It is no secret that Chevrolet is working on a hybrid version of the current generation Corvette. The "E-Ray" name was trademarked back in 2015 and a first prototype of the Corvette E-Ray was caught testing in October 2021. Now the E-Ray is back on the streets and our spy photographers were able to spot it testing around the famous Nurburgring track. While details on this new model are limited, Chevrolet already confirmed that the new E-Ray version will replace the Corvette Grand Sport for the 2023 model year.

What will power the future Corvette E-Ray?

General Motors already announced that the future Corvette E-Ray will be powered by the same 6.2-liter V-8 engine as the regular C8 Corvette paired with a couple of electric motors mounted on the front axle. While the V-8 delivers a total of 495 horsepower, the electric motors will add another 115 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque. With as much as 600 horsepower under the hood, the E-Ray will sit in between the C8 Stingray - 495 horsepower - and the high performance Z06 at 670 horsepower. This setup will also make the C8 Corvette E-Ray the first Corvette in the name's history with an all-wheel drive system.

While the E-Ray will be focused on improving performance rather than on efficiency, some reports have even suggested that the car can go on an electric-only mode up to 35 mph and will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in the low 2-second range. If true, the E-Ray will be a lot faster than the Z06 that goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.

What will distinguish the Corvette E-Ray from the rest of the lineup?

Corvette has three different prototypes testing around Nürburgring this week, and the only sense that makes is that they are prototypes for the upcoming E-Ray hybrid. Of course, one could argue that they don't feature the yellow sticker we usually seen on the hybrid models, but they weren't displayed on other E-Ray prototypes spotted earlier. However, when compared to the Z06 version, the E-Ray features a different design for the air dam and runs on smaller brakes and standard Michelin tires.

We expect GM to reveal more details on the upcoming Corvette E-Ray as the debut date moves on further and the development continues. It is expected that the Corvette E-Ray will debut later in 2022 and will be put on sale for the 2023 model year. Rumors suggest it will be offered both as a two-door coupe (with a removable hard top panel) and a hard-top convertible.