2026 CHEVROLET CORVET

CORVETTE VENTUR
ES INTO NEW TERRITORY WITH HYRID AND AWD E-RAY MODELS

Hybrid-assisted drivetrain and all-wheel drive are not things that you would normally associate with the Chevrolet Corvette, but the company added both features to the iconic sports car it launched as a 2024 model in January of 2023.

After adding an electric motor and all-wheel drive, Chevy dubbed this Corvette the E-Ray. Just two years after its debut, it then overhauled the 2026 E-Ray’s interior, moving the long string of buttons that lined the center console to buttons on the center stack under the touchscreen.

Interestingly, the electric motor drives the 2026 Corvette E-Ray’s front wheels while the mid-engine V8 drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Combined horsepower and torque is listed as 655 hp and 595 pound-feet resulting in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of well under 3 seconds.

Set to stealth mode, the E-Ray can go short distances using the 160 horsepower electric motor only. Chevy puts the range at 4-5 miles at a speed up to 45 mph, so no, this isn’t a way to save on fuel on daily commutes to work.

Also, don’t expect a big bonus in fuel mileage from the E-Ray’s hybrid assist. With ratings of 16 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway and 19 combined, the 2026 E-Ray is not as thirsty as performance-oriented  Z06 and ZR1 trims, but the base Corvette Stingray earns similar numbers from the EPA. Where the E-Ray beats the Stingray is in horsepower and torque with an advantage of 165 hp and 130 lb.-ft.

Chevy didn’t spare anything when it came to refreshing the interior. In addition to the elimination of the so-call “wall of buttons” that lined the center console separating the driver and passenger, a new 12.7-inch touchscreen at the top of the center stack replaces the old 8-inch screen and is flanked by a 14-inch driver information center. A 6.6-inch third screen to the driver’s left provides a way to position the head-up display, record trip data, and adjust Performance Traction Management.

Tech and comfort features are aplenty. They include dual-zone air conditioning, heated and ventilated seats, a rear camera mirror, Bose audio system, an entertainment package with built-in Google, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 8-way power bucket seats with leather upholstery, and a carbon-fiber steering wheel.

Standard exterior features include remote top activation (down only), heated outside mirrors, LED headlights, a composite front splitter, and rear spoiler.

Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, blind=zone alert, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and an enhanced theft deterrent system are among standard safety features.

The 2026 Chevy Corvette E-Ray joins Z06 and ZR1 with six-figure starting MSRPs for both coupe and convertible form. The base Stingray runs from $70,000 to $81.750 as a coupe and $77,000 to $88,750 as a convertible..

My test 2026 Chevrolet E-Ray Convertible in
3LZ trim started at $126,550. But options like carbon fiber wheels and interior trim, a carbon fiber display hood above the driver information center, carbon fiber and sueded steering wheel, sueded seat inserts and more ran the final bottom line to $155,895 including the $1,995 destination fee and $1,000 carbon fiber wheel discount.

Here’s some interesting trivia. The very first Corvette in 1953 started at $3,498, which is equivalent to $38,000 to $42,000 in today’s dollars according to AI. The website Dollar Times, reports that a gallon of gas would cost you 29 cents on average that year, which is $3.52 in today’s figures.

Stop beating your head against the wall.

What I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible: Performance is breathtaking. The updates give the Corvette a more sophisticated interior with the tech features that are de rigueur for vehicles in this price range. The solid roof makes for a quiet ride before being lowered. A trunk in front (frunk) as well behind the engine provides a little more cargo space but this is not a vehicle for Home Depot or Lowe’s runs. The hard-top roof lowers and raises with the push/pull of a convenient button. The passenger will appreciated the new arrangement of buttons.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible: Getting in an out, especially on the driver’s side, is a chore. The flat-bottom steering wheel helps a little but not a lot.  Be nice if it raised automatically when the engine is turned off. Rear visibility is restricted with the roof in place.  

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible? The six-figure price tag shrinks the potential market but if it is within your budge, by all means this vehicles belongs on a list of super cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini.