The new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of Corvette since the very beginning in 1953. The Corvette Stingray convertible, which was unveiled for the first time at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.
With model year 2015, the Corvette Stingray offers the new Performance Data Recorder (PDR). This industry-first feature comes with an integrated camera, which records videos in HD quality and captures key telemetric data at the same time. The video, including the telemetric data, can be watched immediately when the car is in park. It can also be downloaded to a computer at home. The performance data recorder can be used to measure and compare the driver's performance on the racetrack.
All of the performance technology and capabilities introduced on the Corvette Stingray coupe carry over to the convertible. The only structural changes are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. The convertible features an all-new, fully electric top that can be lowered remotely using the key fob. The top can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds up to 50 km/h.
Central to the new Corvette Stingray's driving experience is an all-new, more rigid aluminum frame structure, which is 57 percent stiffer and 45 kg lighter than the current steel frame. The Chevrolet Corvette coupe and convertible are powered by the new LT1 6.2L V-8 engine.
With an output of 466 hp (343kW) and 630 Nm of torque, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.2 seconds, the Stingray is the most capable standard Corvette ever. It is also the most capable standard Corvette ever, thanks to a 0-100 acceleration of about four seconds. It is also the most fuel efficient standard Corvette produced so far.
The new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine features advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while requiring less fuel.
Driver technologies are equally sophisticated. A five-position Drive Mode Selector tailors 11 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver's environment while a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time.
The Corvette Stingray features Magnetic Ride Control, which adjusts shock damping based on road conditions as well as Launch Control, Active Handling (StabiliTrak stability control), Traction Control, and Performance Traction Management.
Lightweight materials were strategically applied in the carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel, composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels, and carbon-nano composite underbody panels. This helped shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance.
The Z51 performance package is standard on the European model of the Corvette Stingray and comprises: an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; specific shocks and springs; larger wheels; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.
The exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting, racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability.
The interior boasts real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, heated and vented power seats, a head-up-display, and Chevrolet’s latest MyLink connected radio with two 8-inch configurable connectivity screens.
The MyLink radio enables voice recognition and text-to-speech. Up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled devices can be paired and several of them connected at one time; connectivity is also possible through USB and aux-in jacks.
The screen above the integrated center stack offers full capacitive control with an animated human machine interface while the liquid crystal display in the instrument cluster is organized into sport, tour and track themes that can be changed using the Driver Mode Selector.
The Corvette Stingray coupe is built at GM's Bowling Green assembly plant in Kentucky, U.S.A.
