Is This A Plug-In Hybrid C8 Chevrolet Corvette?
The Stingray is just the start of the mid-engined C8 Corvette range. In time, there’ll be a flat-plane V8 Z06, a Grand Sport, a mighty ZR1, and…whatever this is.
The abundance of extra cabling and the two external kill switches seem to suggest some form of electrification, however, so what we’re looking at might well be a plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Corvette. The presence of emissions testing equipment at the back also suggests this C8 is packing a powertrain awaiting homologation.
It’s widely expected that the ZR1 will use a hybrid powertrain producing as much as 900bhp, but we don’t think this is it. With such a model set to arrive around 2023, it’s still far too early, and in any case, it’s missing the gnarlier aero you’d expect from such a model.
A less powerful model to sit alongside or just above the Stingray seems more likely at this early stage of the C8’s life. As for the internal combustion component of its powertrain, that’s open to speculation. In which we’ll happily indulge - we’re thinking Chevrolet may opt to fit a smaller engine to offset the weight of the battery pack and motor. As a reminder, the Stingray uses a 6.2-litre, naturally-aspirated ‘LT2’ V8 that’s good for 495bhp.
For the sake of weight distribution and packaging, a motor or motors powering the front wheels seems like the most obvious layout. So, what you’re looking at here might well be the first all-wheel drive ‘Vette, as well as the first hybrid.
Is that sacrilege, or are you happy GM’s sports car is moving with the times? Let us know in the comments.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
A hypercar beater?
muscle cars were never ment to be hybrids
The corvette is not a muscle car tho
The Corvette was always America’s answer to compete with the Europeans, its not a boat that will only go in a straight line, especially the C8
Emissions testing equipment? More like wheelie helper
The C8 doesn’t use the LT5 it uses the LT2, the LT5 is in the C7 ZR1
That looks like something you would get water out of at a sports event, Which leads me to think it could be a experimental exhaust cooling system so they don’t catch fire.