Chevy's All-Wheel Drive Performance Corvettes Rely Entirely on the Hybrid E-Ray

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      This week, Chevy boosted its performance roster again with the introduction of the new Corvette Grand Sport X. This latest iteration of the Grand Sport is the first to integrate both electrification and all-wheel drive, and starting with the 2027 model year, it will be the sole way to own a hybrid Corvette with a pushrod V8. Concurrently, the existing Corvette hybrid, the E-Ray, is being phased out.

      The E-Ray was not universally welcomed, to say the least. Many track enthusiasts completely rejected it, while others viewed it as nothing more than a necessary concession to what they considered onerous emissions regulations. Those who actually encountered one tended to think it was quite good, but such opinions don’t seem to hold much weight these days.

      Whether the E-Ray's exit is premature or merely a notable rebranding is a matter of interpretation, but regardless, the E-Ray paved the way for the ZR1X and Grand Sport X to take off. This has been a consistent message from the Corvette engineering team since the hybrid was introduced alongside the Stingray in late 2023.

      The E-Ray was not intended mainly as a track vehicle; there are various other options (Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1, ZR1X) for that purpose. However, the insights gained from the E-Ray development were instrumental in transforming the ZR1 into the ZR1X—everything from battery and motor layout to new cooling solutions. The Grand Sport X now stands as a third evolution of this concept. While I hesitate to claim it’s the best executed since GM has not yet given media access to drive either Grand Sport model, it certainly appears to be an advancement over the E-Ray on paper.

      General Motors

      We have a more detailed look at the new Corvette Grand Sport X for your review, but here's the gist: The new hybrid model boasts 721 horsepower (up from the E-Ray’s 655) and can now be customized with a performance package and carbon ceramic brakes, while still retaining some of the E-Ray’s distinctive hybrid features, such as the EV-only “Stealth Mode” and the understated advantage of all-weather acceleration.

      To align with the Grand Sport’s enthusiast focus, Chevy’s engineers drew inspiration not from the E-Ray but from the ZR1X—not just for design cues but also for actual components. The reinforced front axle and motor come directly from the flagship model, as does the battery pack. The sole component not carried over was the ZR1X’s 5.5-liter turbocharged V8; however, since the Grand Sport X inherits the new 6.7-liter LS6 V8 from the 2027 Corvette Stingray, even the E-Ray’s internal combustion engine does not carry over. Thus, we have a third, completely distinct application of the hybrid Corvette powertrain structure.

      When considering that the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X occupies a middle point in the timeline, labeling this as a crawl (E-Ray)-walk (ZR1X)-run (Grand Sport X) sequence feels slightly off. The Grand Sport X will not compete with the ZR1X for peak performance, undermining the speed analogy. However, from a development perspective, that might very well be the case. If you’ve contemplated a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, you would likely appreciate the concept of a mid-tier performance model that also serves as a year-round daily driver. The Grand Sport X embodies this idea; it just so happens that GM’s version of a “mid-tier” performance model generates 721 horsepower. If that doesn’t make you smile, it should.

      Regardless of the analogy you prefer, the reality is that without the E-Ray, there would be no Grand Sport X or ZR1X, which makes it a crucial turning point for the Corvette program—one that should be remembered for what it was, not simply for what it wasn't.

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