Corvette Chief Quashes EV Speculations with One Candid Statement | Carscoops

      A plug-in hybrid powertrain option is also not an option for the legendary sports car.

      13 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      GM’s chief engineer has refuted rumors about fully electric or plug-in hybrid Corvettes, stating that while many electric vehicles are indeed fast, true sports cars should still provide an engaging driving experience. The next-generation Corvette is anticipated to retain the V8 engine alongside a self-charging hybrid system.

      The mid-engined Corvette C8 is already past the halfway point of its production cycle, and discussions regarding its successor are starting to emerge. With speculation about the C9 debuting around 2029, there has been talk about whether the next model might move away from its classic V8 heritage in favor of an all-electric powertrain.

      Fortunately, recent statements from a top GM engineer indicate there is no cause for concern—at least not for the time being. The Corvette will maintain its V8 growl, opting for a hybrid approach rather than going fully electric.

      Tony Roma, Executive Chief Engineer for Global Corvette and Performance Cars at GM, recently shared insights with Autocar about the future of America’s beloved sports car. While he acknowledged that electric vehicles are a significant part of the industry's future, he categorically dismissed the notion of a fully electric Corvette as something that remains firmly in the domain of “science fiction.”

      A Corvette EV? Not Coming Soon

      Roma made it clear that his team is not planning to create an electric version just to meet European regulations, which are set to phase out ICE-powered vehicles after 2035. If an electric Corvette ever comes to be, it will have to deserve the name; as he stated, “nobody wants” a Corvette badge on a car that fails to honor its legacy.

      In April 2025, GM's new design center in the UK revealed a Corvette-inspired concept. Presented as a design project, it featured a futuristic hypercar design with a fully electric powertrain. According to Michael Simcoe, GM’s Senior Vice President of Global Design, it was intended to celebrate Corvette’s design heritage rather than hint at a future production model. Roma’s statements affirm that this concept is not heading for production any time soon.

      What Defines a Corvette, According to GM

      For Roma, performance statistics aren’t the only requirement. Although electric vehicles can provide impressive acceleration, he believes that the Corvette should prioritize the timeless experience of driving, stating that “it has to be engaging” and emphasizing that “the art of driving” is fundamental to the brand's identity.

      He underscored the importance of a strong power-to-weight ratio, as well as cost and range, but asserted that the “visceral connection” between driver and car is even more critical. Roma admitted he has experienced many excellent EVs, but noted that most lack the emotional resonance that makes a standout performance car memorable.

      “The computer does so much of the work,” he explained. What he desires during a Saturday morning drive is simple: “to fire up an engine and listen to all those sounds.”

      In his opinion, the shift to electric will only occur when the alternative is genuinely superior: “Our cars will be all-electric when an all-electric car is better than what we have right now. Until then, we’ll continue to do what we’re doing right now… Everyone should just take a deep breath and relax, and we’ll get there when it’s time.”

      Simplicity Over Complexity in Hybrid Design

      The chief engineer also dismissed the concept of adopting plug-in hybrid technology for the Corvette, citing issues such as increased weight, higher costs, and unnecessary complexity. He mentioned that such a system would only be justified if it enabled GM to meet specific regulatory requirements based on electric-only driving range.

      While specialty manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren have introduced plug-in hybrid supercars, Chevrolet has taken a different route with the Corvette E-Ray. Roma explained the rationale behind this decision.

      “I don’t want to point fingers at anyone in particular, but some of our competitors have faced criticism for the complexities involved in getting the car into the right mode, and which charging mode and this and that. But when you drive an E-Ray, you simply start it up and go. It’s just a hybrid. It charges the battery for you. It does everything. If you want to override and charge the battery faster, there’s a button for that. Other than that, it’s straightforward—keep it simple and usable.”

      What Comes After the C8?

      All indications suggest that the next-generation Corvette will continue to feature a V8 engine, potentially combined with a self-charging hybrid system. This approach preserves the traditional formula while still allowing for gradual improvements that enhance efficiency and performance without sacrificing the essence of the Corvette.

      Although the C9 is expected to arrive around 2029, more developments are anticipated from the current model. Roma recently hinted that the 1,250-horsepower ZR1X is not the C