Autoblog

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is a Swiss hit

Chris Paukert — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Design/Style

We've just received an early peek at the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible here at the Geneva Motor Show. General Motors was kind enough to let us attend the final dress-rehearsal for its press conference scheduled for tomorrow's opening media day, and we've come away with a good look at the droptop C7 in person.

In the metal (err... fiberglass), the new Corvette Convertible seems somehow less avant-garde than the Coupe, even in Z51 Performance Package guise. That's not necessarily a bad thing - more of an observation. That initial impression may be because the C7's new greenhouse is one of its most prominent departures from Corvettes past. While we didn't get to see the top erected, there's no rear side window in the stock images that Chevy has already released, suggesting the C7 convertible's profile will look a lot like its C6 predecessor. And with the new power tonneau cover in place, there are also no rear ducts that come as part of the Z51 package (they've been moved under the car).

As with its predecessor, the tonneau is a handsome double-bubble piece, and the body-color "waterfall" element into the cabin between the seats has made it to the new model as well. Thus, the overall look with the top down should be a bit more familiar to prior-gen C6 owners - if you're one of those put off by the C7's new shape, you'll probably appreciate the convertible bodystyle more than the coupe.

Chevrolet has so far not given any further information on the model to share, but we do know that the electronically operated top is now fully automatic with a push of the rocker switch mounted to the left of the steering wheel - no more monkeying with the windshield header t-bar manual release before having the power mechanism do its thing. In addition, Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe, confirmed during her presentation run-through that the top will raise or lower at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour). No word yet on things like drag coefficient, weight penalty, pricing or availability, but Chevy plans to release more information tomorrow, so stay tuned. Until then, check out our new gallery of live images.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is a Swiss hit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Convertible offers a few more views before reveal

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet

Over the weekend, Chevrolet released its first images of the new 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible. Now, ahead of the droptop's official introduction tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show, the automaker has given us a few more shots of the softop C7 showing off the car's rump albeit from a high, strategically positioned angle.

From this angle, it's hard to get a sense for how long and flat the decklid really is, but we can easily see that, like the rest of the C7's design, the new convertible's decklid and tonneau cover are far more detailed than the current car. We also get a better look at the rear haunches sans brake vents, which have apparently been moved to underneath the car in order to accommodate the top's hard cover.

As for the overall styling of the C7 convertible, with the top erected, we get some idea of what a coupe design (as opposed to the Stingray's fastback shape) would look like on this car. The C5 Corvette most recently had a coupe model that did away with the large glass hatchback, and we recently reported on a low-cost "coupe" model potentially being added to the C7's repertoire.

For that, as well as official details and specs for the 2014 Corvette Convertible, we'll all have to wait until tomorrow, but we'll be sure to bring you all the information and plenty of live images straight from the show floor.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Convertible offers a few more views before reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible gives us a couple of looks

Chris Paukert — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

Put away your pixel paintbrushes, kids. Pack up your Photoshop. This is the real-deal 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible in its first official images. The droptop Chevrolet will roll into the bright lights of the Palexpo exhibition at next week's Geneva Motor Show, a four-wheeled statement of intent that General Motors is serious about taking its Corvette franchise global.

Chevy isn't providing anything in the way of further details with these two shots, but we've learned at least a couple of things about the car shown here. First off, the example seen in these images is fitted with the optional Z51 Performance Package - something that isn't immediately evident because there's no sign of the coupe model's prominent ductwork on its rear haunches. In order to accommodate the power folding hard tonneau cover, the vents that feed the transmission and differential coolers have been relocated to the underside of the car. The dark paint color on this example also does a good job of muting the contrasting black front fender vents and hood opening - Z51-spec design details that have proven to be somewhat controversial.

One other thing to note: These two shots also display the Stingray wearing different alloy wheels than the split five-spoke design shown at the hardtop's Detroit Auto Show unveiling in January. The simpler, thin five-spoke wheels should do a good job of showing off the Z51's upgraded brakes, and they'll be optional on the coupe as well.

Sit tight - we'll have more images and details on the C7 Convertible for you early next week, including live photos and impressions from the show floor in Geneva.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible gives us a couple of looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final C6 Corvette built in Bowling Green

Chris Paukert — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

With all of the attention given to the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray lately, you could be forgiven for thinking that it's already well along in production, yet tooling up for the new C7 has only just begun. In fact, production of the outgoing C6 generation in Bowling Green, Kentucky just halted on Thursday.

As the C6 has aged, production numbers have predictably ebbed along with demand, but this year, the addition of the 427 and 60th anniversary models resulted in an uptick in vehicles built - this, despite a model year shortened by around 25 percent to accomodate the new model changeover. The final C6 Corvette ever, No. 13,466 built this year, was a white 427 Convertible destined for the General Motors Heritage Center museum. The car's 7.0-liter V8 heart was assembled by Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter himself.

In total, Bowling Green pushed out 215,100 C6 Corvettes over nine years. If you're still a C6 fan at heart and are hoping to get a good deal on a phase-out model, step lively - Chevrolet reportedly had about 6,100 unsold units, which Autoweek suggests is good for around five and a half months of supply at the model's current sales rates. Given that demand will likely slacken even further as the C7 draws closer, that should be a big enough stockpile to keep dealers satisfied until 2014 Stingrays begin showing up on their forecourts.

Continue reading Final C6 Corvette built in Bowling Green

Final C6 Corvette built in Bowling Green originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible headed for Geneva debut

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Chevrolet, GM

While most of the world is still coming down from all the hype surrounding the debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, we're already looking to the future. And according to Autoweek, the next chapter in the C7 story will unfold at the Geneva Motor Show in March. That's right, General Motors is reportedly using the Swiss stage as its venue to debut the Corvette Stingray convertible.

If this strikes you as odd, you aren't alone. After all, with a car that's such an American icon, we'd fully expect Chevrolet to unveil it here on our shores in either Chicago or New York. But according to Autoweek, GM is looking to boost export sales of its halo car, and since the C7 was engineered to compete with the world's best and brightest, showing it off in Geneva is somewhat of a smart move. What's more, those with sharp memories will recall that GM used the Geneva expo to debut the sixth-generation C6 Corvette convertible back in March 2004, so there's also a precedent.

Details surrounding the Corvette Stingray convertible are still slim, though we fully expect the 6.2-liter V8 and choice of either six-speed automatic or seven-speed manual transmissions to carry over unchanged. Prototypes spotted on the road showed the car fitted with a cloth convertible roof, as well.

The C7 Corvette Stingray coupe is expected to go into production in August, and Autoweek estimates production of the convertible to follow about three months later. The Geneva Motor Show kicks off on March 5, 2013, so stay tuned to this space for more information closer to that time.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible headed for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette Stingray Convertible images mysteriously appear on web, so we add our own

Chris Tutor — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

It was inevitable that we'd see the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray topless at some point, but that didn't make us any less interested when a pair of supposedly leaked official images showed up on theautoinsiderblog.com last week. We posted them on our Facebook page, but held off reporting on them here until we could get a little more information.

Those images, which feature a dark red car on a sterile black studio background, supposedly first appeared on the website of diecast model maker Maisto. A Chevrolet spokesman has been reported saying that they are "not official images released by Chevrolet PR," which isn't a denial they're the real deal, but neither is it a confirmation.

Close examination of the photos suggest they could be official shots of the Corvette Stingray Convertible, and while some have doubted their authenticity due to a lack of vents (which were seen on the C7s that debuted in Detroit last week), it could be that the images are of a base model car without the Z51 package that doesn't require the extra venting and cooling.

While we've waited to learn more, we had some artist friends of ours work up our own exclusive renderings that place a silver 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible in a more natural, wind-in-you-hair (or not, in the case of our cue-balled driver) outdoor setting. Now in addition to imagining the topless C7 sitting in your all-black garage, you can visualize yourself blasting down a country road with the wind whipping through your, uh, eyebrows.

Corvette Stingray Convertible images mysteriously appear on web, so we add our own originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible debuts

Drew Phillips — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet

Last week, Chevrolet announced its latest special edition Corvette, the 2013 427 Convertible, as a sendoff to the C6 before the C7 arrives for 2014. Now we've had our first look at the car in the flesh, as Chevrolet is showing it off for the first time here at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, AZ.

Setting the 427 Convertible apart from the standard Corvette are special graphics, badges and unique wheels, but most importantly, it gains the Z06's 7.0-liter 505 horsepower V8 under the hood, making it the most powerful drop top Corvette to ever come from Bowling Green. This example also sports the 60th Anniversary Package that includes Arctic White exterior paint, Pearl Silver Blue racing stripes and a Diamond Blue leather interior. What really makes this particular car special, though, is that it's the very first production Corvette 427 Convertible and is set to be auctioned off for charity tomorrow afternoon. We'll have live auction results and more pictures then, but for now, check out our live gallery of photos above.

Barrett-Jackson: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

A Corvette goes for a swim in San Diego - Click above to watch video after the jump

How does a Corvette convertible - one rented from Hertz no less - end up in the salty brine at Pacific Beach in San Diego? The kindness of buzzed strangers, apparently. According to NBC San Diego, a visiting couple met a man in a bar, and after hearing that he had never driven a Corvette before, they offered him some seat time.

With the new acquaintance behind the wheel and the couple in the passenger seat, witnesses say the driver did a couple of donuts in the sand and then zoomed straight into the surf. Not known for its off-road traction, the Corvette got stuck, upon which the driver got out and ran. The couple was held and released, while the Corvette...well, we're sure Hertz is working on that right now. Follow the jump for some witness video of the aftermath.

[Source: NBC San Diego, YouTube]

Continue reading PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video]

PSA: Rented Chevy Corvette not the best for doing beach donuts [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet, New Car Reviews

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ford has been introducing a countless string of Mustangs that appeal to nearly every enthusiast on the planet, Chevrolet has had to make due with only three versions of the Corvette (five if you count both coupes and convertibles). Well, for 2010, Chevrolet is adding a new model to the mix, the Corvette Grand Sport. Bridging the gap between the base Corvette and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport - unlike the aluminum chassis Z06 and ZR1 - is available in both coupe and convertible form, giving 'Vette lovers another way to enjoy motoring al fresco.

After spending a few hours at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds wringing out the GS on track back in August, we finally managed to snag some significant street time in a Crystal Red Grand Sport convertible. Lo and behold, when we looked inside we found a manual transmission, meaning this particular Grand Sport is packing the new-for-2010 launch control system. So now it's time to find out if this newest 'Vette variant is as livable on the road as it is fun on the track.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Preview: Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car edition

John Neff — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

click above image to view an additional 21 high-resolution images

Nine times. No, we're not referring to how many times Ferris Bueller's been absent this quarter, we're referring to how many times the Chevrolet Corvette has handled the official pace duties of the Indianapolis 500. Actually, the ninth time will occur on May 27th of this year for the 91st running of the most historic motorsport event in America. It also marks the fourth time in a row a Corvette has led the pack at Indy.

General Motors will be producing 500 replica Indy Pace Car editions of the car to be offered to the general public. They'll be Corvette Convertibles in Atomic Orange with Indianapolis 500 exterior graphics, Indy 500 fender badges, a rear spoiler cribbed from the Z06, new aluminum split-spoke wheels in Sterling Siver finish, seats with embroidered Indy 500 logos, interior trim pieces painted Atomic Orange to match the exterior and Atomic Orange engine covers. Of course, the 400-hp LS2 is standard and the cars come with the Z51 performance package and a standard six-speed. Each car will have a base price of $66,995, although if one goes for the only option, a paddle-shifting six-speed automatic, the price rises a bit to $68,245.

You can read the official press release after the jump and don't let the Atomic Orange paint burn your retinas when you check out all the photos in our high-resolution gallery.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2007 Chevy Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car edition

Continue reading Chicago Preview: Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car edition

Chicago Preview: Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM donates $2,500 in parts to stolen Corvette guy

John Neff — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible

Last week the news broke that a 1968 Corvette convertible that had been stolen 37 years ago was returned to its original owner, Alan Poster, after authorities had found it just before it was about to be shipped to a buyer in Sweden.

Mr. Poster received a nice surprise during an interview with Cruise Control Radio when Harlan Charles, the Corvette's current product manager, informed him that GM Restoration Parts and Chevrolet were extending him a $2,500 credit to buy parts to restore the stolen vehicle.

The '68 Vette is missing its gas tank, carburetor and transmission, and its original International Blue paint has been changed to Silver. Poster, who had just bought a 1974 Corvette before his boosted ride was returned, says he'll restore the '68 model and paint it the original blue before he bequeaths it to his 17-year-old daughter. He better have one helluva Father's Day gift coming to him.

[Source: GM]

GM donates $2,500 in parts to stolen Corvette guy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2006 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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