There’s no surprise that vehicle manufacturers like Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, and so on are jumping into the electric vehicle market. With tighter regulations, rising fuel costs, and higher demand for eco-friendly automobiles, it only makes sense that major players in the industry create electric vehicles.
Many manufacturers are moving towards a complete lineup of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric options. GM, the parent company of brands like Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac, is aiming to offer nothing but electric vehicles by 2035.
While most drivers are excited about the possibility of lower fuel costs and higher-powered vehicles, there is some that worry about classic muscle and speed cars. Could the rise of the electric car mean the end of the Chevrolet Corvette?
The Iconic Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is probably the most recognized sports car of all time. Corvette enthusiasts love the rear-wheel-drive platform and rumbling V8 engine that pushes a lightweight frame to top speeds of almost 200 mph.
When the Corvette hit the market in 1953, it became an instant classic and the fodder for driving daydreams nationwide. It’s amassed eight generations and created an unremovable mark on automotive history.
The Times Are Changing
The current Chevy Corvette that we know and love is going through some changes. It’s still currently available with the massive V8 engine, but only in limited numbers. As Chevrolet introduces a hybrid engine to the mix, fewer pure gas engines will be available.
Current regulations and recommendations are pushing new vehicles to offer at least 49 mpg by 2026, which will be difficult for large engine non-hybrids to do. Some argue that regulations like this will put an end to the Corvette as we know it.
To make sure the current, gas-powered Corvette goes out with a bang. Chevy is releasing the 2023 Z06 mode. This beastly V8 produces a monstrous 670 horsepower and might shake a few houses when it blasts by.
Welcome The Corvette EV
Chevrolet is expected to have hybrid and electric Corvettes on the road by 2023 or 2024, depending on current supply chain issues. Knowing that many drivers would be disappointed by the departure of the gasoline Corvette, Chevrolet knew it had to release something that would wow the crowds.
There isn’t a ton of information available about how the new hybrid and electric Corvettes will perform, but there are rumors suggesting these cars will produce upwards of 600 horsepower. If true, that will make the new Corvettes faster than anything to carry that name in the past. You can expect to go from zero to 60 mph in a mere three seconds.
While drivers won’t get to enjoy the rumble of a large V8 engine, the speed and performance of the new Corvette, most likely called the E-Ray, might be enough to help people accept the future of this beloved car.
Only time will tell if an electric Corvette will get the same kind of reception as the gas-powered version of the past. Until then, Chevrolet is going to be hard at work making sure the EV models are nothing short of impressive.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.