CHEVROLETCorvette E-Ray Convertible 2023 - Present

　　On the 17th of February 2023, GM introduced the first electrified Corvette exactly seven decades after the nameplate’s introduction at the 1953 Motorama in New York City.

　　The Corvette was the most notorious American sports car. Chevrolet made it with a front engine and rear-wheel-drive for almost all those 70 years, but times changed. In 2020, the automaker launched the eighth generation of the Corvette with a mid-mounted engine. It was the most revolutionary change in the model’s history. Then, in January 2023, Chevrolet introduced the E-Ray. It introduced two other significant upgrades: drivetrain electrification and an all-wheel-drive system. This hybrid version not only used an electric motor to improve the vehicle’s performance but also to increase its fuel efficiency.

　　Throughout its history, the Corvette has always been granted an open-top version, so the eighth generation followed the same principle. Besides the coupe, Chevrolet also made the vehicle with a retractable roof that was available on most engine versions, including the E-Ray. The car’s front featured a lower splitter under the bumper with a center intake and two side scoops that flanked it. The triangular-shaped headlights were adorned by the integrated LED daytime running lights that ran on the upper and outer sides. From its profile, the C8 Corvette convertible featured a short nose followed by a raked windshield. Behind the seats, the automaker placed two bulges that concealed the safety arches and the retractable roof mechanism. Between them, on the engine’s cover, Chevrolet added a set of vents that helped to cool the engine. Behind that, on the deck, the Corvette E-Ray Convertible sported a small spoiler that increased downforce.

　　With its modern cockpit made for two, the American supercar created a luxurious and sporty environment for its customers. The two high-bolstered seats were separated by a tall center console, while in front of the driver was a digital instrument cluster. In addition, atop the center stack, GM added a touchscreen for the infotainment system, which the driver could control via a turning knob and a few buttons placed next to the gear selector’s buttons. The driver could cover or open the top at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 kph).

　　But E-Ray’s most significant upgrade compared to its stablemates was found under its skin. Regardless of whether it was in the coupe or roadster shape, the car featured an electrified drivetrain. GM installed the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine that powered the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. At the same time, the front wheels were moved by a 160 hp (162 PS) motor. The total output power obtained reached 655 hp (664 PS). But the E-Ray Convertible could do something more than just help the car get a 2.5-second 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) sprint. It could also cruise in “Stealth Mode” via the electric motor only at speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph). Still, the battery pack was just 1.9 kWh.

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