C8 Corvette Stringray convertible breaks cover
More than 65 years after the first Corvette was convertible only, here's the latest - with a metal roof, too...
Times they are a changing at Bowling Green, Kentucky. Not content with introducing the first mid-engined Corvette earlier this year, Chevrolet has now made the first Corvette convertible with a metal roof. And, of course, it's the first mid-engined one, too.
Interestingly, Chevrolet says the new Stingray was made "first and foremost as a convertible", meaning that "nearly" the same dynamic performance is promised, and the ability to carry two sets of golf clubs is retained. That's called balancing priorities, or something.
Fundamentally, then, the architecture is identical - "the tunnel-dominant structure and use of high-integrity die-cast parts" - with the two-piece top replacing the coupe roof. Powered by half a dozen electric motors (where previously hydraulic systems were used), it can be lowered or raised in 16 seconds at up to 30mph. Chevy says roof up drag co-efficient is identical to the coupe, and that attention has been focussed on keeping that big 6.2 cool when the roof is lowered - this means composite stowage compartment panels, heat shields and a vent in the tonneau.
The powertrain is carried over unchanged from convertible to coupe, the C8 drop-top making 495hp and 470lb ft, paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch. There isn't yet weight or performance figures released for the convertible, though Chevrolet maintains that springs and damper tweaks provide "nearly the same performance as the coupe." Certainly the metal roof will carry more of a weight penalty than a fabric alternative; the advantages in refinement, security and style deemed worth the additional pounds.
Buyers will have the choice of a body-coloured retractable hardtop, or the 'Carbon Flash' optional item as seen here. There isn't yet a price for that, but Chevy has confirmed that the convertible C8 will retail for only $7,500 more than the coupe - meaning a starting price in the US of $67,495. The car will go into production early next year, with a right-hand drive version of the convertible coming "in select international markets at a later date." Could be a rather interesting alternative to the norm, couldn't it?
Little, if any, change from £100,000 is my guess. The current crop of C7 Grand Sports available in UK are already £90,000
https://www.ianallanvirginiawater.co.uk/used-cars-...
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives...
Shame it will never be £45k and o don’t know if there are plans for a RHD version. I suspect not. A real shame. My wife’s mustang is a lovely place to be, and whilst it is RHD some minor inconveniences aside with how they have converted them over (screen points slightly to the passenger, wing mirrors) it’s a cracking car.
Which do you think will have the lower running costs?
I know I know, you are converting USD to GPB to get that figure. But that isn't a realistic way of comparing.
The current Corvette starts as 55k in the USA. If it was 55k here, that wouldn't be unreasonable however.
Rather than converting currencies, just swap the symbol. The average person in the USA earns comparable money to we do in relative terms, so it works out quite well this way.
For example, a Fiesta ST in the USA starts at 21,340 which is very similar to ST in the UK which starts as 20,700. The same sort of person in the USA with the same sort of take home pay as someone in the UK could own such a vehicle.
The issue we get here is, some car makers for some models get greedy and massively overcharge for the model. Such as the Mustang and past GM performance offerings.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives...
I fully appreciate that someone who is in the market for a new Ferrari or McLaren is probably not going to consider a Corvette as an alternative, but someone looking to buy a 570s 3 or 4 years down the road may well think differently, and this will effect residuals. And residuals matter - it effects the finance deals on offer and the overall cost of ownership. Supercar buyers are generally, in my experience, not stupid and they look at these things.
The actual market for these cars is not large, and if GM start to ship over big volumes ( by supercar standards ) this will have a big effect. Good news for someone looking to go shopping in a few years, maybe not so good for current owners. And that means not good news for McLaren, Aston et al....
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives...
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