The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray will help IndyCar drive into the future.
The hybrid sports car has been chosen as the pace car for the 2024 Indianapolis 500.
The E-Ray combines the Corvette’s mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 with an electric motor driving the front wheels to crank out a combined 655 hp.
As the first all-wheel-drive Corvette, it has plenty of traction to put that power to the pavement and accelerate to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, making it the quickest GM vehicle ever.
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It will also cover a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 183 mph and has a starting price of
$106,595. The pace car features a white over black color scheme with Indy 500 logos.
The car is an appropriate choice as IndyCar is scheduled to switch to new hybrid powertrains after the Indy 500 and Chevrolet is one of the engine suppliers for the series, along with Honda. The new units were supposed to be ready at the beginning of this season, but were delayed.
However, weight reduction measures for the cars meant to accommodate the new equipment were still implemented, which means they have been running lighter than in years past. This has proven to make them quicker and faster, although that might be less of a factor at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The hybrid system primarily charges its battery under braking, then uses it to add power under acceleration, but the cars run all-out for most of the Indy 500.
“As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it’s only fitting that the quickest production Corvette will pace the field,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said in a press release.
“The performance enhancements tested on the track make their way to the street, and the Corvette E-Ray is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.”
Chevrolet will likely be unveiling an even quicker Corvette this summer when it takes the wraps off of the upcoming Corvette ZR1, which is described as “unthinkable” and features an aggressive rear wing and performance aero package.