We know that many of our readers have anxiously been awaiting the arrival of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. We are happy to report that production of the latest mid-engine Corvette began on Monday night at the GM Corvette Manufacturing Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The start of the manufacturing event, which has been called “a historic moment in Corvette history” by one of GM’s employees, was filmed by the automotive manufacturer. Although the video has yet to be released to the public, it is our hope that the footage will make an appearance soon.
While feelings were initially mixed amongst Corvette enthusiasts about the E-Ray’s hybrid platform, the seemingly near-universal excitement around the latest Corvette has made it one of the most desired/sought after of all the eighth-generation models. Many reports indicate that current C8 owners are looking forward to trading their conventional mid-engine Stingrays in on the new E-Ray.
It is important to note that GM did NOT introduce the E-Ray in response to any environmental concerns or improved emission standards. Instead, the car was developed to enhance the performance and drivability of the mid-engine Corvette Stingray platform. The car offers blistering acceleration and near unparalleled power, rivaling the eighth-generation Z06 for both 0-60 and quarter-mile times. While the Z06 may still have a slight advantage over the E-Ray, the delta between the two cars are negligible. What’s more, the E-Ray offers consumers a variety of other features, including an all new stealth mode, which allows consumers to drive away silently when departing from home. For those consumers who leave early for Saturday morning show and shine events, this added feature will be a favorite amongst those family members who are still home and in bed.
For those not already in the know, the 2024 Corvette E-Ray is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, located behind the cockpit. It is the same powerplant found in teh base model C8 Stingrays. The differentiator on the E-Ray is the car’s single, front-mounted electric motor and 1.9kWh battery back. Combined with the LT2 engine, the car produces a massive 655 peak horsepower and delivers a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. Yes, its FAST. Thanks to the electric drive motors, it’s also all-wheel drive (AWD.)
For those that have been clamoring to get their hands on the new E-Ray, the long wait for the start of production is finally over. Many enthusiasts will recall that production was originally expected to begin on Monday, October 23rd, and was then pushed back to Monday, November 27th. While the reasons behind these delays has not been communicated, there’s been some speculation around material availability along with plant readiness. Even though production has begun, demand for the new E-Ray is expected to be incredibly high, so don’t anticipate getting yours soon if you haven’t already had an allocation on the books….and for those that have, we’d love to hear from you to get some idea how long its taking from the time you order you E-Ray to the time you pick it up.
Please continue to check-in with Corvsport.com for all the latest news on the new 2024 Corvette E-Ray. Also, we are scheduled to test drive one at the NCM Motorsports Park once their track cars become available. We look forward to sharing our experience with the new E-Ray once that happens. Until then, we’ll be waiting anxiously to spot our first E-Ray out in the wild.
