Corvette Engineers Shift to Autonomous & EV Programs
We break down how Corvette will fit in to the electric evolution, and what to expect next for upcoming C8 model years.
In September of 2020, General Motors surprised many by transferring all members of the Corvette engineering team to the automaker’s autonomous and electric vehicles programs. The news was a shock to all. Our sister-publication CorvetteForum reached out to get the full story.
Insiders told us directly that the Corvette team was “not happy.” The sentiment was related more to the team’s ever-expanding workload; a common experience for employees across all industries. However, other sources from inside GM indicated that the team is excited to be developing new products.
“General Motors is committed to an all-electric future,” Ken Morris, Vice President of Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs confirmed to CorvetteForum exclusively. “I’m excited to be putting the team that redefined supercar performance, design, and attainability in key roles to help us integrate and execute our EVs to those same high standards.”
In other words, the C8 Corvette is a huge hit that “[delighted] customers and critics alike” and General Motors wants that spirit infused into their all-electric future commitments. The Corvette engineers have always been the Halo Team, and now they have been tasked with taking GM into the future.
But it is that very future that leaves us with lots of questions. What about the rest of the C8 program, like the Z06 and ZR1? Does this mean the long-rumored E-Vette is going to arrive sooner than originally anticipated? Does this mean the end of gas-powered GM vehicles, or that simply GM will offer electronic counterparts to the current lineup?
As is custom, General Motors declined to comment “on potential future product.” But they did tell us that the same team that is already working on the Corvette will finish all current projects. Presumably, these projects being the continuation of the C8 Corvette, the much-anticipated Z06 and ZR1 variants, and any other crazy special ‘Vettes they might come up with.
So, the good news is the C8 Corvette as we know it is not going anywhere. For now. However, Corvette’s team is also working under this new EV-focused direction. To meet both goals, they will need to make some internal changes.
“In practical terms, the shift will see Tadge Juechter stay on as the Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette,” writes InsideEVs. “He has been involved with the Corvette program for its past three generations. Ed Piatek, the Corvette Chief Engineer will have a new role and title: Chief Engineer – Future Product. Finally, Josh Holder is being named Chief Engineer for Global Corvette, taking Piatek’s place.”
Additionally, insiders stated that GM is looking to offer more electric vehicles, especially ones that are affordable and performance-oriented.
Obviously, the Corvette is high on that list. Whether folks will buy an all-electric Corvette at any price is another story entirely. Our insider was also intentionally coy about the anticipated all-electric Corvette.
Then again, when you see a quote like “all-electric future,” it is clear to us that the writing on the wall. The Corvette will be an all-electric vehicle.
The question is when, and will the Corvette be exclusively electric, or will it be offered as some type of optional setup?
The C8 Corvette Z06
The biggest questions we have are about the rest of the C8 generation. We know GM’s C8 Z06 will be the first on the scene, and it will likely house a naturally-aspirated, flat-plane crank, 5.5-liter V8 that will reportedly produce somewhere between 615 and 625 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
Options for the C8 Z06 include carbon-fiber wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, aero styling, magnetic ride control, and a starting MSRP of around $80,000.
However, another internal GM source leaked to CorvetteForum some very cryptic information about the upcoming Z06. When patent drawings of the C8 were originally released, eagle-eyed viewers noticed plenty of extra space around the front axle. That is unusual packaging for a two-seat, mid-engine sports car where space is at a premium.
Many guessed that said void is the perfect space for an electric motor. Our sources said that an upcoming Z06 will utilize a hybrid all-wheel-drive drivetrain, with an electric motor over the front axle working in concert with a worked-over V8 behind the driver.
The combination of an electric motor, providing nearly instantaneous torque, and all-wheel-drive would give the more powerful Corvette Z06 the traction it needs to sprint to some truly eye-watering 0-60 times. We were told something “in the two-second range, or less.”
That would put it in league with – and possibly surpass – the Porsche 918 Spyder, which also featured a hybrid/mid-engine V8 drivetrain. The 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder could sprint from 0-60 in 2.2 seconds. Are we looking at a new era of EV-based supercar and hypercar performance? Stay tuned.
Corvette ZR1, E-Ray, Zora, More?
Our source said that the ZR1 will go even further. With a twin-turbo V8 and a hybrid system combined, our source said it could make “around 900 horsepower.” We are not likely to see a debut before the 2023 model year, and reportedly will come with a $120,000 price tag.
Chevy’s first-ever hybrid Corvette will debut in 2023 and is being called the “E-Ray.” Said to feature an all-wheel-drive system with two electric motors on the front axle, and a possible third in the rear. It will utilize the Stingray’s LT2 with output is anticipated to be well over 1,000 horsepower. The E-Ray will replace the standard Grand Sport trim level.
The ZR1 is expected in 2024 , and is sure to be one of the wildest cars on the road. It will boast 850 HP thanks to two added turbochargers. Just when you thought that it couldn’t get any crazier however, it does. The 2025 “Zora” edition will provide more than 1,000 HP by combining a 5.5L twin-turbo V8 with matching electric motors. Mind blown.
Bottom line: General Motors is not killing the Corvette. Well, at least not literally. But if Corvette buyers do not like what GM is offering, they may have no choice. Corvette has a proven track record. They won’t call any EV a ‘Vette until it has proven it has earned the nameplate.
Is it likely that the C8 will mark the end of the internal combustion engine Corvette? Do you think Corvette drivers will embrace an EV or hybrid Corvette?
Photos: General Motors
Join the Electric Vehicle forums now!
