Not to be outdone by its European competitors on their home turf, Chevrolet introduced the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible in Geneva. The convertible has essentially the same specs as the coupe with the exception of the newly designed electronic top that can be removed with the push of a button while the car is moving at speeds of up to 30 mph.
The Stingray Convertible is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 450 hp (335 kW) and 450 lbs-ft of torque (610 Nm). While that pales in comparison with the Ferrari LaFerrari or the Aston Martin, Chevy is banking that Corvette lovers will appreciate the Stingray for what it is. The new Stingrays – both coupe and convertible – are made with more rigid aluminum frame that is nearly 100 pounds lighter than the frame on the previous Corvette models.
The LT1 engine manages better fuel economy thanks to direct injection and other advanced tech packed inside. The Stingray’s EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 mpg certainly makes it much more efficient without compromising sports-car finesse.
Chevrolet didn’t compromise anything with the convertible. If anything, the thick, three-ply fabric top is durable and and aesthetically pleasing. There is sound-absorbing padding a glass rear window, while the fabric of the seats features dual black accent panels that add to the look when the top is down.
The interior of the Stingray is quite a sight to behold, with genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim that’s accentuated with leather. Two eight-inch screens are here as well, and drivers can choose from one of two seat choices. As almost standard in 2014 sports cars, a five-position drive mode selector is also integral to the driving experience. Finally, what would this Corvette be without a seven-speed manual transmission, which is upgraded with a new technology that anticipates gear selection and correlates engine speed for flawless handling.
The Stingray coupe and convertible will be available worldwide in late 2013 in both right- and left-hand-drives. The pricing has not been announced.
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