A hybrid model of the C8 Chevrolet Corvette has been rumored for years and now it appears like one is nearly right here.

Our newest spy photographs and video present a fleet of prototypes believed to be for a brand new hybrid Corvette to be known as the Corvette E-Ray, logos for which had been found way back to 2015.

The fleet is made up of 5 prototypes and covers the Corvette’s coupe and convertible physique types, in addition to its left- and right-hand-drive layouts. Chevy engineers additionally had a Corvette Stingray and Acura NSX for benchmarking.

The truth that the NSX, a hybrid supercar with twin motors up entrance and a V-6 and single motor combo on the rear, is the one rival mannequin getting used for benchmarking factors to a hybrid Corvette being examined right here. Recall, Chevy additionally used the Audi R8, Ferrari 458 Italia, and Porsche 911 Carrera S when creating the Stingray.

A glance contained in the prototypes additionally present the instrument clusters lined up. That is more likely to conceal new particulars particular to the hybrid Corvette.

We are able to additionally see that the prototypes characteristic a brand new wide-body design that will even be shared with the Corvette Z06 additionally out testing and due for a reveal on October 26. The hybrid Corvette will probably debut someday in 2022, as a 2023 mannequin. It’s anticipated to function the substitute for the earlier C7 Corvette’s Grand Sport grade.

It is not clear what powertrain the hybrid Corvette will run however rumors level to a single motor powering the entrance axle and the Stingray’s 6.2-liter V-8 powering the rear axle. Peak output is anticipated to fall between 600 and 650 hp, and we might even see plug-in functionality, which might imply a small electrical vary can be potential.

A stronger hybrid system with an electrical motor additionally on the rear axle is anticipated to be reserved for a future Corvette Zora flagship.

Sure, extra electrification is coming to the Corvette lineup. There are even plans to launch an electrical C8 Corvette, a mannequin whose existence has been talked about by President Joe Biden on a number of events. Contemplating Common Motors plans to have all its mild automobiles powered by electrical energy by 2035, it is potential the eventual C9 Corvette can be electrical solely.