Chevrolet today dropped the top on the 2019 Corvette ZR1 with the global introduction of the ZR1 convertible, the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model-year ZR1.

On sale next spring alongside the Corvette ZR1 coupe, the ZR1 convertible emphasizes Corvette’s iconic proportions and functional sculpture, highlighting the seamless transition between the exterior and interior.

The ZR1 coupe will carry a suggested retail price of $119,995, while the ZR1 convertible will start at $123,995 (prices include destination charge, but exclude tax, title and other dealer fees).

“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.

“Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”

The performance and technology introduced on the Corvette ZR1 coupe carry over to the new ZR1 convertible.
The strength of the Corvette’s aluminum chassis means the only structural changes in the convertible are accommodations for the folding top and re-positioned safety belt mounts.
The power top can be operated remotely or while driving up to 30 mph.

In fact, the curb weight difference between the ZR1 coupe and convertible is less than 60 pounds (27 kg), with most of the difference attributed to the folding top hardware.

“The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter.
“Thanks to the strong structure, the suspension tuning between coupe and convertible models is identical, meaning the ZR1 convertible offers the same benchmark performance, including a top speed of over 200 mph.”

Top speed-enabling aero, horsepower

The Corvette ZR1’s unique aero package is central to the coupe’s 212-MPH (341 kph) top speed.
Its standard, stanchion-mounted Low Wing generates road-holding downforce with minimal drag, enabling the benchmark top speed.
This was evident during top-speed testing at Germany’s Papenburg proving ground.

An adjustable High Wing is part of the new $2,995 ZTK Performance Package, which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning.
It is designed to help generate faster lap times through maximum grip in the corners, with up to 950 pounds of downforce.
The top speed is lower with the High Wing but still exceeds 200 mph.

Complementing the ZR1’s aero advantage on the way to 212 mph is the thrust generated by the exclusive LT5 6.2L supercharged engine, which is rated at an SAE-certified 755 horsepower (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft of torque (969 Nm).
A seven-speed manual transmission and a ZR1-first paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission are offered with it.
Preliminary testing has shown 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and the quarter mile in the high 10-second range when the engine is equipped with the eight-speed automatic.

The LT5 features a new, more efficient intercooled supercharger system, along with GM’s first dual fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection.
Compared to the supercharger system on the Corvette Z06’s LT4 engine, the LT5 employs a larger, 2.65-liter supercharger that generates more boost while spinning at a slightly slower speed. That reduces heat to help maintain a lower air intake temperature for optimal performance.

Four new radiators also help manage cooling in the ZR1, which features 13 radiators in all, including circuits for engine oil, transmission and differential cooling.

A distinctive voice

A new, patent-pending exhaust system is the voice of the supercharged LT5 engine and offers the most aggressive sound ever for a production Corvette.

Building on the bi-modal exhaust system offered on other Corvette models, it features four distinct modes and sound levels:
Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track.
In Stealth mode, the ZR1 is quieter than the Corvette Z06, while in Track mode it is significantly louder.


In Track mode, a spring-loaded passive valve closes to allow virtually unrestricted exhaust flow for maximum performance.
The exhaust note for all modes was carefully tuned to deliver a distinctive sound.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 coupe and convertible will be on display to the public Dec. 1-10 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Corvette ZR1 blew the roof off the Los Angeles Auto Show. Literally.

For the first time in its 48-year history, Corvette’s performance icon has gone topless.
Shaking the stage with its 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8, the convertible made its debut Tuesday night, emerging from a cloud of dry ice to take its place alongside the coupe -which was introduced to the world earlier this month in Dubai.

Designed from the ground up to be a drop-top, the ZR1 convertible is uncompromised from the coupe for chassis rigidity.
The only structural changes made are for the folding top and repositioned seat-belt mounts.
The power top can be operated remotely, or while driving up to 30 mph. Weaponized with the same features as the winged 755-horsepower, 715 pound-feet of torque, supercharged V-8 coupe, the convertible adds a mere 60 pounds — and $4,000 — over its stablemate.

With two available rear wings and 105 more horsepower than the already legendary Corvette Z06, the ZR1 coupe offers staggering performance numbers.

"I called the Z06 the 'Big Nasty' when it was introduced in 2014," said GM product chief Mark Reuss on stage next to the blood orange ZR1 convertible.
"So I call the ZR1 a VERY Big Nasty."

With a base “low wing,” the coupe will top out at 212 mph.
That beats the 205 mph registered by the last-generation ZR1 produced from 2009 to 2013.
Put down another $2,995 for the ZTK performance package, and the ZR1 sprouts an adjustable “high wing” and carbon-fiber front splitter that sucks the ZR1 to the ground with a race car-like 950 pounds of down-force.
Top speed will suffer a bit but still crest 200 mph.

“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Reuss.
“Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.

The ZR1 coupe will carry a suggested retail price of $119,995, while the convertible will start at $123,995.

The fearsome new Corvette is expected to be the end of an era:
It marks the swan song of the front-engine icon as Chevrolet prepares to debut a mid-engine Corvette, perhaps as early as January’s Detroit auto show.

While GM company policy prohibits testing convertibles to their top speed, Chevy estimates the drop top’s numbers to vary little from the coupe that makes its North American debut here in Los Angeles.

That means convertible passengers can fully enjoy the ZR1’s unique, quad-piped stereo at absurd speeds.
Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter and his team designed a special spring-loaded passive valve that acts as a sort of truck-exhaust flap in Track mode.
At full throttle the system will roar like King Kong and shoot flames out the back. Don’t follow this beast too closely.

Car and Driver estimates that the ZR1 will be the fastest production car ever — eclipsing even the $900,000 Porsche 918 hybrid supercar — at its annual “Lightning Lap” competition around “America’s Nurburgring,” Virginia International Raceway.

As for the real Nurburgring, the fearsome 140-turn track in Germany, Juechter predicts the car could lap below the magic 7-minute mark, a time rarely achieved.
The lap would be academic, however, as Chevrolet will not sell the ZR1 in Europe since its huge supercharger — 2.9 inches taller than the already tall supercharger on the Z06 — will not meet European pedestrian safety standards that specify minimum crush zones for the hood.

Other ZR1 bits will be familiar to Z06 buyers, including a sumptuous interior and available 7-speed manual and quick-shifting 8-speed automatic.
Chevy estimates the automatic-equipped Supervette will hit 60 mph below 3 seconds, and the quarter-mile in the high 10-second range.

That should be a thrill for the ears with the top down. The ZL1 arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2018.