Chevrolet Corvette: Electric future confirmed for V8 icon

The Chevrolet Corvette is headed for a zero-emission future, parent company General Motors has confirmed.

The two-seater has been sold since 1953 over eight iterations, making it the longest-running sports car nameplate in history.

For the vast majority of that 69-year lifespan, the vehicle has been available exclusively with a petrol V8 engine.

However, that is set to change with the introduction of hybrid and fully-electric powertrain options later this decade.    

In a LinkedIn post overnight, GM President Mark Reuss said: “Some time ago we moved the Corvette team into the EV space in Warren, Michigan.”

“In addition to the amazing new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and other gas-powered variants coming, we will offer an electrified and a fully electric Ultium-based Corvette in the future.

“In fact, we will offer an electrified Corvette as early as next year ... Details and names to come at a later date.”

This suggests a hybridised variant of the current-generation Corvette C8 will likely launch in 2023, with a bespoke all-electric model still several years away.

A video attached to the post appears to show an all-wheel drive hybrid drifting on snow, and spy pics from earlier this year suggest it will be built in right-hand drive.

It’s unclear if this model pairs an electric motor to the existing 6.2- or 5.5-litre V8s, or employ a smaller and more fuel-efficient alternative.

The electric model will be underpinned by General Motor's Ultium platform according to Mr Reuss, suggesting it will be a stand-alone offering.

Drive has contacted Australian Corvette distributor GMSV, for comment on the possibility on local availability. This story will be updated with its response.

Despite lobbying heavily to stall efforts to promote electric transport in 2019 and 2020, General Motors has since shifted it plans to electrify most model 2035.