Jay Leno Checks Out 2024 E-Ray

Use the link at the bottom of this story to see the "Jay Leno's Garage" show featuring the 2024 Corvette E-Ray - inside and out.

The Chevy Corvette E-Ray is a new introduction to the popular Bow Tie sports car lineup, showcasing the nameplate's versatility by ushering in the very first Vette hybrid, complete with an electric motor on the front axle, giving it an all-wheel drivetrain.

Now, car enthusiast Jay Leno has put the Corvette E-Ray through its paces, sharing his thoughts and impressions on a recent episode of Jay Leno's Garage.

During the lengthy video, which has a runtime of more than 47 minutes, Leno discusses the E-Ray with Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. The pair start out discussing the E-Ray's engineering and features with the aid of a Corvette cutaway.

Juechter points out that with the hybrid setup, those drivers who are nervous about the electrification of sports cars will find nothing but positives in the E-Ray's setup. He observes that they "still have the beautiful sound of the V8" and a front trunk, while gaining the advantages of all-wheel drive, even better handling, more power, and improved fuel economy without needing to give anything up in exchange.

Leno then takes the Corvette E-Ray for a drive along the road, while Juechter discusses both the performance characteristics of the new hybrid Vette and its positioning in the lineup.

As for product positioning, Juechter notes the E-Ray is toward the upper end of the Corvette lineup, but has significantly different use and performance than the range-topping Z06.

The Corvette Z06, he says, is pure performance, while for the E-Ray, "we're going to keep this car the great all-round car, and let the Z06 be that track scalpel purpose-built for the person who is really going to drive it on the track." The E-Ray's standard all-season tires spotlight its different purpose from "track monster" variants of the Corvette, marking it as the "Swiss army knife" Corvette for all situations.

As the pair roar along the road, Juechter reveals that the Corvette E-Ray has nothing to do with GM's electrification push and "pre-dates GM's Ultium system." The use of an electric motor was simply a way to gain additional power and create an efficient, powerful all-wheel-drive configuration in a mid-engine sports car.

Watch the video

Source: Rhian Hunt - GM Authority

Posted 11/3/23