Chevy introduces fastest Corvette Convertible ever

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran
Published January 12, 2012 | High Gear Media

The C6 Chevrolet Corvette enters its final year in 2013 and as a last hurrah Chevy is launching the new Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition, the fastest and most capable Corvette convertible ever launched.

That 427, as most small-block fans will recognize, is the cubic-inch displacement of GM’s 7.0-liter race-bred LS7 V-8, and the engine’s application in the Corvette convertible makes this particular ‘Vette an instant classic.

Peak output remains at 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and just like in the Z06, where the Corvette 427 Convertible gets its engine, a six-speed manual is the only transmission option.

In addition to the engine, the Corvette 427 Convertible also picks up the Corvette Z06’s driveline and rear axle system and latest-generation Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires and are the machine-face Cup type introduced last year. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The Corvette 427 Convertible also features several carbon fiber components that help reduce weight, including the hood, fenders, and floor panels. Buyers can also opt for a “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and set of rocker panels.

In case you’re wondering, the final curb weight of the new special edition is 3,355 pounds, which means the car has a power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. The combination of low mass and high output should make the Corvette 427 Convertible one of the fastest drop-tops in the world, with estimates coming in at 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

All 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1. And if you’re interested, you better act fast as this model is likely to run out quick and we’re not sure when Chevrolet is likely to offer another.
Note, 2013 also marks 60 years since the launch of the first Corvette back in 1953 and in honor of the milestone Chevrolet is offering a special 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvettes.

The package includes a unique Arctic White exterior, a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents, a ZR1-style rear spoiler, gray-painted brake calipers, and special badging including “60th” emblems.

The 60th Anniversary Package as well as the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 21. First sales start early this summer.



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Good looking Vette!

 

That really is a sick looking Vette.

 

Yep, pretty cool, I wonder how close it will be on either side of a 100k in price?

 

Interesting how Chevy's managed to keep the Vette's weight about at the same level (3,200-3,400 lbs) for about the past 50 years while pretty much every other car in the world has larded up immensely. This doesn't just include the various carbon-fiber/AL specialty Vette model either.

 

I absolutely love this Vette. Ok I pretty much love any Z06.

 

That has been central to the Corvettes performance philosophy but not without cost. The S-197 Mustang exhibits greater torsional rigidity due in part to its added bulk.

It would have been nice if Ford could have arrived at that higher rigidity without penalty but it seems like that was common practice in the industry except for a few fringe players (Lotus is an obvious answer... well until Dany Bahar took over) The germans certainly didn't embrace better performance though light wieght for the most part.

Although in an odd twist of fate, I suppose we can thank the EPA and CAFE for a change in heart. Had congress not mandated such an extreme change in CAFE numbers I'm sure just about every vehicle manufacturer would have been happy to plod along packing on the pounds with each successive model.