The new Corvette Stingray Convertible made its first public outing at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show today, and we must admit, it looks as good, if not better, in the flesh than what the renderings (?) and the official studio shots hinted at.
Chevrolet says the new Corvette Stingray was designed from the get-go to be offered as a convertible model, and as a result, the only structural changes compared to the coupe are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.
According to Chevrolet, since no structural reinforcements were required for the convertible, both Stingray models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.
"With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. "As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design."
The Corvette Stingray Convertible is fitted with a fully automatic top that can be opened or closed remotely using the key fob from the outside, and at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31mph) when inside.
Like the coupe, the soft-top version is powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V8 delivering an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque, paired to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
Customers can also fit the convertible with the track-capable Z51 Performance Package, which includes the following items: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package to improve high-speed stability.
"We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the ‘Stingray’ name,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Because it was designed from the beginning as an open top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience - no matter what configuration you choose.”
Both the Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible will arrive in global markets in late 2013. According to GM, changes for Corvettes destined for export "vary only in equipment required to accommodate the respective markets’ regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers, and outside mirrors".
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