Chevy's AWD Performance Corvettes are entirely indebted to the hybrid E-Ray.

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      This week, Chevrolet has once again raised its performance standards with the launch of the new Corvette Grand Sport X. This latest Grand Sport generation is the first to feature both electrification and all-wheel drive, and starting with the 2027 model year, it will be the sole option for a hybrid Corvette with a pushrod V8. Meanwhile, the current Corvette hybrid, the E-Ray, is being phased out.

      To say the E-Ray was widely accepted would be an overstatement. Many track enthusiasts dismissed it entirely, while others viewed it as a reluctant compromise with what they saw as stringent emissions regulations. However, those who actually drove the E-Ray generally found it to be quite good, although such sentiments hold less influence nowadays.

      Whether the discontinuation of the E-Ray is a hasty decision or mainly a substantial rebranding is more about perspective, but in any case, the E-Ray laid the groundwork for the ZR1X and Grand Sport X. The Corvette engineering team has consistently stated this since the hybrid was introduced alongside the Stingray in late 2023.

      The E-Ray wasn't primarily designed as a track-focused vehicle; there are plenty of alternatives (such as the Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1, ZR1X) for that purpose. Nevertheless, the insights gained from developing the E-Ray informed the process of evolving the ZR1 into the ZR1X, from battery and motor placement to new cooling methods. The Grand Sport X is now the third iteration of this approach. While I won't claim it's the best executed—GM has yet to allow media drives of either Grand Sport model—it certainly appears to be a marked improvement over the E-Ray on paper.

      General Motors

      We have a more detailed overview of the new Corvette Grand Sport X for you to review, but the key points are as follows: This new hybrid model boasts 721 horsepower (an increase from the E-Ray’s 655) and can be equipped with a performance package and carbon ceramic brakes, while still keeping some unique hybrid features of the E-Ray, like its EV-only “Stealth Mode” and the advantage of all-weather acceleration.

      To align with the Grand Sport’s enthusiast-focused mission, Chevy’s engineers didn’t look to the E-Ray but rather to the ZR1X—not only for inspiration but also for actual components. The reinforced front axle and motor come straight from the ZR1X, as does the battery pack. The only element not carried over is the ZR1X's 5.5-liter turbocharged V8; however, since the Grand Sport X adopts the new 6.7-liter LS6 V8 from the 2027 Corvette Stingray, even the E-Ray’s internal combustion engine has been replaced. Therefore, we now have a third, completely distinct version of the hybrid Corvette powertrain architecture.

      Considering that the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X exists between the two, it might seem awkward to categorize this as a crawl (E-Ray)-walk (ZR1X)-run (Grand Sport X) scenario. The Grand Sport X definitely won’t challenge the ZR1X for top performance, which muddles the analogy. However, from a development perspective, this classification may hold true. If you’ve ever considered a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, you likely understand the concept of a mid-tier performance model that can also serve as an everyday vehicle. The Grand Sport X is no different; the only twist is that GM’s definition of a “mid-tier” performance model features 721 horsepower. If that doesn’t make you smile, it should.

      Regardless of your preferred analogy, the reality is that we wouldn’t have the Grand Sport X or the ZR1X without the E-Ray, which makes it a noteworthy turning point for the Corvette program—and one that deserves recognition for its contributions, not merely for what it lacked.

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