Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
The most aggressive of all time
The hybrid E-Ray is also available as a convertible in the home country, but only the coupe will be available in Japan.
The eighth-generation Corvette has completely overturned its history, starting with the rear midship layout, and its challenge continues unabated.
Following the Z06, a road-going racer that arrived in Japan last year, the ZR1 has recently been released, featuring a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter flat-plane V8. This purely internal combustion engine achieves an output of 1079 PS/1123 Nm. This spec, which is difficult to achieve even in tuned cars, is being released in a production model, and it really brings home to us that the Corvette is no longer just competing on the track, but is now competing on the world stage as a representative of American automotive technology.
On the other hand, the electrification of the powertrain will also be a completely new challenge. The “E-Ray,” named after the Stingray, which cannot be used in Japan due to trademark restrictions, can be considered a hybrid vehicle that is somewhere between mild and strong, as it can also run on the motor alone.
The E-Ray’s drive system is easy to understand if you think of it as a basic Corvette with the addition of a front motor, battery, and power control unit. Of course, it’s not something that can be just installed and works, and there are a ton of software calibration items, such as drive coordination according to driving conditions and charge/discharge management, but the system components themselves are quite simple.
Energy management can be monitored at any time. The battery is actively charged while driving, but it can also be forced into charging mode with a switch on the side of the center console.
The battery is a 1.9kWh lithium-ion type, cleverly housed in the center tunnel, allowing for HEV conversion without sacrificing space utility. The battery capacity is larger than standard Japanese HEV models like the Prius, but is only about a quarter of that of PHVs like the Artura and 296GTB. Perhaps as a result, there is no external charging port, and the battery is automatically charged when the engine is running at speeds above 26km/h or when decelerating. It is also possible to use a charge mode that allocates more propulsion power to the charging side.
There are two types of EV modes
There are eight driving modes: “Tour,” “Weather,” “Sport,” “Race Track,” “My Mode,” “Z Mode,” “Stealth,” and “Shuttle.” Of these, EV driving is possible in “Stealth” and “Shuttle.”
To enable the E-Ray to run on electric power alone, it has two dedicated drive modes: Stealth and Shuttle. Shuttle mode is a very slow mode designed for moving around garages and showrooms (and is therefore not recommended for use on public roads), while Stealth mode allows for front-wheel drive BEV driving at up to 72km/h for a maximum distance of 6.4km.
Another area where the true value of the front motor, with its 162 PS/165 Nm output, is demonstrated is in the drive assistance during launch and mid-range driving. This is clearly demonstrated in the 0-60 mph acceleration, which is the fastest in Corvette history at 2.5 seconds. Of course, depending on the drive mode, the assist is appropriately distributed to cornering force, actively contributing to improved driving performance. Incidentally, the package’s electrical add-ons, such as the E-Ray motor and battery, have had almost no negative impact. While the front trunk capacity has been reduced by about 2.0 liters, it’s hardly noticeable unless you’re told. However, the weight distribution on the vehicle inspection certificate is 42:58, which is a significantly higher front axle load ratio than the base model.
It’s equipped with the same LT2 6.2-liter V8 OHV engine as the standard Corvette, with the same specs of 502 PS/65.0 kgm. This is combined with a 162 PS/165 Nm motor, producing a total output of 664 PS.
To support its 664 PS total output, the E-Ray features a wide body with the same dimensions as the Z06. Its overall width exceeds the 2025mm mark. It also comes equipped with the ZER performance package (not the Z07), which combines electronically controlled variable dampers and tires, which are optional in the US. Standard features include specially designed forged aluminum wheels with lightweight exteriors and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. Being the top-of-the-line 3LZ trim line, you won’t be disappointed with the interior design or equipment.
Based on the Z06 wide body, the E-Ray features body-colored front intakes, side intake trims, and rear bumper trim.
BEV drive modes such as Stealth and Shuttle are set at start-up, but it’s important to note that the air conditioning is based on the base model, meaning the compressor won’t start unless the engine is started. In summer and winter, when you want to get the inside of your car in order as quickly as possible, you might only use it to pull it out of the garage and into the house.
[1]
[2]
[1] The Japanese-spec E-Ray is the top-of-the-line 3LZ model. As such, the interior is covered in leather and suede-like synthetic leather, giving it a luxurious feel. Driving modes are adjusted using a dial on the center console. [2] The seats are GT2 bucket seats, which offer excellent comfort and support. The upholstery is perforated nappa leather. The seat belts are blue (red if the body color is red), perhaps to emphasize the car’s eco-friendly image.
From stealth mode, the engine kicks in depending on the remaining battery level and the load during acceleration, and the shock at startup is negligible. Then, in tour mode, which is likely to be used daily, the motor’s presence is felt as a sense of security when tracing a line, whether going straight or turning. When accelerating by stepping hard on the accelerator, the front wheels respond instantaneously to stabilize the vehicle, but soon the propulsion force shifts to the engine, and the motor assist fades into obscurity. Conversely, when driving, the motor switches to charging whenever possible, so even when driving without paying attention, the battery capacity is always kept at more than half. If anything, the complexity of the E-Ray’s energy management is most clearly felt in tour mode.
Use the motor like a supplement
The rear spoiler is the same shape as the Z06. The five-spoke forged aluminum wheels are a design exclusive to the E-Ray. To match the most powerful specs in Corvette history, the brakes are Brembo carbon ceramic.
In Sport or Track mode, the motor assist is more restrained when cornering, but on the other hand, it responds more aggressively when exiting the apex. The aim seems to be to actively use the rear wheels to improve turning ability, while still fully utilizing the motor for acceleration out of the corner. In that range, the motor’s powerful push can sometimes cause a slight understeer, but the wide front wheels firmly grip the road. This shows that the dimensions inherited from the Z06 are not just for show.
The E-Ray uses a motor like a supplement, and simply meets the expectations surrounding the electrification of sports cars, such as issues like vehicle stability and noise control, as well as increased product value represented by powerful instantaneous power. In the Corvette lineup, which is becoming larger than ever before, this is an unorthodox yet most futuristic grade.
REPORT / Toshifumi WATANABE
PHOTO / Wataru TAMURA
MAGAZINE / GENROQ November 2024 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Coupe 3LZ
Body size: Length 4685, Width 2025, Height 1225mm
Wheelbase: 2725mm
Vehicle weight: 1810kg
Engine: V8 OHV
Total displacement: 6156cc
Maximum output: 369kW (502PS) / 6450rpm
Maximum torque: 637Nm (65.0kgm) / 5150rpm
Motor maximum output: 119kW (162PS) / 9000rpm
Motor maximum torque: 165Nm (16.8kgm) / 0-4000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed DCT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front and rear double wishbone
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front 275/30ZR20, rear 345/25ZR21
0→60mph acceleration: 2.5 seconds
Vehicle price: 23.5 million yen
[Inquiries]
GM Japan Customer Center
TEL 0120-711-276
https://www.gmjapan.co.jp/
