Chevrolet unveiling Corvette Z06 Convertible in NY

ChevroletChevroletUnited States of America, 1911 > present82 models
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is preparing the launch of the top-range Z06 Convertible version of its CorvetteChevrolet Chevrolet Corvette Gen.7 [C7]United States of America, 2013 > present13 versions
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sports car. The world debut will take place at the New York Auto Show which is starting this week. With 625hp the new Z06 becomes the most powerful convertible ever produced by Chevrolet.

Although this isn't the first soft-top Z06, this is the first fully-developed performance convertible version of the Corvette. The first and one-off version had been produced back in 1963.

Chevrolet describes the Corvette Z06 Convertible as pretty much identical to the CoupéChevrolet Corvette Z06United States of America, 2015 > present version. Only minor details differ the two versions. There were no structural changes for the convertible version, which gets the same aluminium chassis, 20 per cent stiffer than the previous Corvette generation. Both versions weight pretty much the same and get the same chassis tuning. The convertible is available with track-focused Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires as well as carbon-ceramic brakes are available and three different aerodynamic packages.

The Corvette Z06 Convertible gets “at least” 625hp from the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine. Just like it happens with the coupé version customers will be able to choose between a seven-speed manual or eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions.

“The Z06 Convertible is a world-class supercar in every sense,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development. “Only a handful of convertibles in the world bring more than 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Even fewer can match the advanced technologies, aerodynamic design, and visceral driving experience of the Z06 Convertible.”

The new Z06 varaint gets a powerered soft-top that can be lowered automatically to at speeds up to 48km/h. It follows the classic Corvette “waterfall” look, with a body-color insert behind the seats. Because it doesn't have enough space on the rear quarter panels, the differential and transmission cooler air intakes had to be moved to underneath the car.