat-plane-crank V8, punching out 475kW/595Nm with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 2.6s.

Aside from the engine, all three grades are also targeting different aspects of the enthusiast buyer, with the Stingray the most accessible in terms of price and performance, the E-Ray adopting a 'grand touring' vibe thanks to its hybrid set-up, and the Z06 as the most potent on-track performer in Australia.

Of note, the US market also has access to the Corvette ZR1, which uses the Z06's 'LT6' engine but adds two turbochargers for a 793kW/1123Nm output.

The ZR1 has not been confirmed for Australia, and GMSV has specifically stated they do not comment on future products.

Bala said, in terms of popularity, the model mix for Corvette is still expected to be Stingray, then Z06, and finally E-Ray – though it will be close between the latter two variants.

"That would be my prediction, personally, but we have to see where it lands," she said.

"My guess would be it [E-Ray] would be pretty close to Z06, but Stingray will still be the bulk.

"We're starting to do different things with the sales team around prospective customer drive days, and things like that to get people behind the wheel and really allow them to try all three.

"That's going to give us a pretty good guide as well.

"We've seen amazing demand for the car, there still are wait lists for the car up to as much as 12 months based on what dealers are telling us for the Z06.

"But we think by being able to offer some more experiences … it's going to obviously help increase conversion rates."

The post Hybrid Chevrolet Corvette the fastest, but potentially rarest appeared first on Drive.