Chevrolet has dropped the top on a convertible version of the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
They say it’s the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model.
The ZR1 convertible emphasises Corvette’s iconic proportions and functional sculpture, highlighting the seamless transition between the exterior and interior.
The ZR1 coupe will carry a suggested retail price of $US119,995, while the ZR1 convertible will start at $US123,995.
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, said.
“Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
The performance and technology introduced on the ZR1 coupe carry over to the new convertible.
The strength of the Corvette’s aluminium chassis means the only structural changes in the convertible are accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.
The power top can be operated remotely or while driving up to 50km/h.
In fact, the difference in weight between the ZR1 coupe and convertible is less than 27kg, with most of this weight attributed to the folding top hardware.
Powering the ZR1 is the exclusive LT5 6.2-litre supercharged engine, with 563kW of power and 969Nm of torque.
A seven-speed manual transmission or paddle-shift, eight-speed automatic transmission are offered with the car.
Preliminary testing has show a top speed 341km/h, 0-100km/h in under 3.0 seconds and the quarter mile in the high 10-second range when the engine is equipped with the eight-speed automatic.
