A couple of weeks ago we reported about the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 that was unveiled in Dubai. It was a significant moment for the company, and for the Corvette fans, because the new ZR1 had a lot of expectations. Now, for people who like convertibles, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible has been revealed as well.
The new Convertible ZR1 Convertible is the first convertible model after the original 1970 model year ZR1. Just like its coupe variant, this too has got a lot of expectations from its fans. Speaking at the unveiling, Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, said, “The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects. Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible's power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
To make the Corvette ZR1 Coupe into a convertible, Chevrolet has taken the advantage of the high strength of the aluminium chassis of the car, and hence, it only had to make structural changes to accommodate the folding rooftop and the seat belt mounts. Of course, adding an additional machinery and space to fit in the top, the Convertible has gained weight, but Chevrolet says that the kerb weight difference between the Coupe and Convertible is less than 27 kg.
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Powering the new Convertible is the same engine that has been hidden under the hood of its Coupe model. It is a 6.2-litre, LT5, supercharged engine that produces 755 bhp of power and a ground-breaking torque of 969 Nm, which is transmitted to the wheels either by a 7-speed manual transmission or by Chevrolet's-first paddle-shift 8-speed automatic gearbox. Chevrolet says that this LT5 engine has got a larger supercharger compared to that of the LT4. Therefore, it produces more boost while spinning at slightly slower speed. All this combined together takes the Corvette from a standstill to 96.5 kph in under 3 seconds and a quarter-mile run in the high 10-second range (in the automatic variant).
To make things more interesting for the enthusiasts, Chevrolet is offering its new ZTK Performance Package. This includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning. It is designed to help generate faster lap times through maximum grip in the corners, with up to 430 kg of downforce. The top speed is lower with the High Wing but still exceeds 320 kph.
And a car as powerful as the Corvette ZR1, should better sound like one too. Chevrolet has got a patent-pending exhaust system for the massive LT5 powered Corvette. And it's going to be the meanest and most aggressive exhaust note ever for a production Corvette. The exhaust system has got four different modes - Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track. In Stealth mode, the ZR1 is quieter than the Corvette Z06, while in Track mode it is significantly louder. In Track mode, a spring-loaded passive valve closes to allow virtually unrestricted exhaust flow for maximum performance. The exhaust note for all modes was carefully tuned to deliver a distinctive sound.
Corvette Executive Chief Engineer, Tadge Juechter, said, “The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar. Thanks to the strong structure, the suspension tuning between coupe and convertible models are identical, meaning the ZR1 convertible offers the same benchmark performance, including a top speed of over 320 kph.”
The new 2019 Corvette ZR1 Coupe, as well as the ZR1 Convertible, will be up for display at the 2017 LA Auto Show from Dec 1 to Dec 10. The sales of these cars will begin next summer.
