Leaked (again): Hybrid Corvette, due in 2023, on the Nürburgring

Yes, this camouflaged Chevrolet Corvette C8 just looks like a Corvette with camo, and it is. But what it doesn’t show is underneath: This is the prototype for the new hybrid Corvette, which—in a tweet earlier this year—GM president Mark Reuss promised for 2023. Reuss also promised a fully electric Corvette, based on the same Ultium battery platform that underpins the new electric Blazer, but that’s a way off.

The hybrid Vette shouldn’t be. Designers were told at the outset that there would be a hybrid version, so placement of a small battery shouldn’t be difficult, with much of the hybrid system contained in the drivetrain. Main power should come from the existing 6.2-liter V-8.

How do we know these camouflaged Corvettes are hybrids? Because they wear the yellow stickers required by the Nürburgring for vehicles that have enhanced electrical components, to tip off safety workers in the event of a crash.

In a video earlier this year, Chevrolet teased an all-wheel-drive Corvette grabbing for traction in the snow. And this could be it, with the electric motor driving the front wheels. Speculation is that the all-electric Vette will definitely be AWD.

We are aware that Chevrolet filed a trademark for the name E-Ray, but at this point it seems more likely that name will be saved for an all-electric Vette than this hybrid. But we could be wrong.

Either way, we expect the hybrid could use a race-style Tremec transaxle that will help manage the hybrid system and generate power, along with some regenerative braking. And we haven’t ruled out plug-in capability.

Look for this car in the third quarter of 2023. And Northern dwellers, rejoice: You’ll be able to drive your Corvette all winter long.