Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We're charging into season 44 with the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray... Next, Audra Fordin gases up with homegrown fuel saving tips... We'll celebrate a car enthusiast mecca going five decades strong... Then, relax and drive the Genesis GV80...

So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: Well hello, and welcome to the start of 44th season of MotorWeek !

We're glad to have you with us.

Big changes arrived for the Chevrolet Corvette in 2020 with the all-new C8 and its first-time rear, mid-engine chassis.

And as radical as that long-rumored change was, it was still packing a traditional naturally-aspirated V8 engine.

But that was just for starters.

Now, the hybrid Corvette E-Ray has arrived, and it's the quickest production Corvette yet.

So, let's see what a little electric assist adds to America's supercar.

♪ ♪ According to biologists, there are more than 200 known species of Stingray, and to add to that, we've now discovered another one, this 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray.

Available in both Coupe and Convertible versions, it's very obvious the E-Ray is a decedent of the widebody Corvette Z06.

Now...while it lacks the Z06's massive rear wing, it has its own set of aero enhancements, which can be further boosted with carbon fiber.

Same 20 and 21 inch wheels, but the E-Ray comes standard with all-season tires, though performance tires are available, as applied to our Riptide Blue Metallic Convertible.

The interior remains very familiar too, with the C8's squarish steering wheel and "great wall of controls" separating driver and passenger, while lots of E-Ray logos and 5-grand worth of optional carbon fiber in here set the tone.

Now, as for the powertrain specifics, despite the "E" in E-Ray, this is not a true EV.

There's not even a place to plug it in, and there is still a big lump of good ol' American pushrod V8 behind the seats.

Six point two liters worth, in the same tuning as the standard Stingray Z51 at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

The "E" part comes into play between the front wheels that are now driven by a 120 kilowatt electric motor delivering 160 horsepower.

That gives this gas-electric hybrid a combined output of 655 horsepower, while also making E-Ray the first all-wheel-drive Corvette ever.

But this 4-wheeler is not built for the trail, and while dual-motor setups are far from a novelty at this point, GM claims the E-Ray's is both unique and much simpler.

The gasoline engine takes care of just the rear wheels through the same 8-speed DCT as the regular Stingray, while the e-motor handles just the front wheels; both getting their orders from a new software package and your right foot.

The battery and all necessary hardware are integrated into a single assembly stored in the central tunnel, so there's zero intrusion on interior or trunk space.

We put in an order for some biggie size acceleration at our Mason Dixon test track, and the E-Ray delivered us a mega happy meal of torque.

Even on a very humid, 100 degree day, we rocketed to 60 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds, a blink of eye slower than the 2.5 seconds Chevy quotes for ideal conditions.

With one of the best launch controls we've ever experienced, the E-Ray delivers the kind of acceleration that sits just between fun and alarming.

With a full-on power assault through the whole quarter-mile, we finished in 11.0 seconds flat at 127 miles per hour.

We could clearly feel that front motor keeping steady power going for that brief microsecond that it takes the Stingray's DCT to find the next gear.

And there are some different sounds for sure.

Is that a shriek or squeal?

Who knows!

Is it real or fake?

Who cares!

It just sounds unique and cool.

There's just a tiny 1.9 kilowatt-hour battery, which you can usually charge back to full on the return trip to the starting line.

That means, a very limited EV-only range that GM calls Stealth Mode, where you can drive a short distance at modest speeds, perfect for quietly pulling away from your neighborhood.

The battery also never gets fully depleted, so there is always all-wheel-drive traction when you need it.

Hard to say what the e-motor really adds to handling, as the E-Ray absolutely cut up our cone course with surgical precision.

We also didn't notice any torque steer at launch, but punching the throttle coming out of a corner, or when making a lane change on the highway, you get a real sense of the amount of power being sent to those front wheels, and it's significant.

At 16 City and 19 Combined, most Government Fuel Economy Ratings are the same as the standard Stingray, but the E-Ray is rated for one fewer MPG on the Highway at 24.

We averaged a good 22.0 miles per gallon of Premium.

Pricing starts at $106,595; about 36-grand over a standard Stingray, but around 8-grand less than a Z06.

Now, purists may bristle at the drastic metamorphosis the Corvette has gone through recently, and now Chevrolet is even adding electric assist.

Heresy!

But there's much more to love in this hybrid; you get the same widebody look as the Z06, yet it's rated quicker, and still costs less!

Plus, it allows for silent getaways, and with all-wheel-drive is an even better long-distance road car.

Suddenly, the highly-refined 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray makes a vast amount of common sense.

♪ ♪ (car door closes) JOHN: Some of the most iconic automotive events started out as spontaneous passion projects by car lovers with no plans beyond providing something for likeminded enthusiasts to enjoy.

Well, Carlisle events has become one of those institutions, and this week our Greg Carloss charts its first 50 years of putting the "car" in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The year is 1974, the Ford Pinto is the bestselling car in America, the 5-mph bumper mandate is giving car designers fits, and here at these fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pennsylvania becomes an automotive mecca!

The idea for Carlisle Events was sparked a year earlier after two friends with the same last name, Bill Miller and the late Chip Miller, were kicked out of a popular car show.

BILL MILLER: We had a car that was 20 years old, and we were in our 20s, and we kind of thought it was an old car, but uh, they didn't agree with that situation and asked us to remove the car from the event, which we did.

GREG: Knowing there were others just like them who enjoyed cars from the 40s and 50s, Bill and Chip each put up $500 and the Post-War '74 car show was born.

But, it needed a home.

BILL: Actually, we rented the Carlisle Fairgrounds because it was the least expensive place to rent.

And it just was the ideal location.

We just didn't know any better in 1974.

GREG: Carlisle immediately became a magnet for car nuts in the North East, including us.

But as we found, people were coming from places much further than Owings Mills, Maryland.

CRAIG SINGHAUS: Where are you from in Australia?

PATRON: Well, New South Wales.

That's a state there...and, uh, we just, uh... We play around with cars too much of the time.

GREG: When the Carlisle Fairgrounds suddenly went up for sale in 1981, Bill and Chip formulated a business plan and officially became owners of the property.

BILL: We were perfect for each other to go into business because he liked to do all the paperwork end of things, and I like to be out with the people and mingle with everybody and talk to everybody.

So, it worked out really well for us.

He was behind the scenes in the early days with a lot of things.

GREG: Chip was also a Corvette connoisseur.

So, in 1982, he spearheaded a new event.

VOICE: Since 1982, Carlisle Productions has put on one of the most exciting all-Corvette meets anywhere.

GREG: Corvettes at Carlisle spawned a number of specialty events that went beyond the Spring and Fall automotive flea markets, and by the early 2000's Carlisle truly had something for everyone.

Unfortunately, Chip Miller passed away in 2004.

LANCE MILLER: So, you know, upon my father's passing in 2004, it was one of those things.

My mom was then 50 percent partner.

She did not enjoy doing business at all...obviously, I know all about the company, uh, get along with Bill and let's see where it goes.

I mean, Carlisle has done so much as far as my personal life.

I think of many of my best friends are car people... it's like hosting a big party, but you really do bond with all these different participants, whether they're show goers, vendors, uh, or just people coming in the gate.

You get to know people.

They come each year.

RICHARD DEFABRIZIO: We've been coming here since 1974 as a vendor.

My whole family was into cars.

My father had all kind of crazy cars since the '50s.

KIM HUMMEL: And you meet the nicest people.

I...it's not that I sell a whole lot...make any money, but you meet people, and...and it's great.

It's a great atmosphere.

STEPHEN P. CREMO: Men, I've been coming here since I'm 20 years old, and now I am 65, 45 years later.

It's a great event.

It's one of the greatest ones in the whole country.

GREG: Carlisle Events now hosts more than a dozen annual shows, which attract over half a million people.

And backdropped by the fairgrounds' new historical display, Bill seems to know every single person.

BILL: I'd love to see another 50 years, but I know...I won't.

But...uh, Lance, my partners involved, my sons involved...and, I'm hoping that, they can do the hundredth anniversary with MotorWeek .

JOHN: New tech, more efficient engines, better fuel all help us save money at the pump, but there's still more work to be done.

Be it your daily driver new or old, Audra Fordin has some dollars and cents tips that you can try yourself on MotorWeek's "Your Drive!"

♪ ♪ AUDRA FORDIN: Whether, you drive the latest car model or something older, here's some simple savings tips that you can use to maximize your range or fuel economy.

Let's start with a trick that everyone can do, it's weight savings!

Start by opening the trunk... and cleaning out the junk!

Every 100 pounds of extra weight decreases your fuel economy by 2.0 percent.

Now, this affects smaller, less powerful vehicles more than larger ones.

So, don't stress your little engine out by hauling around extra cargo.

If you have a ski rack or a cargo carrier that isn't being used, consider removing it to save weight.

These add-ons increase your aerodynamic drag and decrease your fuel economy.

On the topic of aerodynamics, make sure all your vehicle's undertrays are secured.

Not only is this the safe thing to do, but it can, once again, improve airflow.

And that leads us to under the hood maintenance.

Over time, your car's air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, which means it's not doing its job well!

But, if you let it get all gummed up, your engine uses more fuel to keep it running smoothly to compensate for that lack of air.

So, be sure to change the filter at least once a year.

Moving down low, routinely check your tire pressure.

Improperly inflated tires can cost you up to 2.0 percent in fuel economy.

Once you're on the road, there's a number of things you can do to keep the MPGs in the green.

We all know traffic is a pain in the butt, but it can also be a pain in the gas!

Constant braking and slow acceleration can drain your tank quicker, and idling can use a quarter to a half of a gallon of fuel per hour depending on the engine size and which accessories are running.

So, try to avoid and excessive idling and rerouting to avoid traffic when you can.

Now, when you're on the move, chill out and enjoy the drive.

Aggressive and fast driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5.0 percent around town.

And by the way, sensible driving is also safer.

More than money...you may save a life.

Lastly, if your car has an eco-mode, try it out!

This setting limits hard acceleration, cuts power delivery, adjusts shift mapping and more.

Pay attention to how it changes the driving dynamics that will give you an idea on how you can change your driving style to save fuel.

If you have any comments or questions, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: The latest automobiles brought right to your screen.

It's not just delivery, it's another QuickSpin!

♪ ♪ JESSICA RAY: There's never been a better time to buy an Overlander that's ready right out of the box, but some do come more ready than others like this 2024 Ford Bronco Everglades.

For starters, you can tell this is not your average Bronco, and not just because of the large "Everglades" fender graphic.

Configured only as a 4-door model and standard equipped with the Sasquatch Package, the Everglades rolls on unique 17 inch wheels wrapped by 35 inch Mud-Terrain tires.

That setup attributes to the total 11.7 inches of ground clearance, but rock rails and bash plates are in place for those larger obstacles; and mounted to the heavy-duty front bumper is the included WARN winch with up to 10,000 pounds of pull.

A passenger-side snorkel sucks in fresh air for the 2.3 liter turbo-4, producing up to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel.

This EcoBoost is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 4.7 final drive ratio and electronic-locking axles.

The snorkel also helps the Everglades achieve its 36.4 inches of water fording, along with extended vents for important undercarriage components.

And while diehard off-roaders may like to leave a coat of mud on the outside post-adventure, no one likes a dirty cabin.

Marine Grade vinyl seats and rubberized floor make cleanup a breeze.

This Everglades is ready for the thick of it.

That said, saddling up on dry land sees few sacrifices.

ALEXANDER KELLUM: Despite the name, you don't have to track the Everglades through alligator-infested waters to get a kick.

In fact, I think this thing will do just fine in most overlanding conditions.

And then, out here on public roads where they will, admittedly, spend most of their time...it's just fine.

Despite the extra ground clearance, it doesn't feel too lofty.

It's actually pretty planted.

Yes, the mud-terrain tires, they do give off a little bit of extra road noise, but that's just one of the sacrifices that comes with having this kind of rubber.

JESSICA: The 2024 Ford Bronco Everglades starts just over $57,000 with destination, a sizeable increase over an entry-level Big Bend's $41,000.

But considering all the upgrades, backed by a warranty to boot, that doesn't seem like a bad deal to us.

GREG: With more and more options blooming, this 2024 Nissan LEAF floated down to our studio to show us what's new with this pioneering, yet sometimes overlooked battery-electric option.

This SV Plus is the most appointed of two trims, including the powertrain.

It uses a larger 60 kilowatt-hour battery and a more powerful 214 horsepower front-wheel-drive electric motor, upgrades over the base LEAF's 40 kilowatt-hour battery and 147 horsepower motor.

Yes, 250 pound-feet of torque make the SV Plus a peppy little machine, but buyers are more likely drawn in by the EPA-estimated 212 mile range.

We think that's great for this little five-seater as a second car, but the base model's 149 miles may be an adequate commuter for some.

Seventeen inch wheels and LED headlights give away the SV Plus from the outside, but both models appear quite similar-- as do their cabins; but the SV Plus packs a little bit more, like power and heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 7.0 inch, smartphone-compatible infotainment screen is standard in both, as are a number of safety and convenience features, with the Plus getting a slight edge there with Nissan's ProPilot Assist suite.

With the lowest list price of any battery-electric sold in the U.S., the 2024 Nissan LEAF starts just under $30,000, and that's before potential incentives.

The SV Plus commands a bit more, starting around $37,000.

While, it's isn't the ultimate EV in range, to us, the LEAF remains a quality option for consumers looking to branch out into EV living without pulling the plug on your bank account.

And we'll have more QuickSpins...soon!

JOHN: The Genesis GV80 arrived on the scene for 2021 as the brand's first utility vehicle, and it's gotten a few subtle updates since, but none as comprehensive as what's in store for 2025.

So, let's find out if the value proposition remains as high as its indulgence factor.

♪ ♪ When Hyundai launched their new luxury sub-brand Genesis, few people questioned that it would be successful, as both Hyundai's recent track record and their big R+D budget would both be key ingredients to ensuring it had staying power.

But many people did question how long they'd be able to offer such a high level of extravagance for such a relatively low price compared to the traditional European luxury brands they were taking aim at, surely that would have to level out at some point.

Well, 2025 is not that time just yet, as this updated Genesis GV80 utility seems to deliver more boujee bang for your boutique bucks than ever.

We'll start by taking the wraps off the GV80's recent facelift.

Up front, the Crest grille gets a new twin-line motif to better match the 2-line headlamps which appear even slimmer looking thanks to the Micro Lens Array technology.

Bigger changes take place inside with a whole new dash design that incorporates the multimedia and driver information into one 27 inch-wide OLED display.

Materials throughout the cabin get an upgrade too, and the center console has been revised with the upper control panel gaining volume and tuning knobs for the radio.

They've even updated their crystal-like gear selector and other controls for more substantial feel and function, while also making the cupholders bigger and wireless phone charging easier to access.

Five-passenger capacity is the standard arrangement in 4-cylinder GV80s, with a small two-place 3rd row standard with the V6s, though our top Prestige trim does without the 3rd row.

As in most midsize utilities, that space is better used for cargo than passengers anyway; 36.5 cubic-feet behind the 2nd row, and 71.7 with seatbacks folded.

That base 4-cylinder engine is a 300 horsepower 2.5 liter turbo; the upgrade is this 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 which delivers 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.

Both have the same output as last year and both come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel-drive is now standard in all GV80s.

Maximum towing capacity remains 6,000 pounds.

At our test track, this twin-turbo was pulling us off the line so smoothly, it was hard to believe we were hitting 60 in just 5.6 seconds.

Power poured on steadily throughout the 13.9 second quarter-mile which we finished at 102 miles per hour.

Through the handling course, body roll was very evident, just as we noted in our original GV80 test back in 2021; but even with the very soft suspension, overall balance is quite good, and all-wheel-drive grip is plentiful, as it could be hustled through the cones quite spiritedly without excessive understeer or even stability control intervention.

Nothing but smooth in our panic braking test too, as stops averaged a quite short 103 feet from 60 with the expected amount of nosedive and even a decent amount of feel through the brake pedal.

And just to further stake their claim in the modern luxury utility landscape, arriving with this updated '25 GV80 is a sleek coupe version with sloped-roof style and a unique 3.5 liter turbo engine with an electronically driven supercharger.

A final change of note for '25 is an expanded trim structure, making for many more available choices, starting with the 2.5T Standard at $59,050; 3.5Ts are available in Advanced and Prestige trim only starting at $75,150.

Just because it costs significantly less than its European luxury brand rivals, don't think for a minute you'll be getting anything less with the 2025 Genesis GV80.

For when it comes to delivering a lavish driving experience that won't direct you to the poor house, it looks like Genesis is just getting started.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time for a gold standard of mid-size sedan luxury, the latest Mercedes-Benz E Class.

We'll then get rough with the GMC Hummer EV SUV.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek !

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

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