The next chapter of the C8 Corvette story is this: a hybrid. The 2024 Corvette E-Ray is a gas electric supercar like the Acura NSX, only it promises to be faster and more affordable than anything else.

The E-Ray is the first Chevrolet Corvette with all-wheel drive (AWD). An electric motor on the front axle delivers up to 160 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. That motor is powered by a 1.9-kWh battery positioned between the seats. Behind those seats lives a 495-hp, 6.2-liter V8 engine. Together, the two produce 655 hp. Zero to 60 miles per hour comes in a scant 2.5 seconds. That’s Bugatti speed.

A bigger-battery Corvette is still coming, so consider this the start of the Corvette’s electric journey. As a hybrid, rather than a plug-in hybrid or a full EV, the Corvette E-Ray doesn’t need to be charged.

Chevrolet promises what they call “invigorating sound” from the electric motor, which we can’t wait to hear. The E-Ray can also be silent if the driver activates stealth mode, which supports electric only driving up to 45 mph. A lithium-ion 12-volt starter battery comes standard, and it is lighter than the regular Corvette battery. Because there’s so much electric assist from the hybrid powertrain, The V8 engine can shut off half of its cylinders for longer periods of time. There’s even a feature that keeps the battery charged while driving, so you can save it for later use.

Here’s how you spot the E-Ray: there’s a new front-bumper design and the body is 3.6 inches wider than a normal Corvette’s. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard equipment. The wheels are larger at 20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear. There are new colors including Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray, and Cacti. Also, you’ll find some new buttons, infotainment features, and plenty of carbon fiber and leather interior bits.

We’ve recently tested the 2023 Corvette 70th Anniversary Edition—and we were blown away by the quality and the performance. We can only imagine what all-wheel drive and significantly more power will do to the Corvette.

Expect the E-Ray later this year at a starting price of $104,295 for the 1LZ Coupe and $111,295 for the 1LZ Convertible.