C8 Corvette E-Ray Transmission Details Potentially Reveled via Patent

The hybrid C8 Corvette E-Ray could employ this trick transmission that has an integrated motor-generator.

We’ve known for some time now that a hybrid C8 Corvette E-Ray is in development, as it’s one of the worst kept secrets in the automotive world at the moment. Numerous spies have spotted E-Ray prototypes driving around, and a few precious details about the first-ever electrified Corvette have leaked out in recent months. Now, some new information regarding the Corvette E-Ray has emerged, and it’s hiding somewhat in plain sight – in the form of a patent from Tremec, the company that makes the regular C8’s dual-clutch transmission.

This patent – which was discovered by The Drive – was filed way back in 2019 but wasn’t published until January 13, 2022. It documents a design for an 8-speed DCT, like the Stingray, but this one has something special up its proverbial sleeve – an integrated motor-generator specifically designed for “high-performance sports cars,” which casts a fairly broad net. However, Tremec’s only DCT customer at the moment is Chevrolet, making it likely this unit is destined for a Corvette of some sort.

The patent itself is rather extensive and complicated in terms of the information it provides, but in essence, the motor-generator located within the DCT itself could be used to power the wheels directly and could potentially shift through the gears independently of the car’s gas engine. The patent suggests that such a setup could utilize lower gearing for more brisk acceleration and higher gearing for a better top speed, while the transmission could also flip hybrid power on and off as needed to aid performance and/or fuel economy, depending on the situation.

Additionally, the motor-generator could be used to start the gas engine, charge the hybrid batteries or the 12-volt battery, and enhance the feeling of shifts for a sportier experience when hybrid mode is engaged. It’s possible the electric motor could also provide an EV only driving mode as well, much like a plug-in hybrid. With the electric motor filling in the power gaps, performance promises to be, well, rather electrifying, if nothing else.

But that seems to be exactly what GM is targeting with the C8 Corvette E-Ray – a car that harnesses both gas and electric power to provide not only better fuel economy in some circumstances, but also superior performance when that is desired. And what better way to usher in the electric era than that?

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