The arrival of the C8 mid-engine Corvette was such a monumental event last year that scores of auto fans are still reeling from the mark it made on the present and future of the industry! The 2020 model was certainly a drastic departure from any 'Vette that existed previously because it abandoned the front-engined layout and dropped the power source right in the middle. This had been a on the list for engineers for nearly 50 years, and now the time had finally come to unleash the goods for the general public to enjoy.
Engineers are dutifully combining their efforts for the task of improving the car even more, and a new report directly from GM claims that the Corvette will soon see an all-wheel-drive option during the 2023 or 2024 model year. There were already numerous hints regarding this during the car's launch when engineers were asked if the C8 had the ability to accommodate a hybrid AWD system. These documents in the report do suggest that this option will soon be available for models in the years to come.
Within them is a reference to the feature as “eAWD”, and they depict future availability for both the Stingray Coupe and convertible models. Instead of the traditional means of sending power from the V8 engine to the front wheels through a differential, the Corvette's eAWD system will most likely forego the front trunk to make necessary room for an electric motor. Independently driven front wheels would be driven separately without the V8's power, paving the way for torque vectoring. Yet other rumors claim that Chevy could be hard at work for development stages of an EV version called the E-Ray, which may very well be the 200 mph electric Corvette mentioned by a few of the current political candidates.
This revolutionary and exciting eAWD system may also see placement into high-performance models such as the upcoming C8 ZR1, ushering in a cleaner power source of the future for even more autos in the very-high-octane club. While we are still in suspense and waiting to see just what exactly the blueprint for electrification will bring, the 2021 Stingray has added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new options for the digital gauge display, and the “Buckle-to-Drive” safety feature.
For the current model, choosing to upgrade to the 2LT version adds a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, 14-speaker Bose stereo system, and blind-spot monitoring. The Z51 option adds more aggressive brakes, summer tires, and electronic limited-slip differential. Even in its base form, the Corvette delivers thrilling performance on both road and track, and handling that has all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis beaming with pride and heart-pounding anticipation for every drive!