GXE Electric Corvette Offers 800 hp - and Manual Transmission!

Genovation Cars unveiled a production electrified version of the Chevrolet Corvette with 800 hp - and a manual transmission (!) - at CES 2018 in Las Vegas this week.

Based on a C7 Corvette, the Genovation model is called the GXE, and it takes the vehicle to a whole new performance level - even above the upcoming 755 hp Corvette ZR-1. 

Under the hood, the engine is replaced by two electric motors which combinedproduce more than 800 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque in the GXE. It has a top speed of 354 km/h and has a 0-to-96 km/h time of under three seconds.

And something that's nearly unheard of with an electric vehicle, the GXE is offered with a seven-speed manual transmission, as well as an eight-speed paddle-shifted automatic.

Genovation says the GXE has a range of 281 kilometres and it uses five battery packs, spread throughout the car, that have a capacity of 60 kWh. 

The powertrain is not the only thing that gets a makeover. The rear fascia gets reworked and brings back the circular taillights, there’s a transparent engine cover, Carbon Revolution carbon fibre wheels and an aero kit.

The interior is also modified, with all-new upholstery and a new touchscreen.

It will be available in Canada, the company said, and those interested can make a reservation online. No official prices have been confirmed, but the company has floated an expected price of US$750,000 in its promo videos last year.

Only 75 GXEs will be produced for now, Genovation said, with deliveries expected to start in 2018.