Corvette E-Ray joins expanded range in Australia and New Zealand

The Chevrolet Corvette model range has expanded for Australia and New Zealand to include the Corvette E-Ray, the first-ever all-wheel-drive Corvette with a 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds

The E-Ray’s arrival heralds a new era for Corvette, one that leverages an advanced powertrain to deliver blistering acceleration and an electrified all-wheel-drive system that works in tandem with a LT2 6.2L V8 engine to produce a scintillating 488kW/806Nm.

Offered exclusively in the 3LZ Coupe configuration, the E-Ray retains the same powerful LT2 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Stingray but adds an electric drive unit on its front axle, delivering more power, more torque, and faster acceleration.

E-Ray is not a traditional hybrid, but rather a fuel-efficient performance vehicle with electrified propulsion that does not need charging. Fed by a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack located between the seats, the electronic drive unit powers the front wheels, offering instant response and control. Broadening E-Ray’s appeal further, Stealth Mode allows the car to run in total silence on electric power alone for between four to six kilometres – or up to 72km/h speed, when Stealth Mode is selected at start-up.

Further elevating E-Ray’s unrivalled performance is the ZER Performance package and carbon ceramic brakes that come standard in Australia and New Zealand. The ZER Performance pack dials up E-Ray’s track readiness with the inclusion of high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, ZER Performance Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and a taller spoiler wickerbill available for track use.

“The Corvette is a true icon of the performance car world and now that story is entering a new era with the arrival of our first ever electrified supercar, the Corvette E-Ray,” said Managing Director General Motors Australia and New Zealand, Jess Bala.

“With the surety of all-wheel drive, E-Ray isn’t only the quickest Corvette yet, but it’s the ultimate all-weather, all-condition supercar.

“The E-Ray’s arrival means we now have a Corvette to suit every driver. From the ultimate everyday performance car in the Corvette Stingray, to the focused, track-honed Z06, and now the best of both worlds in the all-weather, precision Corvette E-Ray, the new Corvette model range offers levels of performance, versatility, and value that are truly unmatched.”

E-Ray’s groundbreaking powertrain combines the evocative soundtrack and pure performance of a naturally aspirated V8 engine with the instant response and efficiency of an electric drive unit.

Based around the C8 Corvette’s mid-engine layout for optimal weight distribution, the E-Ray’s LT2 6.2L V8 sends a potent 369kW and 637Nm to the rear axle and works in tandem with an electronic drive unit which powers the front wheels.

With a rated power output of 119kW/169Nm, the electrified motor powering the front axle draws current from a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery mounted between the seats. The battery is self-charging, picking up energy as the vehicle drives and brakes. It is rapidly replenished via regenerative energy from coasting and braking, as well as during normal driving.

Helping harness those outputs is Chevrolet’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with automatic or driver-focused manual mode, while the electrified AWD system delivers grip, balance, and precision on the road and track.

The eAWD’s ability to constantly learn the road surface and intuitively apply additional power to the front wheels during spirited driving or in low-grip environments, further underscores E-Ray’s ability to deliver driver-focused thrills no matter the conditions.

Staggered 20- and 21-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres further enhance E-Ray’s grip and composure, while standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 offers drivers three distinct suspension settings for an ideal balance between comfort and handling. Standard carbon ceramic brakes provide optimal braking performance to further boost driver confidence and involvement.

Six driver-selectable drive modes are available (Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, Z-Mode), with the addition of Stealth Mode underscoring the E-Ray’s duality. Designed so you can quietly exit your neighbourhood, Stealth Mode powers the E-Ray using the electric motor for up to four to six kilometres at speeds up to 72km/h.

Corvette E-Ray builds on the refined athletic styling and performance-driven design of the Corvette family, sharing its wider exterior proportions with the Z06 and delivering a low, wide stance that demands attention.

Design features unique to E-Ray include exclusive badging and alloys, while matching body-colour accents, ground effects and available black exhaust tips complete a look that’s polished and potent.

E-Ray also offers buyers multiple options when it comes to personalising their car thanks to 10 exterior colours – including Black, Red Mist, Sea Wolf Grey, Rapid Blue, Riptide Blue Metallic, Torch Red, Arctic White and three new colours for MY25, Competition Yellow Tintcoat, Hysteria Purple Metallic and Sebring Orange Tintcoat — and seven interior colour schemes as well as six wheel options. Two seating options are also offered, with the GT2 seat fitted as standard while Competition seats are available as an option.

Like the rest of the Corvette range, E-Ray offers a richly trimmed and well-equipped interior that delivers comfort and technology. Eight-way powered driver and passenger seats are standard, with both seats offering heating and cooling functions. Sumptuous leather or available suede is found on the heated steering wheel and around the instrument panel, while carbon fibre and suede microfibre underscore E-Ray’s rich mix of high-quality interior materials.

An enhanced roster of driver assistance technologies (shared with all Corvette models from MY24), includes forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning, auto high beam assist, and low-speed autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

E-Ray’s focus on cutting-edge technology is further highlighted by a full colour head-up display, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system and a large 8.0-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Also exclusive to E-Ray is the in-car Performance App, which delivers key driving data and telematics to the driver, including insights into how the propulsion system is operating.

C8 STINGRAY

Available as either a removable roof coupe or hard-top convertible, the Stingray offers two trim levels and can be purchased as either the value-packed 2LT or more richly equipped 3LT. Both versions are powered by Chevrolet’s proven 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing a potent 369kW and 637Nm. Power is sent to the rear axle through a fast-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which offers the smoothness of an automatic with the control of a manual.

Fresh inclusions for Stingray models in 2024 include an improved safety offering that adds forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning, auto high beam assist, and low-speed autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

A soft-close bonnet is another addition, while three new exterior colours, a revised rear spoiler design, and two fresh wheel options complete a host of visual enhancements.

Z06

Designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track, Z06 is set apart by its engine – an all-new 5.5L LT6 V8, the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 to hit the market in any production car.

Featuring a flat-plane crank and lofty 8600rpm rev limit, Z06 is enriched by its unique V8 soundtrack. With 475kW/595Nm on tap, Z06 can complete the zero-to-100km/h sprint in just 3.0 seconds.

A bespoke track-focused suspension tune and larger brakes compared to the Stingray bolster Z06’s track credentials while its bodywork has been heavily revised to increase downforce and powertrain cooling efficiency.

Replaceable spoiler wickerbills, rear brake cooling ducts, removable front fascia panel and front underwing stall Gurneys increase downforce, keeping Z06 poised and planted on the track.

The Z07 performance package is also available in Australia and New Zealand, bringing a larger carbon fibre rear wing and ground effects, specific chassis tuning, specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and unique Michelin Cup 2 R ZP tyres, along with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

The aerodynamic improvements with the Z07 package lift downforce levels to a staggering 333kg at 300km/h, more than any other Corvette.

Optional five-spoke, single-piece carbon fibre wheels, which resulted from a five-year collaboration between Carbon Revolution and General Motors design and engineering teams, save 18.6kgs of unsprung, rotational mass. Produced by Carbon Revolution in Waurn Ponds, Victoria since mid-2022, the carbon-fibre wheels are available as an option on Corvette Z06 and E-Ray models.

PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

  • Stingray 2LT Coupe: $182,000 AU | $192,000 NZ
  • 2LT Convertible: $199,500 AU | $209,500 NZ
  • Stingray 3LT Coupe: $197,000 AU | $207,000 NZ
  • Stingray 3LT Convertible: $214,500 AU | $224,500 NZ
  • E-Ray: $275,000 AU | $285,000 NZ
  • Z06 Coupe: $336,000 AU | $346,000 NZ

2025 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY 2LT COUPE AND CONVERTIBLE

POWERTRAIN

  • 6.2L LT2 V8, 369kW, 637Nm, 8sp dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters

FEATURES

  • Dual-zone climate
  • Cruise control
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Bose 14-speaker Performance Series audio
  • 8.0-inch diagonal colour touch screen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto1
  • Performance data recorder
  • Full colour head-up display
  • 12-inch configurable colour cluster
  • Front curb camera view

Z51 PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S performance tyres 245/35ZR19 front & 305/30ZR20 rear
  • Z51 performance suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control and performance traction management
  • Z51 performance Brembo brakes
  • Z51 front splitter and rear spoiler
  • Performance exhaust
  • Manually adjustable rear suspension
  • Enhanced engine cooling
  • Electronic limited slip differential
  • 19- inch front, 20-inch rear alloys

SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE

  • Rear camera mirror
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • HD front and rear vision camera
  • Rear park assist
  • Side blind zone alert
  • Central locking interior storage – glove box and console
  • Forward collision alert with low-speed AEB
  • Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
  • Front distance indicator
  • Front pedestrian braking
  • Intelligent auto high beam assist

INTERIOR TRIM

  • Eight-way powered driver and passenger seats
  • Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
  • Heated and ventilated seats
  • GT1 seat design (GT2 optional)
  • Leather door panels
  • Luggage nets (front & rear)
  • Performance exhaust
  • Front Lift Suspension System with memory
  • Rear spoiler
  • Heated, body-coloured mirrors
  • Keyless access with push-button start
  • Soft close engine hatch cover and boot

CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY 3LT COUPE & CONVERTIBLE (ADDS)

  • GT2 seat design (Competition seat optional)
  • Leather wrapped instrument panel
  • Suede microfibre wrapped upper interior trim

2025 CHEVROLET CORVETTE E-RAY

POWERTRAIN

  • 6.2L LT2 V8 and front-axle electric drive unit, 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery, eAWD, 488kW, 806Nm, 8sp dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters

ZER PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

  • ZER Performance Suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP Performance tyres – 275/30ZR20 front and 345/25ZR21 rear
  • Spoiler wicker

DISTINGUISHED DESIGN AND FEATURES

  • Wider body proportions (+9.4cm) than Stingray
  • Standard ground effects
  • Standard carbon ceramic brakes
  • Standard body-colour accents
  • Staggered 20” and 21” unique E-Ray wheels
  • Specific suspension tuning including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0
  • Unique rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbills
  • In-vehicle performance app
  • Stealth Mode

INTERIOR TRIM

  • Eight-way powered driver and passenger seats
  • Carbon fibre and leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
  • GT2 seat design (Competition seat optional)

CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 COUPE

POWERTRAIN

  • 5.5L LT6 DOHC V8, 475kW/595Nm, 8 speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters

DISTINGUISHED DESIGN AND FEATURES

  • Wider body proportions (+9.4cm) than Stingray
  • Staggered 20” and 21” unique Z06 wheels
  • Unique rear spoiler with adjustable wickerbills
  • Specific suspension tuning, including Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and larger brakes (six-piston front) than the Stingray
  • Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission

AVAILABLE PACKAGES

  • Z07 Performance Package (optional)
  • Z07 Performance Suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control
  • Brembo performance carbon ceramic brakes: 5.7-inch front rotors, 15.4-inch rear rotors
  • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R 275/30ZR20 front & 345/25ZR21 rear ultra-performance tyres
  • Visible carbon fibre aero package
  • Carbon fibre ground effects, underbody strakes, high-wing spoiler and dive planes
  • Visible carbon fibre wheels 20-inch front, 21-inch rear (optional)
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Darren House

Darren House has been involved with motoring and motorsport media for more than four decades, working as a photographer, journalist, editor, public relations manager and marketing manager. He has produced material for numerous publications, including Auto Action, Chequered Flag, Motorsport News, Performance Street Car, Super Ford, Street Machine, Fast Fours & Rotaries, Hot Fours & Rotaries, Motorsport Legends and Truth Sport.

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