The Week In Review: January 27 | Automotive

Corvette, Acura and Mazda grab the headlines this week

January is coming to an end (Finally!) and this is considered the slow time of year for the auto industry. Coming up in about 10 days is the first major auto show of the year, the Chicago Auto Show. I will be attending and reporting on the news from CAS, which is actually my favorite auto show to cover.

Prior to CAS, this week is the National Auto Dealers Association conference (NADA). There will surely be news breaking from this show that we will report on next week. For now, let’s take a look at news from Mazda, Chevy and Acura.

2024 Chevy E-ray

Ford electrified the Mustang and it caused ripples amongst enthusiasts, now Chevy is electrifying the iconic Corvette with the announcement of that in honor of the car’s 70th anniversary, the first-ever electrified Corvette with all-wheel-drive and a powerful 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8 will be known as the 2024 E-Ray.

“In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicked off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors president. “E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver.”

The E-Ray will be the quickest production Corvette in history, clocking a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds.

“Corvettes must provide an exhilarating driving experience on backroads and tracks, and E-Ray nails it,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “The electrification technology enhances the feeling of control in all conditions, adding an unexpected degree of composure.”

A near immediate feeling of thrust from low-end torque is core to the Corvette driving experience, and the E-Ray packs plenty of it. Power comes from the 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8, putting 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle. It is complemented by an electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack, which is located between the seats. In total, E-Ray produces a combined 655 horsepower from both the electric motor and Small Block V-8.

Speaking of Corvette, GM Authority reports that the C9 Corvette will debut in the 2029 model year.

Most powerful gasoline engine developed by Mazda

Early next week, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 will make its debut. We will be attending the premier and reporting on this brand new SUV from Mazda.

The CX-90 will be offered with a highly anticipated all-new powerful and responsive 3.3L Inline Six e-Skyactiv Turbo engine.

The available 3.3-liter inline six turbo will have the highest horsepower and torque from a mass production gasoline engine developed by Mazda with 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using the recommended premium fuel. This engine provides CX-90 an engaging driving experience with a rewarding exhaust note, while also featuring a mild-hybrid system for efficiency without compromising on performance.

This inline six turbo is developed specifically for the large platform, Mazda’s all-new rear-biased all-wheel drive layout that supports a performance-focused experience.

2024 Acura Integra Type S will debut at Daytona