Corvette Converts the Z06

When one car model comes out with a convertible cousin, there are usually some sacrifices made to the body to accommodate the removable top. But that’s what makes the Z06 convertible stand out: there are virtually no major differences between the specifications of the coupe and convertible models, including everything from the rim size to the body to the engine.

 

Nearly identical to the coupe version, the convertible Z06 takes the same great aluminum frame structure sans the top. Designed from the floor up to be a top-down vehicle, the Z06 convertible mimics the aerodynamic aesthetics of the coupe version to increase performance and reduce drag, giving you the most out of your 650 horsepower engine. Each modification of the exotic Z06 body has been sculpted with purpose: the wider vents help keep the engine cool, the fender flares have been widened to support the larger tires, and the frame has been tweaked to generate the most downforce possible which increases high-speed stability and improves cornering. 

 

Imagine walking out to your Z06 convertible and dropping its top with the click of your key-fob. With the new, fully-electronic easy-open-drop-top, converting your Z06 is as easy as unlocking the doors. You can also lower the top while driving at 30 miles per hour or below (as if the Z06 wasn’t eye-catching enough). When you activate the drop-top, it even slides behind the seats in style using a "waterfall design." This new top makes mechanical latches a thing of the past. Even when you’re riding with the top up, the intuitive three-ply design ensures for maximum sound absorption to keep the cabin nice and quiet. Which is good, because the engine sure can roar.

 

 

Under the vented hood of the Z06 sits GM’s new supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V-8 engine just waiting to carve out those highways and racetracks. Chevrolet boasts a whopping 650 horsepower with 650 lb-ft of toque at your fingers (and toes) which should more than satisfy anyone’s hunger. Corvette has created essentially their most powerful convertible car ever, and continues break barriers with its transmission. While a seven-speed manual transmission comes standard in the beautiful beast, for the first time Corvette is also offering the convertible model with their new 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission with an optional manual shift control. A carbon-fiber torque tube manages the power from the engine to the rear transaxle, the direct fuel injection boosts engine efficiency and the Active Fuel Management ensures you get the most out of your gas tank. The continuously variable valve timing keeps the engine running smooth, even while it roars.

 

Personalize your Z06 convertible with four different retractable top colors, five different interior colors and choice of GT or Competition Sport seats. The seats are made from magnesium, resulting in superior strength with less weight than traditional steel frames. While the GT seats focus more on casual support and comfort, the Competition Sport seats allow for greater racing support on the track due to their more aggressive side bolstering. All models come with a fully wrapped interior with your choice of Napa leather, aluminum, carbon fiber and sueded microfiber.

 

 

One of the coolest features of the Z06 is the Drive Mode Selector. Usually an add-on customization to performance vehicles, the Z06 has one of these built in. This allows the driver to change the performance style of the car on a whim. Choose between five different driver modes: Eco, Sport, Tour, Track and Weather. These modes electronically calibrate up to 12 performance variables in order to quickly adapt to changing conditions, ensuring that you get the most out of your car no matter what road you drive.

 

And what could be better than driving a Z06 convertible wherever you go? How about a built-in Performance Data Recorder that lets you capture and share video of your amazing drives. Performance, Sport, Track and Touring driver modes allow for data capture including video, audio, speed, g-force, performance metrics, temperature, track times, and much more.

 

Chevrolet expects the Z06 convertible to hit dealerships early 2015. If you want the perfect mix of speed, power, performance and style, look no further than the Z06 convertible.