C8 Corvette Will Reportedly Offer Electric AWD in 2023 or 2024
C8 Corvette eAWD could consist of two electric motors on the front wheels powered by a frunk-mounted battery.
Rumors have persisted for some time now that the C8 Corvette will eventually be available with some sort of hybrid drivetrain. And though some will undoubtedly hate the idea of an electrified Corvette, the truth is, there are a lot of hybrid hypercars out there in the world, and the C8 has become what most consider an exotic of sorts. Regardless, we had no confirmation of the actual existence of a hybrid C8 Corvette up to this point.
Now we do, thanks to a report from (of all places) GM-Trucks.com. It has reportedly seen actual, legit documentation that proves the C8 will be getting an electric all-wheel-drive option for the 2023 or 2024 model year. Unsurprisingly, this feature will be called eAWD, as it is in other similarly-equipped models, and will be available on both coupe and convertible models.
The report even goes so far as to note that the eAWD option will carry the RPO code XFD for only one model year before changing to XRD, which is a particularly interesting tidbit of information. Regardless, the system will apparently consist of two electric motors, one placed at each corner of the front end, which will be powered by a battery located in the frunk.
As has been the case with other hybrid exotics, GM won’t be marketing its eAWD Corvette as an economical or “green” vehicle. Instead, the addition of electric power in this application is all about performance. There’s no doubting that the combination of all-wheel-drive and a pair of electric motors could make the eAWD C8 Corvette seriously quick. Heck, the base C8 is already capable of sub 3.0-second 0-60 blasts.
This rumor would also help explain why GM recently shifted its Corvette engineers over to its electric vehicle programs, which sent the internet into quite the frenzy. It would make perfect sense if these engineers were working with GM’s electric experts to develop a system designed specifically for the Corvette.
The introduction of eAWD is likely just the beginning of electrified Corvettes, of course. We’re bound to see additional offerings in the future, including the much-rumored all-electric version. And while traditionalists may scoff at such a thing, those who care only about the performance bottom line are likely to not only be pleased, but blown away by such a model’s potential.
Photos: General Motors
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