Last July, Chevrolet presented the new and daring generation of the Corvette. In its 2020 edition, this popular sports car adopts a rear central engine configuration and abandons the idea of carrying it under the hood, where it had been since the 1950s. The manufacturer now reveals its convertible variant that reaches the public's eyes with another change of great importance and that begins a new chapter in its history.
For the first time since its conception, the convertible Corvette implements a rigid folding roof automatically instead of a canvas one. This, consisting of two pieces, is made of an ultralight laminated compound and is powered by six electric motors that allows it to retract in just 16 seconds. As if that were not enough, the operation can be carried out while the car is driven at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km / h).
"Our goal from the beginning was to ensure that customers did not have to sacrifice any functionality, performance or comfort when choosing the hardtop convertible," said Josh Holder, engineering manager of the Corvette program.
RELATED
Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 2020 in pictures
The rigid roof provides a quieter cabin, greater safety and a cleaner look compared to previous canvas roof models. In addition, its design allows it to be easily stored while maintaining the same storage capacity in the trunk.
It is handled unofficially that the convertible is between 80 and 100 pounds heavier than the base model, which is why Chevrolet slightly adjusts its suspension with the intention of both having a similar performance. Recall that from the beginning this vehicle was designed as a convertible, so it was not necessary to make major changes in its structure.
Like the coupe variant, the Convertible Corvette is driven by a 6.2-liter V8 engine capable of generating 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This state-of-the-art LT2 engine is combined with Chevrolet's first eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has no plans to launch a manual transmission version.
Outdoor driving has always been part of the Chevrolet Corvette's legacy. In fact, when the Corvette debuted in 1953, it was available only as a convertible. The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 2020 is based on that heritage as the first rigid roof and central engine convertible in the history of the Corvette.
The convertible variant starts at $ 67,500, that is, $ 7,500 more than the entry price of the coupe. The regular model is scheduled to enter production lines at the end of 2019, while the convertible has its appointment at the assembly plant by the end of the first quarter of 2020.
