Chevrolet unveiled the latest 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible on Tuesday for day one of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. A new model that was highly anticipated even before it was officially confirmed, the Corvette convertible is the very root of America's most iconic sports car.
"The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. "With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously. As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design."
The only structural differences between the Stingray coupe and convertible are the modifications necessary to package a folding top and the repositioning of safety belt mounts. In fact, even the Corvette's 50/50 weight distribution and power-to-weight ratio remains undisturbed. A clever 3-ply soft top architecture not only offers remarkable sound insulation and protection from the elements, Chevrolet claims that the Corvette Stingray convertible top can open and close at speeds up to 30 mph.
No structural reinforcements were necessary for the convertible as the chassis is already 57 percent stiffer and nearly 100 lbs. lighter than the outgoing steel frame. What's more, the convertible will boast identical performance figures as the Stingray coupe, featuring the 6.2 liter LT1 V8 engine producing 450 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque.
Chevrolet will release the 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible into the market beginning late 2013. Minor equipment will be modified to meet the standards of the different markets around the globe, including headlamp washers and side mirror placement.
"It's fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva, because Corvette is the face of Chevrolet the world over," said president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe Susan Docherty. "It is an icon that has long been recognised and admired even in countries where it's never officially been offered."
Finally, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter explained the goal of the Corvette design team:
"We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the 'Stingray' name. Because it was designed from the beginning as an open top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience - no matter what configuration you choose."
