We are talking about a hybrid modification of an American sports car, which bears the name E-Ray. With the update, this car may be called Grand Sport X, so that buyers will not mistake it for an electric car and therefore refuse to buy it.
As GM Authority reports, citing knowledgeable sources, the Corvette E-Ray will be renamed Grand Sport X. The decision was dictated by concern for buyers who are confused by the letter “E” in the name.
The marketing miscalculation came to light unexpectedly: in the era of electrification of cars, many potential customers mistakenly believe that the E-Ray is a pure electric car, although in fact it is equipped with a hybrid powertrain. As a result, sales of this version are far from record-breaking, and the company decided that the name plays an important role in this, the publication claims.
Renaming the Corvette E-Ray to Grand Sport X will remove the hint of hybrid technology from its name, as happened with the recently introduced ZR1X. There is also no direct reference to hybrid technology in its name. Throughout history, the name Grand Sport in the Corvette model line was borne by sports cars that occupied a niche between the base Stingray and the track-ready Z06.
Technically, after that we will still have the same all-wheel drive hybrid, but with an increase in power. If the current E-Ray produces 655 hp. Due to the combination of a 6.2-liter V8 and an electric motor in the front axle drive, the Grand Sport X, according to preliminary data, will receive a new 6.7-liter engine with the LS6 index. The total output of the hybrid system will approach 720 hp.
Officially, the renaming should take place as part of a large-scale update of the entire C8 family, which is expected by the 2027 model year. Thus, Chevrolet hopes not only to correct the unfortunate misunderstanding with the perception of the model, but also to breathe new life into it, bringing back the legendary Grand Sport name.
Motor previously spoke in detail about the Corvette E-Ray, the fastest and most controversial in the family.
