Latest Corvette E-Ray Spy Videos Show Silent EV-Only Driving Mode

While the new Z06 was busy lapping the legendary track, a C8 Corvette E-Ray prototype was hanging out incognito.

We’ve known for some time now that the C8 Corvette E-Ray is in the works, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen or heard anything about the first-ever hybrid version of GM’s iconic sports car. Now, however, it’s been spotted driving around on the streets near the legendary Nürburgring in Germany, though it apparently hasn’t quite made it out to the track just yet.

The C8 Corvette E-Ray prototype was recently spied hanging out with the C8 Z06 prototypes previously seen lapping the legendary track, and stood out thanks to its corner-mounted exhaust and different wheels. At first glance, one might be hard-pressed to tell the difference between these two cars, as they’re both widebodies, but a closer inspection reveals a few minor variances.

Those include the E-Ray’s smaller brakes, less prominent front lip, and smaller rear spoiler. Prior prototypes have also been seen sporting a red component in the rear bumper, as well as a wire hanging out of the back of the car. In this video from Stefan Baldauf of Car Spy Media, we can also clearly hear the E-Ray prototype running silently before the engine starts up, which would seem to indicate the presence of electric motors.

That same phenomenon can be “heard” in this video from RevMatchTV, as it shows a Corvette prototype driving by making no engine noises whatsoever. This would certainly seem to indicate that the car is running on electric power alone, which many hybrids are capable of doing these days. What’s interesting about these other prototypes is that they’re all wearing wheel camouflage, which covers up the car’s unique wheel design, though the prototype spied in Germany is wearing pretty normal wheels.

The front fascia of the E-Ray prototype is most certainly different from the current Stingray as well, with air vents that are uniquely shaped, as well as a black plastic trim piece that spans the entire width of the front end. And if there’s any doubt we’re looking at a hybrid Corvette, the interior also contains a button that’s found in the Chevrolet Bolt EV which appears to adjust regenerative braking.

One thing’s for sure – the more we learn about the C8 Corvette E-Ray, the more intrigued we become. It will certainly be interesting to see how this electrified model stacks up, performance-wise, to the new Z06, as well as how receptive traditional Corvette fans will be to the forthcoming hybrid.

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