SPY PICS: Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray caught testing

Hybrid technology will soon work its electrified magic under the bonnet of one of the world’s most iconic supercars, the Chevrolet Corvette, according to fresh images and information supplied by our spy photographers.

The notion of an electrified ’Vette was originally floated back in 2015 when General Motors filed a patent application for a ‘Corvette E-Ray’, but despite continued speculation since then the trail largely went cold.

Six years on, however, our spy shooters have managed to snap what’s believed to be the C8 Corvette E-Ray undergoing real-world testing in the US ahead of an expected launch late next year for the 2023 model year.

Devoid of any badging and donning a completely blacked-out paint job, the prototype spotted here is fitted with the Z07 cosmetic pack, making it look uncannily similar to the upcoming Corvette Z06 but with Stingray-style wide-set exhaust outlets and no rear wing.

Suspicions were aroused further by the mystery car’s soundtrack. According to the snappers, the disguised Corvette prototype sounded nothing like the screaming 5.5-litre flat-plane-cranked V8 that powers the Z06.

With the monstrous Corvette ZR1 flagship not due to appear for another couple of years and expected to adopt hybrid power in its pursuit of heavyweight supercar scalps, the chances of this particular being the E-Ray look increasingly likely, especially given it’s due to be launched alongside the Z06 as part of the MY23 range.

Tipped to retain the Stingray’s naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8, the Corvette E-Ray will likely plug the performance gap between the 369kW/637Nm range-opener and the 500kW/623Nm Z06, while being the most efficient variant in the mid-engined C8 Corvette range.

A rear-biased all-wheel drive system should help improve acceleration and dynamics too, with some US outlets speculating the E-Ray’s electric motor will drive the front axle, meaning the first electrified Corvette will also be the first all-paw version.

With no charge port cover in sight on the front, right or rear of the prototype, the E-Ray could be a self-charging hybrid rather than a plug-in hybrid. Most PHEVs have their charging port on the opposite side to the fuel filler cap or at the front.

Some reports out of the US have also speculated the eventual ZR1 will actually be usurped by a 1000hp (746kW) Corvette ‘Zora’ plug-in hybrid designed to rival hypercars like the Porsche 918 Spyder and looming McLaren P1 successor.