Chevy is bringing back the Stingray name in a big way with its all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette -- in both coupe and now convertible flavors. Following in the meaty tire tracks of the Stingray coupe that bowed earlier this year, Chevy has just revealed the convertible version of its new C7 Vette at the 2013 Geneva auto show.
Like the coupe, the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stingray Convertible will be powered by the same LT1 6.2L V-8, churning out an estimated 450 hp and 450 lb-ft torque. Harnessing all those ponies will be an all-new, seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for more accurate shifts, or a six-speed automatic.
"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, in a release announcing the new convertible. "The Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design."
Quite a shock: the convertible top will include a glass, rear-window! It will also be constructed from three-ply fabric and sound absorbing material designed to reduce road noise while up. The top will also have the ability of being lowered at speeds of up to 30 mph; and can be activated remotely using a key fob. No additional structural support was needed due to the car's new stronger aluminum frame, keeping the C7 drop-top lighter and more efficient (the new convertible is 99-lbs lighter than the outgoing C6 model with the steel frame construction). Additionally, the power to weight ratio of the new coupe and convertible are virtually the same.
"We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the Stingray name," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer in the release. "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."
The Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible arrive in global markets in late 2013. Expect the convertible to set you back around $65,000 or so when it hits Chevy dealers.