LA MOTOR SHOW: Chevrolet drops Corvette ZR1's top
First Corvette ZR1 convertible since 1970 revealed; could come Down UnderChevrolet has staged the world debut of its first Corvette ZR1 convertible since the original was revealed for the 1970 model year.
And given the Corvette is believed to be the rear-drive V8 sports car Holden has promised to release in Australia, there’s a chance it could be sold here.
However, it’s only a slim chance because it’s based on the current, seventh-generation (C7) Corvette that’s not produced in right-hand drive but will be sold in the alongside the next-generation mid-engined C8 Corvette, which will be a global model.
Like the 2019 Corvette ZR1 coupe, which was revealed two weeks ago ahead of its US release in the second quarter of 2018, the convertible packs an epic 563kW/969Nm supercharged 6.2-litre LT5 V8.
Full details are yet to be announced, but the 2019 ZR1 is claimed to be the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever produced, with a claimed top speed of 341km/h and tha bility to operate its soft-top at speeds up to 50km/h.
Chevrolet says “the performance and technology introduced on the Corvette ZR1 coupe carry over” to the convertible version, because the only structural changes to its aluminium chassis are accommodations for the folding top and repositioned seat belt mounts.
It claims the kerb weight difference between the ZR1 coupe and convertible is less than 27kg, with most of the difference attributed to the folding top hardware.
“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 200mph.”
The Corvette ZR1’s unique aero package comes standard with a stanchion-mounted ‘Low Wing’ that “generates road-holding downforce with minimal drag” but an adjustable High Wing is part of a new $US2995 ZTK Performance Package.
Together with a revised front splitter with carbon-fibre end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning, it’s designed to generate faster lap times via more grip from up to 430kg of downforce. Top speed is lower with the High Wing but still exceeds 200mph, says Chevy.
Fitted with a seven-speed manual transmission and, in a ZR1 first, eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, Chevrolet claims preliminary testing has shown it can hit 60mph (97km/h) in less than three seconds and complete the quarter-mile in the high 10-second range in auto guise.
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Fitted with a total of 13 radiators and a new four-mode (‘Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track’) exhaust, the ZR1 is claimed to be quieter than the Corvette Z06 in Stealth mode, but “significantly louder” in Track mode.
In North America, the ZR1 coupe is priced at $US119,995 ($A159K) plus on-road costs, while the ZR1 convertible will start at $US123,995 ($A164K).
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said GM executive vice-president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, Mark Reuss.
“Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
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