Love or loathe the mid-engine Corvette format, you cannot deny the C8 generation is on a bit of a roll. Not only has the ZR1 productionised Veyron power, the even more powerful ZR1X hybrid has just been announced, packing Ferrari F80 baiting performance for a fraction of the price. 

Across North America lap records are being executed like burnouts, with a recent cryptic Instagram post by GM suggesting even the Nurburgring has fallen victim to a 6:28 run.

It's little wonder the marque is now looking to capitalise on this success in the UK by announcing the sale of perhaps the most controversial ‘Vette of all - the E-Ray. As we first reported earlier this year, the E-Ray is the sensible Corvette, coupling the 482bhp ‘Small Block’ 6.2-litre LT2 V8 driving the rear wheels, with a 161bhp electric motor on the front axle. That makes it not only the first to adopt electric propulsion, but the first all wheel drive variant.

Don’t think that means America’s supercar has gone soft. Peak output is 643bhp and 778Nm (574lb-ft) of torque, enough to propel the 1,907kg E-Ray to 60mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 180mph. The 1.9 kWh battery pack - located between the seats - will no doubt be a contributor to such heft. In the aptly named Stealth Mode, the battery is capable of up to 44mph on electric propulsion alone. There’s no need to plug in to charge the E-Ray either, as the car automatically scavenges everything it needs through regenerative braking.

GM is pitching the E-Ray as the most suitable Corvette yet for British roads owing to its all-wheel drive traction and positioning as the grand tourer of the range. The car’s ‘intelligent eAWD’ constantly monitors the driving surface and adapts in real time to maximise grip, intuitively directing additional power to the front wheels during spirited driving or low-traction conditions.

One thing counting against it on UK roads will be size - the E-Ray is an additional 9.1cm wider than the already significant Stringray, pushing the car past the two metre mark. 

Almost as wide are the E-Ray’s staggered 20-inch and 21-inch wheels and tyres. They’re 275/30 at the front and 345/25 at the rear. Michelin Pilot Sport All-season 4 tyres come as standard, however Michelin Pilot Sport 4S UHP tyres are available as part of an optional performance package.

The E-Ray comes as standard with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, offering three distinct suspension settings, while six driver-selectable modes are available: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode and Z-Mode. Drivers can also select the Charge+ feature that maximises the battery’s state of charge for even punchier overtakes. Further notable standard equipment includes carbon ceramic brakes with four-piston monobloc calipers all-round. Optional carbon fire wheels save 18.5kg of unsprung mass over the standard alloy wheels.

A front lift system is also available with memory said to be able recognise your driveway. Although if your title is Lord March, you’ll probably forgo that option.

Inside, the new dashboard from the 2026MY car is likely to feature, which does away with the much-maligned “button bar” alongside adding lots of glossy carbon fibre. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature, as does a heads-up display. 

The incoming hybrid supercar joins GM’s ‘halo’ range as it prepares its Cadillac EVs to re-enter the UK market in the near future. Deliveries for the Corvette E-Ray are set to commence in September 2025, with prices starting at £153,440 and £159,230 for Coupé and Convertible respectively. For that money, the Porsche 911 GTS T-hybrid is hard to ignore. As is the slightly more expensive, driver focused 670bhp Z06 for £179,791.