[PICS] Introducing the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible

Here is the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible. It’s one of the most capable drop-tops on the market and Chevy says it the most powerful convertible ever produced by the company.

Chevrolet planned to reveal it on Monday at the New York International Auto Show but apparently images of any new Corvette model are too hot to handle and as such, they were leaked earlier today.

The Z06 Convertible features everything you love about the C7 Z06 Coupe that was introduced in Detroit at NAIAS including the supercharged Gen 5 LT4 V8 with 625+ horsepower and 635+ lb-ft of torque at your disposal.

Corvette’s Chief Engineer tells how recent technological advancements made the production of the Z06 Convertible possible:

“Until recently it was not possible to create a lightweight, open-roof structure strong enough to cope with the braking, cornering, and acceleration of Corvette’s top performance models,” Juechter said. “The frame for the Z06 convertible leverages advancements in computer-aided engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing techniques – many of which were not available just five years ago.”

These improvements in manufacturing helped create an aluminum frame that is 20 percent stiffer than the C6 Z06’s aluminum frame. And because the new frame doesn’t need any structural reinforcements, its curb weight is nearly identical to the Z06 Coupe.

Both Corvette Z06 models feature all the same driver technologies and equipment options including the Z07 Performance Package which adds Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires and adjustable front and rear aerodynamic components.

“The most impressive aspect of the Z06 Convertible may be its performance bandwidth,” said Juechter. “Very few cars on the market can match its combination of extreme, supercar levels of performance; the flexibility for daily driving and long-distance commuting; and the 360-degree, open-air driving experience only true convertibles can offer.”

The Z06 Convertible will have four different fabric roof colors to choose from. The dual accent panels behind the seat backs are also available in either carbon flash metallic or exposed carbon fiber.

Like the difference between the Stingray coupe and Convertible, the power tops mechanics made it necessary to relocate the air intakes for the differential and transmission coolers from the rear quarter panels on the Z06 Coupe to the underbody of the Z06 Convertible.

“Practically every exterior panel serves a functional purpose to meet the performance goals of the Z06,” said Tom Peters, Corvette design director, “The flared fenders accommodate larger, wider wheels and tires for more grip. The larger vents provide more cooling air to the engine, brakes, transmission and differential for increased track capability. The more aggressive aerodynamic package generates true downforce for more cornering grip and high-speed stability.”

The Z06 Coupe and Convertible will be available in three differing levels which increase the amount of aerodynamic downforce:

• The standard Z06 features a front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon-fiber hood with a larger vent, and rear spoiler.
  
  
• An available carbon-fiber aero package delivers aerodynamic downforce four times greater than the standard Z06. It adds a carbon fiber front splitter with aviation-style winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels, and a larger rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill – a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler that significantly increases downforce. The package is available in black or a visible carbon-fiber finish.
  
  
• The available Z07 package adds larger winglets to the front splitter, along with an adjustable, see-through center section on the rear spoiler enabling customers to tailor the aerodynamics to their preference.

Pricing for the Z06 Coupe and Convertible hasn’t been released but we believe it will be available in the next month or so as Chevrolet finalizes the order guide for the 2015 model year. Tadge and Harlan have both stated that pricing the C7 Z06 will remain in-line with the previous generation’s Z06 so we believe pricing will start somewhere around $80,000.

Check out these officials pictures from Chevrolet showing the new 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible:

Source:
General Motors

Related:
Chevrolet to Introduce New C7 Corvette Variant at the New York Auto Show
A Closer Look at the 8-Speed Automatic for the 2015 Corvette Z06
[PICS] The 2015 Corvette Z06 Revealed at NAIAS