2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible at the New York Auto Show

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Front Angle View

At the 2014 New York Auto Show, Chevrolet has officially unveiled the "most powerful convertible ever produced by Chevrolet" it,s the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible. The exterior follows in the footsteps of the coupe but adopts a power folding roof that can be opened or closed at speeds up to 30 mph (50 km/h). The convertible also has dual accent panels, behind the seats, which are available in Carbon Flash or carbon fiber.

While Chevrolet built a Z06 convertible in 1963, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter noted “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." However, "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.”

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Rear Angle View

Z06 Convertible models are fitted with Michelin tires (Pilot Super Sport tires for the Z06; Sport Cup 2 tires with the Z07 package): P285/30ZR19 front, and 335/25ZR20 rear. The tires are mounted on lightweight, spin-cast aluminum wheels (19 x 10 inches in front and 20 x 12 inches in the rear). Their open, ultralight design showcases the massive Brembo brakes, which contribute to the design.

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.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Side View

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Side Angle View

Thanks to the car's stiff structure, no structural reinforcements were needed for the Z06 Convertible. This means the drop top has a curb weight that is "nearly identical" to the coupe.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Engine View

The heart of the 2015 Corvette Z06 is the all-new LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine, expected to deliver at least 625 horsepower (466 kW) and 635 lb-ft of torque (861 Nm). To balance performance and efficiency, the LT4 leverages the same trio of advanced technologies introduced on the Corvette Stingray: Direct injection, Active Fuel Management, or cylinder deactivation, and continuously variable valve timing. These technologies – combined with the fuel-efficient multi-speed transmissions (a seven-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic), aerodynamic design and lightweight construction – help make the new Z06 surprisingly fuel efficient, and which promises to deliver "world-class shift-response times."

According to Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of global product development, The Z06 Convertible is a world-class supercar in every sense. Only a handful of convertibles in the world bring more than 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. Even fewer can match the advanced technologies, aerodynamic design, and visceral driving experience of the Z06 Convertible.”

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Interior View

Like the Stingray, the Driver Mode Selector tailors up to a dozen features of the Z06 to suit the driver’s environment, including:

  - Launch control: Available in Track mode for manual and automatic transmissions, providing maximum off-the-line acceleration
  - Traction control: Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for driving in inclement conditions
  - Performance Traction Management: Available in Track mode and offers five settings of torque reduction and brake intervention for track driving
  - Electronic Limited Slip Differential: Adjusts the rate at which the limited slip engages, balancing steering response and stability in different driving conditions with more aggressive performance in Sport and Track modes.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible Dashboard View

The smart electronic limited-slip differential, or eLSD, is standard. It features a hydraulically actuated clutch capable of infinitely varying clutch engagement. The system enhances all aspects of performance by constantly tailoring the clutch-pack engagement based on a unique algorithm that factors in vehicle speed, steering input and throttle position to improve steering feel, handling balance and traction.

Source: GM