Chevrolet is dropping the top on the new 2019 Corvette ZR1 that was just unveiled a couple weeks ago with the ZR1 convertible. Since the C6 ZR1 was only available as a hardtop coupe, this C7 is the first Corvette ZR1 convertible since the 1970 model.
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing, and Supply Chain in a press release. “Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
To recap, the new ZR1 will be powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 engine making 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. It will be offered with either a seven-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic. Chevy says it hits zero to 60 in 3.0 seconds and can run the quarter mile in the 10-second range.
Other than the top going down, the ZR1 convertible has few differences from the coupe. It shares the same aluminum chassis and the only structural changes are repositioned seat belts and accommodations for the power retractable roof. The roof can fold either remotely or while driving up to 30 miles per hour. Chevy says the weight difference between the coupe and convertible is less than 60 pounds, with the convertible adding some heft due to the hardware for the folding top.
Convertibles used to be less desirable sports cars to some enthusiasts due to having less structural rigidity than their hardtop counterparts. A more rigid car means better performance on the track, but that problem has pretty much been engineered away. Sure, your performance will still be marginally better in a car with a fixed roof, but to most drivers in most driving situations, there’s no noticeable difference at all. We have a feeling the Corvette ZR1 convertible will be a good example of that.
“The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter attempting to quell any concern about compromising performance in the ZR1 convertible. “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.”
Pricing for the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 convertible starts at $123,995 which is a slight premium over the coupe which starts at $119,995. Like the coupe, the convertible will be available with the $2,995 ZTK performance package which includes a more ridiculous (but functional) adjustable rear wing, a front splitter with carbon fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning. The extra aero equipment means up to 950 pounds of downforce.
The ZR1 convertible will be on display at the LA Auto Show, which is officially open to the public starting this weekend. Look for it in dealerships next spring.