2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - C7 Drops Top For Global Close-Up

There was little doubt that the all new C7 Corvette coupe would quickly be joined by a convertible, but few expected the drop-top 'Vette to bow outside the U.S. Yet that's exactly what happened-the new Stingray convertible made its debut at the 2013 Geneva auto show. The venue was a clear indication that GM wants the C7 to be a global success. Though it will only be offered in left-hand drive, the 2014 Corvette coupe and convertible will hit the streets later this year in Europe, the U.K, Russia, the Middle East, and Japan as well as North America. World-market changes will be limited to those necessitated by local regulations.

There was little doubt that the all new C7 Corvette coupe would quickly be joined by a convertible, but few expected the drop-top 'Vette to bow outside the U.S.

Because the C7 was designed from the get-go as an open-top car, the differences between the coupe and convertible that don't relate to the roof are minimal, with the only exterior distinctions limited to the placement of air intakes for the differential and transmission coolers included with the Z51 package. As the coupe and convertible weigh roughly the same, the C7 convertible should retain the coupe's claimed 50/50 weight balance. The use of a stiff aluminum frame allowed engineers to skip the extra bracing typically necessary when the roof is cut off. The C7 convertible's soft top employs several enhancements over the C6's design. The manually operated latches have been done away with, enabling the top to be operated remotely via the key fob. It can now be operated at up to 30-mph speeds. Chevrolet says it takes 21 seconds to lower and presumably dose it. The three-layer fabric top also features additional sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window.

The C7 convertible's soft top employs several enhancements over the C6's design.

The use of a stiff aluminum frame allowed engineers to skip the extra bracing typically necessary when the roof is cut off.

Like the coupe, the 2014 Corvette convertible is powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V-8 with roughly 450hp and 450 lb-ft of torque (SAE-certified figures weren't available at press time), mated to either a six-speed automatic or seven-speed manual with Active Rev Matching feature. The Z51 package remains, as well as the intake positioning. It comes with the same differential and transmission coolers, electronic limited-slip differential, 19/20-inch wheels front/rear with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, 13.6/133-inch front/rear brakes, and optional Magnetic Ride Control.

Like the coupe, the 2014 Corvette convertible is powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V-8 with roughly 450hp and 450 lb-ft of torque

It'll come with a more premium interior than the C6. The base 2013 Corvette convertible starts at $55,595; expect the new drop-top ‘Vette to base around $65,000.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - C7 Drops Top For Global Close-Up