For those that want to really hear that supercharged V-8 engine.
Chevrolet just unveiled the new Corvette ZR1 Coupe and the Corvette ZR1 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible marks the first time since the original 1970 model-year ZR1 that a convertible has been offered. Although it has a drop-top, it still has some seriously incredible performance and loves to spin its custom wheels.
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
Unlike many convertible variants of sports cars, the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible weighs less than 60 lbs. more than the ZR1 Coupe. This comes thanks to the C7-generation Corvette’s high-strength aluminum chassis requiring only minimum modifications. After the safety belt mounts were moved and the power top was accommodated, very little weight had been added.
The same LT5 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 in the ZR1 Coupe powers the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible’s rear custom wheels. The SAE-certified 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft. of torque output allows the super car to reach 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds from rest. The quarter-mile time was in the high-10.0-second range with the automatic option.
Just like the Coupe, the ZR1 Convertible will be offered with a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that sends power to the rear custom wheels. A new exhaust system utilizes spring-loaded valves to control the volume and allows drivers to choose between four modes: Stealth, Tour, Sport, and Track to fill the open-air cabin.
“The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. “Thanks to the strong structure, the suspension tuning between coupe and convertible models is identical, meaning the ZR1 convertible offers the same benchmark performance, including a top speed of over 200 mph.”
Many of the same aerodynamic packages will also be available on the Corvette ZR1 Convertible. The standard aero package is designed for speed, while an optional $2,995 ZTK Performance Package tacks on carbon fiber aero that generates downforce for better handling. The package also includes a custom-tuned Magnetic Ride Control system as well as stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for the custom wheels to wear.
The new 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible will be available in 2018 with an MSRP of $123,995.
Source: Chevrolet
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