2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible First One Built Since 1963

In 1963, Chevrolet built 199 Corvettes equipped with the performance-oriented Z06 option package, and one of those cars was a convertible. Now, for the 2014 New York International Auto Show, Chevrolet has built a second Corvette Z06 convertible, and plans many more to come.

General Motors says the 2015 Corvette Z06 convertible is the most powerful drop-top ever built by Chevrolet. A supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine revs beneath its carbon fiber hood, generating an estimated 625 horsepower and 635 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 165 more horsepower and 175 more lb.-ft. of torque than a standard Corvette Stingray generates.

"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 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."

As a result, the new 2015 Corvette Z06 convertible's aluminum structure requires no additional reinforcement, the car weighs about the same as the Z06 coupe, and, aside from minor structural and ventilation changes required to accommodate the convertible top, the Z06 convertible is identical to the Z06 coupe.

The new 2015 Corvette Z06 convertible is equipped with a special mesh grille that maximizes air intake, a larger hood vent designed to reduce the potential for aerodynamic lift, dedicated brake cooling intakes front and rear, and more aggressive aerodynamic detailing intended to increase downforce. Flared front and rear fenders cover the Z06 convertible's lightweight, spun-cast 19-in. front and 20-in. rear wheels, wrapped in P285/30ZR19 front and P335/25ZR20 rear performance tires. The Z06 convertible also features wider rear styling with taillights that are a full 3 in. further apart.