The arrival of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is an interesting one. Firstly, it is the first proper hybrid American muscle car in Australia. And the first with all-wheel drive. But can a true muscle car feature hybrid power?
Well, the hybrid tech on this occasion helps to provide neck-snapping acceleration, partly thanks to AWD, and an extra layer of high-tech gadgets and driving functions. Yet, it still sounds like a muscle car. We better take a closer look.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Specifications
Engine: 6.2-litre V8 hybrid
Output: 488kW / 806Nm
Gearbox: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 20×10, 275/30 R: 21×13, 345/25
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1781kg
Power-to-weight: 3.64:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 11.5L/100km
Our consumption: 12.0L/100km
Battery/E-range: 1.9kWh/6km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 70L/95 RONPower efficiency: 42.43kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 1.85 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.23 seconds*
0-200km/h: 10.76 seconds*
60-110km/h: 1.86 seconds*
1/4 mile: 11.18 seconds at 202.9km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.218g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.01m in 3.03s*
Max deceleration: -1.331g*
Decibel at idle: 55*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 89*
Starting price: $275,000*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: How much does it cost?
You could describe this as a supercar as it is mid-engined. But it’s not a traditional supercar as it’s not Italian, and it perhaps isn’t as exotic. Pricing isn’t in supercar territory either, kicking off from $275,000 (excluding on-roads).
Although quite expensive, an equivalent McLaren, Ferrari or Lamborghini that offers similar performance is going to cost at least $150,000 more. This is a comparative bargain.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Interior & packaging
Step inside the E-Ray and you’re met with a driver-centric cockpit that blends Corvette’s familiar fighter-jet-inspired layout with premium flourishes unique to the flagship. A carbon fibre and leather-wrapped almost square steering wheel, eight-way power adjustable and ventilated seats, and a suede-microfibre upper trim provide a mix of sport and luxury.
This test car showcases a dazzling blue colour theme on the inside. Although not my cup of tea, it does seem to go well with the dramatic, low-slung exterior and go-fast capability. Imagine if it had a boring mono-tone black interior. That would be weird.
For the driver there’s a 12-inch digital cluster with sharp and reconfigurable displays, working in tandem with a Performance App in the main screen to show real-time telemetry and electric system data. The smallish 8.0-inch touch-screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a front and rear camera system.
Some of this tech is a bit complex, and at times it seems like you’re trying to find a menu that doesn’t exist. But the graphics and presentation are excellent. It’s great to have plenty of physical buttons around the place as well but some of these are scattered about in unusual places; the lane-keep assist button is on the overhead panel, for example.
Cascading down the dash fascia and into the console is a long, plunging ridge that contains climate controls. Playing with these settings from the driver’s seat makes it feel like you’re preparing for takeoff. The design definitely suits the nature of this car, even if it’s not completely practical.
Storage is respectable for a mid-engine ‘supercar’ thanks to a front boot (froot?) and a rear cargo tub, aided by a standard soft-close hatch cover. Combined, you’ve got 357L. The rear section goes down quite deep and it is wide, so it can support a weekend away.
Exclusive features like the E-Ray-specific exterior design cues, spoiler enhancements, and subtle badging help distinguish it from lesser variants on the outside, without compromising that unmistakable Corvette silhouette. And for those keen on visual customisation, a palette of 14 paint colours and seven interior schemes should ensure no two need look alike.
The front lift system with memory – a must-have in Australia’s rugged city streets – provides peace of mind when driving up steep driveways or over speed bumps, or simply on poorly-surfaced country side roads. A digital rear-view mirror and the external cameras, with plenty of driver-assist safety tech, make the E-Ray surprisingly easy to live with day-to-day. Getting in and out is probably the main fuss, as it is very low.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Powertrain & handling
This is where the E-Ray really flexes its muscles. The combination of a naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre LT2 V8 powering the rear axle and a 119kW electric motor up front results in a total system output of 488kW and a monstrous 806Nm. That’s enough for a claimed 0-60mph (0–97km/h) sprint in just 2.5 seconds – it is the quickest production Corvette in history.
On a private road with a Vbox, we clocked 0-100km/h in 3.23 seconds, 0-200km/h in just 10.76 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 11.18 seconds at 202.9km/h. It is ridiculously quick. Full-throttle kick-down results in a sudden head-smack into the headrest, no matter how strong you think your neck is.
But it’s not just about brute force. The eAWD system provides laser-precise torque distribution, especially when accelerating out of low-speed and/or low-grip situations. You can feel the added front-end grip immediately, especially compared with the rear-drive Stingray.
Escaping from lower-speed corners and hairpins, you can pretty much nail the throttle and it will rip you around. There is some torque-steer – or what feels like torque-steer – as the e-motor serves up instant power and torque, playfully pulling and tugging the steering. And then through higher-speed sweepers, this thing is phenomenal. There is no body roll so it just rails around with huge g-force.
Magnetic Ride Control suspension is standard as is the ZER Performance Package (in Australia), tuning the suspension to react instantly to changing road conditions. Despite its go-fast looks, ride comfort is actually pretty decent. Obviously, it’s not a luxury sedan, but it can withstand Aussie country roads with good compliance and composure.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (275s on the front and massive 345s at the back) help to deliver that enormous lateral and longitudinal grip, while carbon ceramic Brembo brakes offer fade-resistant stopping power, every time.
Interestingly, there’s a Stealth Mode. This is a near-silent electric-only setting usable at low speeds for up to 6km. It’s ideal for early-morning departures or creeping through quiet suburbs, and adds a futuristic layer to an otherwise traditional fast-car package.
The electric motor also helps trim fuel consumption, with an official rating of 11.5L/100km easily bettering the regular Corvette Stingray’s 13.5L/100km official average. We averaged as low as 10.1L/100km during a portion of our test. Although, it can gulp fuel if you’re keenly hunting for that trademark small block Chev V8 growl.
Finally, at 1825kg kerb weight, it is heavier than a standard Stingray. Thankfully, the chassis tuning and instant torque of the front axle make that extra weight largely disappear on the move. It doesn’t feel heavy at all. Planted and confident, yes. But not heavy. It is a lovely driver’s machine.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Retains muscle car character: Despite featuring a hybrid powertrain, this is still very much an American muscle car with all the V8 noise and charm we all love.
- Respectable fuel economy: Obviously this is going to depend on how you drive it, but the official rating of 11.5L/100km is achievable. Not bad for a 488kW vehicle with a V8.
- Intense lateral grip: Massive tyres and a very low centre of gravity results in huge g-force around corners. And the front e-motor helps tuck in the front end.
- Price: For a mid-engined supercar. If you classify this as a supercar. Equivalent European vehicles are at least $100k more than this.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Key considerations before you buy
- Interior fixtures: It has a carbon fibre steering wheel and blue leather everywhere, but compared with other supercars, some of the buttons and switchgear might seem a bit basic.
- Heaviest Corvette ever: It does weigh 1800kg, which is very un-Corvette. But, fortunately, it feels light and nimble on the move, and more planted than traditional Corvettes.
2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: Videos
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is a game-changer, not just for Corvette, but for hybrid performance cars more broadly. It proves you can blend the brute noise and character of a V8 with the precision and response of electric power. Electrification and emotion can, in fact, coexist.
