INDIANAPOLIS — The pace car that will lead the field to green before the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 was unveiled Wednesday.
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe was selected as this year's pace car for the Indy 500. The Corvette E-Ray features electrified all-wheel drive paired with naturally aspirated V8 power, giving the car 665 total horsepower.
“We are proud to announce the E-Ray, which is the first electrified and quickest production Corvette ever, will be pacing the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president. “As we often say, Chevrolet and IndyCar share the same spirit of competition and performance-oriented, cutting-edge technology, making E-Ray the perfect fit to pace this year’s race.”
The Corvette has paced the Indy 500 more times than any other car, with 2024 marking the 21st time overall and 35th for a Chevrolet-branded car.
“As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it’s only fitting that the quickest production Corvette will pace the field,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The performance enhancements tested on the track make their way to the street, and the Corvette E-Ray is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.”
The Corvette E-Ray boasts the ability to go from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, thanks to its electric drive unit. Its 6.2L V8 engine then helps it travel a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds. It is the only sports car on the market that pairs two separate propulsion systems, with one being electric and the other being naturally aspirated V8 power.
For fuel efficiency, the Corvette E-Ray features a "stealth mode," allowing it to operate exclusively on electric power for up to four miles at speeds of 45 mph.
The 108th Indy 500 is set for Sunday, May 26.