Chevrolet Corvette 2024 Review

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette range is on sale now, opening with the “entry” Stingray 2LT (from $182,000 plus ORCs) and topping out with the track-ready Z06, priced at a whopping $336,000 (plus ORCs).

Wedged in the middle is the all-new Corvette E-Ray on test, priced from $275,000 (plus ORCs) and entering the exotic car arena as the first hybrid and first all-wheel drive Corvette.

Combining the Stingray’s 6.2-litre petrol V8 with a front-mounted electric motor and small 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery, it generates a maximum combined output of 488kW/806Nm, in turn making it the fastest-accelerating, factory-built Corvette thus far.

The V8 engine pumps through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels, while the electric motor moves the front wheels via 'complex software and modules' according to GM. In other words, there’s no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles.

Outside, the hybrid E-Ray shares a similar wide-body to its Z06 stablemate but aside from a few badges, there’s no huge visual differences between the pair; you'll need to be eagle-eyed to spot an E-Ray.

Local versions of the E-Ray will come standard with the ZER performance pack (which is optional overseas), bringing gripper Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER performance suspension with magnetic ride control and a taller wickerbill or gurney flap spoiler.

Other standard gear includes staggered 20- and 21-inch alloys, a front nose lift system with memory and a performance exhaust.

Inside you get the same driver-focussed cabin as the rest of the Corvette range, with headline features including an 8.0-inch infotainment unit with wireless smartphone mirroring, dual-zone climate control, a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

To describe the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray as good is an understatement of epic proportions because it’s great. Actually it’s incredible. And it’s ridiculous.

At the national product launch – held on a wonderfully sunny day at Sandown Raceway – we, along with many others, bettered Chev’s claim of 2.9 seconds from 0-100km/h on the back straight of the Melbourne circuit.

Without independent timing equipment, the E-Ray’s onboard computer calculated its own launch time, flashing a shocking – but not all that surprising – 2.6 seconds on the digital instrument cluster. Others claim their vehicle showed even lower figures; either way the results brook no arguments. It's face-meltingly fast.

The hybrid Chevy Corvette is so ferocious that by the time you realise you’ve hit 150km/h, you’re still trying to peel your head off the head restraint.

Grip levels on track are even more awe-inspiring and the all-wheel drive system adds a layer of accessibility for first timers – it feels like a more user-friendly Corvette that won't punish tomfoolery.

On first impression, the additional battery weight (48kg) appears to have had little effect on handling; it’s just as competent on a racetrack, with fantastic control as it hunkers into corners. Those big Brembo carbon ceramic brakes allow you to stop on a dime, too.

A cool party trick for the E-Ray is the fact you can start up in in silence, or ‘Stealth’ mode. It takes some fiddling around with the buttons and drive modes but sure enough, once you’ve set it up right, it’s an almost silent affair that’ll help you sneak out late… or sneak home early.

The only caveat is the tiny 1.9kWh Lithium-ion battery pack needs to have sufficient charge.

If your battery is depleted because you’ve been thrashing around a racetrack, you can forget about it – and even then, it’ll only let you travel around 6km at low speeds (less than 70km/h). This is average when compared to mainstream hybrids, but in the hybrid supercar world 6km is above average.

There’s also a ‘Shuttle’ drive mode that allows you putt around using only electricity for extended periods but you’re limited to just 25km/h and again, only if you have enough juice in the battery.

Another impressive aspect – particularly in the realm of supercars – is that you don’t have to sacrifice on safety when you buy the Corvette E-Ray. Standard safety and driver aids include low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist with departure warning, front and rear parking cameras and high beam assist.

How long you’ll have to wait to get one.

Although you can order your 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray today, a spokesperson for GMSV told carsales that a recent dealer survey to gauge demand revealed an expected six-month wait time for the Corvette Stingray, while those ordering the E-Ray or Z06 will be waiting even longer.

“For the new E-Ray as well as the Z06, we estimate an average 12-month wait time for a customer to place an order through a dealer for GMSV to fulfill,” said the spokesperson.

We get the feeling it’ll be worth the wait.

But anyone expecting their hybrid supercar to be as raucous and savage as the track-ready Z06 might not find what they’re looking for here. The Corvette E-Ray isn’t boring by any stretch of the imagination, but it also doesn’t have the same brash personality as the Z06. It’s calmer, compliant and liveable.

The petrol-electric sports car is also nowhere near as loud as the Z06 – from inside the cabin or out. But there’s enough V8 rumble to get the juices flowing and it's not completely devoid of aural stimulation.

The E-Ray is a self-charging hybrid, so there’s no need to plug it into power. You just need to fill it up with premium unleaded 95 octane gasoline.

As mentioned, it comes wtih a small battery pack that is rapidly drained (depending on how you drive) which could limit maximum power outputs, despite the fitment of fancy features such as a ‘Charge Plus’ mode. Hit the button and it essentially drags the front wheels to send charge back to the battery and is useful in track applications says the C8 Corvette's engineering manager, Trevor Hall.

But there’s no option to adjust re-generative braking levels here and ‘Charge Plus’ is an inefficient way to recharge the battery, says Hall.

We doubt any 2024 Chevrolet Corvette buyer will be disappointed with their purchase.

The Stingray is an absolute hoot on road, delivering incredible flexibility for a supercar for arguably very little money, certainly in supercar terms. The E-Ray turns it up another notch with crushing acceleration and quirky tech, both of which are delivered in a user-friendly way.

Meanwhile the Z06 is another kettle of fish completely and would ultimately be this tester’s pick of the bunch. However, that says more about the hoon in me than the options at hand.

Truth be told, it’s pleasing to see Chevrolet trying new things; we can only imagine what’s next for the C8 Corvette. Mainly because they won’t tell us yet…

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray at a glance:
Price: $275,000 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 6.2-litre petrol V8 with front-mounted electric motor and 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery
Output: 369kW/637Nm (electric motor: 119kW/169Nm)
Combined output: 488kW/806Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel: TBC
CO2: TBC
Safety rating: Not tested

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