Will the C8 E-Ray Hybrid Corvette Make More or Less Power Than the Z06?

Most believe the C8 E-Ray will slot beneath the Z06 in the Corvette lineup, but will it actually make more power?

At this point, not much is known about the first-ever hybrid Corvette, otherwise known as the C8 E-Ray. However, a lot of rumors have flown around over the last couple of years, along with a tremendous amount of speculation regarding what sort of power the C8 E-Ray will produce. The biggest question is, will GM give the E-Ray more power than the recently-revealed Z06, or will it slot beneath that track-oriented model in the C8 lineup? And that’s the hot topic that has generated a ton of discussion in this CorvetteForum thread.

“They made a splash with the LT6 with the most horsepower FPC,” said CorvetteForum member CDNZR. “Some had suggested that they would do the same with their first-ever hybrid. A showcase of their EV battery tech. If they are using the NSX as their baseline, why not exceed it by a large margin with a 650-670 horsepower E-Ray? They can use it as their testbed for the ZR1/Zora variant that would use the same electric motor setup, say 180 horsepower? A 670 horsepower E-Ray with a similar MSRP as the Z06. The quickest 0-60 as bragging rights for a mass-production car?”

It’s an interesting theory, but not one shared by all. “I really think it will have horsepower closer to the Z06,” said Caymanspyder. “Not quite as high but 600 horsepower is my prediction. We need to look at the facts. Some of the most advanced supercars are now hybrids, putting out crazy numbers. I assume this will have the LT2 V8, but keep in mind the E-Ray is running the Z06 body/suspension, etc. I really don’t think GM will add an 80 hp electric motor and call it good. Obviously, it will be much heavier than the Z06. I think everyone will be very surprised. With absolutely no hints or leaks on power, they probably won’t announce it until the Z06 production is well on the way.”

Currently, most expect the E-Ray to replace the Grand Sport in the Corvette lineup, which means that it would represent a bridge between the base Stingray and hotter Z06. It’s rumored to feature a pair of electric motors on the front axle, which will supplement the Stingray’s 6.2-liter LT2 V8 and make it an all-wheel-drive vehicle, kicking in when needed to aid both fuel economy and performance.

This would seemingly mean that GM plans to give it less horsepower than the Z06, but then again, the automaker is making a huge push toward an all-electric future. Thus, it would also make sense if the automaker blessed the E-Ray with Z06-matching numbers, at the very least, in an effort to convince ICE fans that electric power is indeed the future. Regardless, we’re curious to hear what you think, so head over here and chime in with your thoughts on this fascinating topic!

Photos: Chevrolet

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