General Motors has committed to an all-electric light-duty vehicle lineup by 2035, which—barring any changes to this ambitious plan—means electrification is on the horizon for the Chevrolet Corvette.
However, GM is adamant that when (or if) the Corvette goes electric, it will be done in a way that enhances the car’s performance.
In an interview aired last Sunday, Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma told that GM would only pursue an all-electric Corvette if it aligns with the car’s performance goals and is something consumers are comfortable with.
“We’re not going to apply electrification just for the sake of it,” Roma stated. “We don’t add technology for the sake of technology. It has to prove its value and make the car better in a way our customers will appreciate.”
Chevrolet has already begun integrating electric power into the Corvette with the introduction of the E-Ray, a mild hybrid.
This model brought a fresh and exciting element to the Corvette without straying from its core identity. “The E-Ray is still very much a Corvette, and that’s what makes it special,” we noted in our January review of the car.
For more than half a century, internal combustion engine advancements have driven the Corvette from its modest origins to breaking the 1,000-horsepower barrier and competing with European supercars at a fraction of the cost.
GM is well aware that enthusiasts may feel uneasy about the idea of a Corvette without its iconic roaring V-8 engine, and this sentiment is front of mind during discussions about future development.
“We talk about this a lot. I discuss it with enthusiasts, my friends, and other engineers,” Roma added.
Despite potential consumer hesitancy, GM sees electrification as the path forward and is unfazed by recent declines in EV sales.
“We’ll be guided by the consumer, but our plans will take us where we need to go,” CEO Mary Barra told CBS News, referring to the company’s objective of transitioning its lineup to all-electric vehicles by 2035.
For now, Corvette enthusiasts can take comfort in knowing that while the iconic sports car might not always be powered by gas, GM’s experts are dedicated to creating an exciting future for it.