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The Corvette E-Ray is dead, long live the Grand Sport X

March 27, 2026
•Ars technica

Here’s something that caught my attention — Chevrolet just threw a curveball with the Corvette lineup. The E-Ray, the hybrid that sparked debate, is officially gone. But don’t worry, because in its place is the new Grand Sport X, revealed by Tim Stevens writing in Ars Technica. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: the Grand Sport X isn’t just a name tweak. It packs a fresh, more powerful V8, with way more torque than the old Stingray. And if that’s not enough, you can add a hybrid boost — thanks to a 186-horsepower electric motor on the front axle — making it one of the most capable ‘Vettes ever. Chevrolet seems to be saying — 'Goodbye hybrid E-Ray, hello all-wheel-drive performance.' As Tim notes, this model effectively replaces the hybrid E-Ray, but adds serious muscle and weather versatility. So, what does this mean for the future of Corvette? Expect more power, more tech, and maybe a little less hybrid fuss — at least for now.

Chevrolet provided flights from Albany, New York, to Las Vegas, Nevada, and accommodation so Ars could check out the new Grand Sport. Ars does not accept paid editorial content.

Chevrolet has developed something of a modern tradition with recent generations of the Corvette: As a new generation approaches, the company rolls out the Grand Sport. It's intended to be a sort of "sweet spot" version of the ’Vette, pairing the go-fast bits of the higher-spec machines with the entry-level motor found in the Stingray.

If that pattern holds, the mid-engined, eighth-generation Corvette may be nearing the end—because this is the new Grand Sport. This one, though, is different. It comes with an all-new V8 at its heart, one with substantially more power and torque than the current base Stingray. If that's not enough, you can also get it with the ZR1X's electric motor and battery. That model is called the Grand Sport X, and it's the effective replacement for the first all-wheel-drive hybrid Corvette.

Yes, the E-Ray is dead, three years after Chevrolet raised eyebrows by putting a hybrid system where many said it didn't belong. But you can't argue with that system's all-weather capability. It lives on in the new Grand Sport X, which pairs a 186-horsepower (139 kW) electric motor on the front axle with a new V8 at the rear.

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Chevrolet provided flights from Albany, New York, to Las Vegas, Nevada, and accommodation so Ars could check out the new Grand Sport. Ars does not accept paid editorial content.

Chevrolet has developed something of a modern tradition with recent generations of the Corvette: As a new generation approaches, the company rolls out the Grand Sport. It's intended to be a sort of "sweet spot" version of the ’Vette, pairing the go-fast bits of the higher-spec machines with the entry-level motor found in the Stingray.

If that pattern holds, the mid-engined, eighth-generation Corvette may be nearing the end—because this is the new Grand Sport. This one, though, is different. It comes with an all-new V8 at its heart, one with substantially more power and torque than the current base Stingray. If that's not enough, you can also get it with the ZR1X's electric motor and battery. That model is called the Grand Sport X, and it's the effective replacement for the first all-wheel-drive hybrid Corvette.

Yes, the E-Ray is dead, three years after Chevrolet raised eyebrows by putting a hybrid system where many said it didn't belong. But you can't argue with that system's all-weather capability. It lives on in the new Grand Sport X, which pairs a 186-horsepower (139 kW) electric motor on the front axle with a new V8 at the rear.

Read full article

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The Corvette E-Ray is dead, long live the Grand Sport X | Speasy