This isn’t the first time an automaker has understated its car’s output figures.
Key Takeaways
- Paragon Performance dyno run reveals true figures at the wheels.
- Power figures appear accurate given drivetrain losses.
- Torque figures are 45 lb-ft higher than advertised.
The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray is one of the most powerful ‘Vettes to ever come out of the factory – second only to the mighty Corvette Z06. However, it looks like GM is lying about its claimed power figures based on a dynamometer test done by Paragon Performance.
Based on the tuning company’s all-wheel-drive dyno test results, the electrified Corvette can produce up to 573 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. While the power output figure appears to align with our expectations (taking powertrain losses into account), the torque figure stands out as it’s even greater than what GM advertises.
GM’s Numbers
To give you an idea, let’s put the numbers in black and white first. The E-Ray is powered by GM’s 6.2-liter LT2 small block V8 that churns out 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque at the crank, sent to the rear wheels. It’s then supplemented by a 120 kW permanent magnet drive motor on the front axle that makes 160 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the Corvette E-Ray is advertised to produce 655 hp and 595 lb-ft – a bit short compared to the 670-hp Corvette Z06 (except those sold outside America), but way more powerful than the Stingray.
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The 573 wheel hp yielded from Paragon Performance’s dyno run sounds about right, considering the power loss during transmission. The 630 lb-ft torque, however, was even higher than claimed, but it’s unclear if that is because of the delivery of the electric motor.
With these numbers laid out, we’re not surprised that Chevrolet has claimed that the Corvette E-Ray is quicker than the supposedly more powerful Z06 – at least in a straight line. Chevy says the Corvette E-Ray can do 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and complete the quarter mile in roughly 10.5 seconds at 130 mph – a tenth quicker than the Z06. While high horsepower figures allow incredible top-speed runs, torque matters in the measure of quickness.
Of course, this Corvette ranking will change once the long-awaited ZR1 arrives, rumored to produce up to 850 hp with a twin-turbo V8 setup.