Hybrid Hammer: The 488kW Corvette E-Ray

It is easy to like the Corvette E-Ray, the performance hybrid version of the Stingray Boasts 369kW and 637Nm from the mid-engined 6.2L LT2 V8 engine. But wait there’s more… 119kW and 169Nm from the front axle combine to provide a staggering 488kW and 806Nm.

Yes, this is the first four wheel drive Stingray, and it’s a cracker. Last year I described the C8 Corvette Stingray as an everyday practical supercar. E-Ray takes it to a whole new level. It has the same interior as the Stingray and it gets the wide body kit from the Z06 for even more standout ‘look at me’ racing looks set off by stunning polished rims. I’m a removable hard-top fan. Whip off the roof and pop it in the voluminous trunk for open top driving. The interior is one of the smartest and fighter-pilot-styled you’ll see. The racing seats are comfortable and attractive while they hold you in place. The flattened carbon steering wheel fits the whole interior vibe.

The E-Ray was impressive when I tested it at Melbourne’s storied Sandown track. Yet tracks are flattering while hiding the best aspects of some cars. Yet there’s nothing like driving a road setting to get the sense of capability; so this car’s happy on the track, yet it shines in the twisties.

Performance hybrids target excitement over efficiency – and yet the E-Ray manages well on that front if you are being sensible. On a 150 kilometre drive my quoted range was more on arrival than departure. I filled up just in case, and the range kept climbing – to 550 after 100 kilometers. While that’s impressive, that’s not where the magic of this car lies. It’s very hard to find anywhere you can unleash all the power, when you reach the windy roads, the impact is extreme. This may be the fastest of many fast cars I’ve driven. At the first attempt, it laid down 0 to 100 in 2.5 seconds in sport mode. Track mode is faster. And it stops. Some of the biggest carbon brakes you’ve ever seen are very compliant with normal driving and ‘rip-your-face-off’ extraordinary when needed.

The electric front axle smooths the driving experience in regular conditions, and adds gobs of torque on demand. Assistance is only noticeable when you plant the foot – then an ‘electric brute’ sound accompanies the force at the front end. Cue smiling with disbelief as you marvel at its capability. Steering is pin sharp, and there’s no essence of under or oversteer, however hard you push it. And it corners. The driving experience is superb. I can’t get enough.

This E-Ray outperforms its siblings due to the four wheel drive, and with rear bias, it feels great to drive. General Motors is proud of this car, and that’s appropriate. Its impressive acceleration, handling and stopping make it the ‘Swiss Army knife’; it can do just about anything, even play music. The Bose stereo is great, yet much of the time you’re listening to the V8 soundtrack howling behind you. I don’t want to give it back.