Chevrolet unveils the Corvette ZR1 Convertible at the LA auto show

Chevrolet revealed the Corvette ZR1 Convertible at the LA auto show, just three weeks after it showcased the coupe version. The ZR1 convertible shares the powertrain with its coupe variant. The ZR1 Convertible is also the first drophead since the 1970 ZR1 model.

The ZR1 convertible has gained 27kg of weight as compared to the coupe version owing to the folding roof as well as chassis tweaking, to maintain the rigidity. The folding top roof can be operated at driving speeds up to 48kmph. It shares the LT5 6.5-litre supercharged V8 engine, making 755bhp and 969Nm peak twist. Transmission option includes a 7-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Chevrolet also claims that the convertible retains the coupe’s top speed of 341kmph. Other than that, it also retains the aerodynamic package from the ZR1 coupe including the ZTK that help generate up to 431kg of down force.

“The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar and 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 320kmph” said Tadge Juechter executive chief engineer of Corvette at the launch event in Los Angeles.