Vette front

Living in rural Nova Scotia, Matthew Guy has immersed himself in car culture for over 30 years and relishes the thought of a good road trip. A certified gearhead, he enjoys professionally writing about cars and is very pleased to contribute for wheels.ca.

His work has also appeared on Car Throttle, The Truth About Cars, and in CAA Magazine. Find him on Twitter @matthewkguy

Why are we talking about the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, one of today’s best performance deals, in the month of January while another round of winter weather batters the GTA? Simple: the boffins at Chevy recently hauled the covers off an electrified all-wheel drive version of America’s Supercar – which means we all have Corvette Stingray on the brain right now. Also, your author is cold and is pining for better driving weather.

The electrified Corvette, called the E-Ray, won’t appear until the 2024 model year and will carry a price tag well into the six figures. Until then, why don’t we have a gander at what the most affordable Stingray, the $78,198 Coupe 1LT, has in store for the Base Camp buyer. Slung in a midship position behind the driver is a 6.2L V8 making 490 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque, all of which is fed through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission on its way to the rear wheels. This should be good for a sprint to highway speeds in a touch over 3 seconds. Unless one pops for an optional package (more on that in a bit), all Stingrays make the same amount of power.

Despite being labeled a Coupe, this model actually has a removable roof panel which opens the heavens to both driver and passenger. Tire sizes are staggered, measuring 19 inches up front and 20 in the rear (245/35 and 305/30, respectively). So-called ‘carbon flash’ exterior accents and badges are part of the deal, as are body colour trim and LED lamps. Silver, black, white, and red are all $0 paint options, with other costing between $995 and $1,495. A dizzying array of stripe packages are also on tap.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174357" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Vette-int.png" alt="Chevrolet Corvette Stingray" width="2880" height="1486" />

The main differences between the 1LT trim and its 2LT/3LT brothers are, option packages notwithstanding, interior features. The base car comes with digital real estate equal to its pricier counterparts, made up of a 12-inch colour gauge pod in front of the driver and an 8-inch infotainment screen in the centre stack (though it is <em>sans</em> navigation in the 1LT). Ten audio speakers are present instead of fourteen, which is arguably good for weight savings.

Dual-zone climate, leather seating surfaces with perforated inserts, remote start, and parking assists are all on board - though you’ll have to bring yer own smartphone charging cord. Oh, the humanity. At least there is wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

<strong>What We'd Choose</strong>

Gearheads that we are, the spendy $7,495 Z51 Performance Package warrants a mention. It adds Brembo-branded brakes, performance-oriented suspension tuning, and a different rear axle ratio to go along with an electronic limited slip differential. Heavy-duty cooling, gummy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and a bump in power to 495hp/470tq are also Z51-specific. These cars are easy to spot with their unique Z51 splitter and spoiler, while a different exhaust announces its presence to the neighbours.

That’s a lot of scratch but is an investment, we feel, is worth the cash. To us, it is a far better spend of money than vanity items like stripe packages or stand-alone wings/spoilers, to say nothing of pricey wheels which may be ditched for new units at some point in the car’s life, anyway. Fire away $610 on Torch Red seatbelts to jazz up the interior if you must, but a Z51-equipped Corvette Stingray 1LT for $85,693 represents an appealing package considering this car’s outrageous level of performance.

Base Camp: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ

Evan is an East Coast based automotive journalist and a Certified Engineering Technologist. He is an avid autocrosser, hack mechanic, and a member of AJAC. If you don't find him driving or writing about cars, you'll probably find him in the garage breaking one.

The quickest Chevrolet Corvette ever is about to hit the market. It's called the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, and it uses an electric motor in the front to deliver all-wheel drive and <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/the-2023-chevrolet-corvette-z06-just-put-ferrari-and-mclaren-on-notice">Z06 levels</a> of horsepower.

It's a big day for the Corvette, and not just because of today's E-Ray announcement. Today is also the day that marks 70 years since the first Chevrolet Corvette was revealed. In New York at the 1953 Motorama show.

2.5 seconds. That's how quickly the Corvette E-Ray can rocket to 96 km/h, on its way to a 10.5-second quarter mile. That's about half a second faster to 96 than the standard Stingray and nearly a second quicker through the quarter mile.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174139" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/eray-6.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray" width="2500" height="1872" />

An electric motor mounted to the front axle is what makes the E-Ray so quick. The motor adds 160 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque to the car's output, powered by a 1.9 kWh battery pack that lives between the seats.

You've probably guessed by the battery size that this is not a plug-in hybrid, and you'd be correct. This is a standard hybrid system where the gas engine runs most of the time. Not all of the time, though, thanks to Stealth Mode. In Stealth Mode, the Corvette E-Ray can drive short distances at up to 72 km/h with the engine off. Perfect for making a quiet neighbourhood getaway first thing in the morning or late at night.

Mounted behind the seats is the same V8 as the basic Corvette Stingray. The 6.2L unit makes 495 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, sending all of its power to the rear wheels. The gearbox is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic unit.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174138" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/eray-3.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray" width="2500" height="1875" />

Total power output for the two power systems is 655 hp. That's nearly enough to match the hardcore Z06 and its 5.5L V8, and the Corvette E-Ray should have more torque. Chevrolet says the electric motor will add to the aural experience as well, with "an invigorating sound."

E-Ray's AWD system is an adaptive one, Chevrolet says it is constantly learning the road surface and making adjustments to meet driver demands. In quick driving or driving on slick surfaces, it will send more power to the front wheels to boost stability and grip.

Chevrolet is giving the Corvette E-Ray the Z06's wider bodywork, a stretch of about 91 mm over the standard car. The E-Ray will get its own wheel design, wearing a staggered setup with 20-inch wheels in the front and 21's in the back. All-season tires are standard, but summer performance tires will be offered.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174141" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/eray-13.jpg" alt="Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray" width="2500" height="1875" />

More 2024 E-Ray standard features include a lighter 12-volt battery to save weight as well as Brembo carbon ceramic brakes to get the electrified Vette stopped in a hurry. Magnetic Ride Control, GM's magic adaptive damping system, is also standard kit.

Beyond the widebody, Chevrolet has made just a few cosmetic changes for the Corvette E-Ray. We've already mentioned the wheels, but E-Ray will also offer an exclusive stripe package, standard carbon flash badging, and a Charge+ button on the centre console.

Pricing for the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray starts from $128,798 in Canada for the coupe. There will be loads of trim, seat, and interior choices that let the buyer take the price up from there. The car goes on sale this year.

Chevrolet Reveals 655 hp Electrified AWD 2024 Corvette E-Ray

Mustang Dark Horse

Chris D’Alessandro is a writer living in downtown Toronto. Growing up in a family of used car dealers and mechanics, he’s been immersed in car culture his entire life. A frequent contributor to VICE Canada, Chris’ screenwriting work has also won a Canadian Comedy Award. So, “hipster, wise-ass, gearhead” pretty much covers it. Follow Chris on Twitter @chrisdaless and Instagram @chrdalessandro

I wish I could be a sensible, consumer-advice oriented auto journalist and tell you with a straight face that the cars worth looking forward to are your responsible family sedans or whatever new electric SUV is on the way.

But let’s be honest, the cars we really want to drive are almost totally irrational. The ones that get our hearts pounding. The ones we hope will live up to the hype. The ones that feel like a breath of fresh air amongst a sea of sameness. The ones that truly give us something to<em> look forward to</em>.

Like a holiday. You look forward to a holiday, “Where will we go? What will it be like? What memories will we make? How much <em>fun</em> <em>will we have</em>?”

So while you may not find an abundance of cargo space, towing capacity or tech trinkets on this list… you will find a heaping helping of excitement.
<h3><strong>2024 Ford Mustang</strong></h3>
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-174037 size-full" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mustang-Dark-Horse-10-scaled.jpg" alt="Mustang Dark Horse" width="2560" height="1706" />

The big news with the upcoming Mustang generation is not so much what’s different, but what isn’t. Yes, the exterior has received a very modern, very angular refresh. Yes, the interior is now clad in clunky screens, with an all-digital driver interface. Yes, there are new gimmicks like being able to rev the engine from your key fob (cool?).

But what seems to have impressed most and even upset some expectations is that the new Mustang lineup will still consist entirely of internal combustion-powered vehicles. For all of you who begrudged the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/review-2021-ford-mustang-mach-e-gt">Mach E</a> — this just might be how Ford was able to keep the V8 alive in the OG Mustang.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost and Coyote 5.0 V8 will return, albeit with increases in horsepower. The star of the show, however, is the new “Dark Horse” which is not only the first new Mustang nameplate in decades but also features a very healthy 500 horsepower in addition to other performance goodies over the standard GT.
<h3><strong>2023 Toyota GR Corolla</strong></h3>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174033" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023_GR_Corolla_Black_018-scaled.jpg" alt="GR Corolla" width="2560" height="1707" />

We’ve had our go at some pre-production prototypes of the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/2023-toyota-gr-corolla-first-drive-review">GR Corolla</a> and for the most part, everything you’ve heard about it is true. Sure, the stats are neat. 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. Proper six-speed manual. A configurable all-wheel-drive. Pilot Sport tires. Good stuff.

What the stats can’t tell you is how responsive the steering is. Or how easy the car is to rotate. Or how satisfying the gear selector is to slam into place as you nail a crisp shift. Or how joyful the engine is to rev out. A spec sheet cannot explain how you will never, ever get tired of hearing the turbo blow off valve.

If the production versions are anything like the pre-production cars, we can’t wait to have another go. However our biggest hope is this new hot hatch champ won’t be spoiled by vicious dealer mark up.
<h3><strong>2023 BMW M2</strong></h3>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174032" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/P90482699_highRes_the-all-new-bmw-m2-r-scaled.jpg" alt="BMW M2" width="2560" height="1707" />

It’s difficult to imagine the latest M2 not being an instant slam dunk. The lesser M240i is already receiving high praise and as the original M2 became something of an instant classic akin to the original M3 — how could an evolution on the formula go wrong? Surely the upcoming M2’s power buff up to 453 horsepower is the only thing the new car needed, right?

Well, maybe. Because while there is a lot more power on tap, BMW has also added over 300 lbs to this new car.

The issue? More talented drivers than myself have sighted this may make the car less playful at the limit — ironically mirroring grievances with newer M3 cars — and cutting against what made the original small M cars so special.

Will it be a great sports coupe? Almost undoubtedly, yes. But will it recapture the magic of the original? That’s the real question.
<h3><strong>2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06</strong></h3>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-174034" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-chevrolet-corvette-z06-202-scaled.jpg" alt="Corvette Z06" width="2560" height="1707" />

670 horsepower. 460 lb ft of torque. A new 5.5-liter V8 that revs to 8,600 RPM. 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds. That’s hypercar stuff from what used to be a car most associated with golf and alimony payments.

Sure, prices will be outrageous, but if you can get one for what GM intends to charge — a base price of $128,198 — you’re talking about a vehicle which will still do the same tricks as cars with price tags worth twice, even three times as much. This is America’s answer to the <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/reviews/review-the-2022-porsche-911-gt3-touring-is-motoring-at-its-very-best">Porsche GT3</a> and mid-engine Ferraris.

Watching videos of first driving impressions, you could swear you were watching people achieve pure bliss through some kind of experimental drug trip in the rainforest. So, yeah… we want to drive it real bad.
<h3><strong>2023 Dodge Hornet</strong></h3>
<img class="aligncenter wp-image-174031 size-full" src="https://wordpress.wheels.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dodge-hornet-glh-scaled.jpg" alt="Dodge Hornet" width="2560" height="1707" />

Like Dodge being forced to make <a href="https://www.wheels.ca/news/first-look-2023-dodge-hornet">the Hornet</a>, we too had to eat our vegetables and put at least one sensible crossover on the list.

However, what’s most intriguing about the new Hornet is that it seems like Dodge at least made an effort to add a little hot sauce to their vegetables. Sure the Hornet is more or less just a rebadged Alfa Romeo. But it mercifully doesn’t look like another boring, shapeless, road-going space egg. Dare we say this crossover actually has some character, some attitude, and a little <em>meanness</em> to its presence.

More importantly, Dodge is also promising some sincere performance across the model range in the form of big brakes, sticky tires, as well as respectable power and acceleration.

The Hornet GT comes with 265 horsepower as standard. An upcoming R/T plug-in hybrid model will make another 20 horsepower — Dodge says the R/T PHEV can do 60 mph in 6.1 seconds when using something called “Powershot mode” which temporarily adds another 25 horsepower (cool).

And there's a GLH model on the way which will make… s’more power and presumably will “go like hell”.

The base GT starts at $40,000 and while that might be a notable premium over segment champions like the RAV4, it’s a small price to pay for personality.

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Base Camp: 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Chevrolet Reveals 655 hp Electrified AWD 2024 Corvette E-Ray

5 Vehicles We’re Looking Forward To In 2023