2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible uncovered

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible ahead of its premier at the New York Auto Show.

Said to be the most powerful convertible ever produced by Chevrolet, the Z06 features a 6.2-litre supercharged LT4 V8 engine that develops no less than 466kW (625 bhp) of power and 861Nm (635 lb-ft) of torque. It is married to a seven-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic that promises to deliver world-class shift-response times.

The headline news of the Z06 Convertible is, of course, its power folding roof that can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 50km/h (30 mph). Behind the seats, the convertible features dual accent panels, which are available in Carbon Flash or carbon fibre.

Thanks to aluminium structure that is 20 percent stiffer than the previous fixed-roof Z06, no additional structural reinforcement is needed for the Z06 Convertible. As a result, its curb weight is nearly identical to the Z06 Coupé.

“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,” said Corvette’s chief engineer, Tadge Juechter.

“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.”

The Coupé and Convertible also share the same chassis tuning, powertrain output, driver technologies and equipment options – including the Z07 Performance Package, which adds Brembo carbon-ceramic matrix brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres and adjustable front and rear aerodynamic components.

Both Z06 models are fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres: P285/30ZR19 front and 335/25ZR20 rear. They are mounted on lightweight, spin-cast aluminium wheels.

The Z06 features two-piece steel rotors, measuring 14.6 x 1.3-inch (371 x 33 mm) front and 14.4 x 1-inch (365 x 25 mm) rear, with aluminum six-piston and four-piston fixed calipers, respectively

The Z07 package adds larger, 15.5 x 1.4-inch (394 x 36 mm) front and 15.3 x 1.3-inch (388 x 33 mm) carbon ceramic-matrix brake rotors for consistent performance lap after lap. They collectively save 23 pounds over the standard Z06 rotors.

“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.

Both Z06 coupe and convertible will be available with one of three, increasing levels 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.

Compared to the Corvette Stingray, the Corvette Z06 fenders are 2.2 inches (56 mm) wider at the front, and 3.15 inches (80 mm) at the rear. Those extensions give the Corvette Z06 a wider, lower appearance further emphasized by a unique rear fascia. It incorporates the same taillamp assemblies as the Stingray, but on the Z06 the taillamps are pushed approximately three inches farther apart, toward to edges of the body.

The exterior design also reflects the increased cooling required for the new Corvette Z06. For example, the mesh pattern on the front fascia was designed to deliver the most possible airflow to the supercharger’s intercooler heat exchanger, so much that the mesh grill directs more air into the engine bay than if the grille was removed.

The unique grille also features dedicated brake-cooling intakes and wider grille outlets on the bottom serve as air diffusers. A larger hood vent allows air driven through the grille to exit through the hood rather than being forced under the car, which could create lift.

Standard front and rear brake-cooling ducts, including Z06-signature rear ducts integrated in front of the rear fender openings, are also part of the functional design changes.

Like the Stingray, the Z06 comes with two seating choices: a GT seat, for all-around comfort, and a Competition Sport seat with more aggressive side bolstering, which provides greater support on the track. A magnesium frame structure for both seats provides greater rigidity and strength compared with steel frames.

The Z06 comes in five interior colors, including two that are unique to Z06 – blue and dark gray.