Two weeks after pulling the covers off the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 coupe in Dubai, Chevrolet has revealed the ZR1 convertible on home soil during the LA Motor Show, the first ZR1-badged dop-top since the original 1970 model.
GM say the convertible will not compromise on performance for the sake of style when compared with its coupe sibling, powered by the same 6.2-litre supercharged LT5 V8 engine pushing out 563kW of power and a staggering 969Nm of torque.
The addition of a folding roof - which can operate at speeds of up to 48km/h - hasn't hurt the curb weight too much either, with only a 27kg difference between the coupe and convertible models.
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said GM executive, Mark Reuss.
“Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
Straight off the lot the ZR1 convertible will be capable of hitting a top speed of 341km/h thanks to the supercharged engine, full aero package and low-mounted rear wing that generates road-holding downforce with minimal drag.
A ZTK Performance Package is also available, which includes a higher rear wing, carbon fiber front splitter, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and convertible-specific chassis and magnetic ride control tuning.
The convertible will certainly sound the part, too, fitted with a new, patent-pending exhaust system that'll play 'the most aggressive sound ever for a production Corvette.'
However the new design of the ZR1's exhaust does keep neighborly relations in mind with four modes and sound levels: Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track. In Stealth mode, GM say the ZR1 is quieter than the Corvette Z06, but in Track mode the note will be 'significantly louder.'
“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 (322km/h).”
The ZR1 range is due to go on sale early Q2, 2018 in the U.S. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, but don't expect any of it to be local ...
