GERMANY – A prototype of Chevrolet’s highly-anticipated first-ever hybrid electric Corvette was recently shown off at a test track in Nürburgring, Germany, with footage of the vehicle raising both eyebrows and excitement levels as the newest evolution of the legendary sports car comes closer to being a reality for enthusiasts.
Chevrolet initially announced development of the new hybrid Corvette C8 four months ago in April and footage has now appeared on YouTube depicting a prototype of the hyped-up vehicle being put through its paces on the German test track. Complete details on what to expect from the final retail model are still under wraps, but what the new ‘Vette can pull off already, even this early into its development cycle, has expectations through the roof.
In the footage posted Wednesday by CarSpyMedia, three different mid-engine prototypes – designated as numbers four, five, and seven – are tested on the so-called “Green Hell” track, with each shrouded in digital camouflage paintjobs to hide any of the distinct changes among them. One thing all three prototypes had in common, however, were the distinct, thunder-like roar of their hybrid electric V8 engines, which were noticeably louder than your average, fairly quiet, electric vehicle.
Industry experts note that the loudness of the Corvette C8’s engine leads them to believe that the C8 Stingray’s 6.5-liter LT2 V-8 has been paired with the vehicle’s hybrid-assisted powertrain, as opposed to the Z06’s 5.5-liter LT6. But, despite the fact the LT2 is not as powerful as the LT6, it’s coupling with an electric motor could more than make up for it, resulting in more speed, power, and – obviously – noise normally associated with muscle cars and not EVs.
Early reports speculate that the engine of the hybrid Corvette C8 could produce as much as 650 in horsepower, but recent word indicates that number could possibly be revised upward depending on the final configuration of the motor set-up. It has also been thought that the vehicle’s “e-booster” motor may be placed on its front axle, resulting in the first-ever all-wheel-drive Corvette.
It is anticipated that Chevy will be releasing more information on their place for electric Corvettes quite soon; however, General Motors President Mark Reuss confirmed recently that the hybrid C8 could debut in 2023, and that a fully-electric version of the famous sports car is in the works as well.
Christopher Boyle is an investigative journalist, videographer, reporter and writer for SEARCHEN NETWORKS® as well as other independent news and media organizations in the United States. Christopher works on a wide variety of topics and fields, has been featured in print and online in a variety of publications, from local to national, and helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening in the automotive world for Auto Buyers Market.