With the next generation Corvette around the corner, Chevrolet->ke199 decided it would be appropriate to send the C6 model out with a bang, and as it turns out, they timed it perfectly. The Corvette->ke1280 is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models, as well as a Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition. The Collector is extra special because it is the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. Both models will make their world debut in late January 2012 at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers in early Summer 2012.

The new 427 Convertible Collector Edition is powered by an LS7 engine that delivers a total of 505 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 190 mph.

"The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. "We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine."

UPDATE 01/23/2012: Would you pay $600,000 for a special edition Chevrolet Corvette that's considered the fastest of its kind in the world? No need to answer that because someone already did. The Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition was just taken home from the recent Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona for a hefty price of $600,000. All the proceeds will go to AARP’s Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

UPDATE 02/17/2012: Chevrolet has unveiled a very cool video of the new Corvette 427 Convertible Edition is action with Tommy Milner, the 2011 24-Hours of Le Mans Class Winner, behind the wheel. So, if you want to see a car that really has it all check this video!

UPDATE 03/13/2012: The best way to celebrate your birthday is having a huge cake and blowing the candles. And as the 427 Convertible Collector Edition has been built as a Corvette's 60th anniversary it had to do the same thing. Except it did it in style. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the new Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
  • Engine/Motor: LS7
  • Horsepower: 505
  • Torque: 470
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition includes several carbon fiber elements that help to reduce weight, including a carbon fiber raised hood, carbon fiber Z06-style fenders, carbon fiber floor panels, a "CFZ"carbon fiber front splitter, and rocker panels. It is painted in a crisp white paint combined with optional full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top. It sits on standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires.

The model can also be combined with the new 60th Anniversary package that includes an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior and suede accents. Other features include a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers, and "60" logos on the wheel center caps, steering wheel, and seat headrests.

Dimensions

-Wheelbase (in / mm): 105.7 / 2685

-Overall length (in / mm): 175.6 / 4460

-Overall width (in / mm): 75.9 / 1928

-Overall height (in / mm): 48.7 / 1236

-Curb weight (lb / kg): 3355/ 1522

-Weight distribution (% front / rear): 50 / 50

Engine

The Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition is powered by a 7.0 liter LS7 engine that delivers a total of 505 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque combined with a six-speed manual transmission. This engine features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system.

Thanks to the addition of new carbon fiber elements, the new 427 Convertible Collector Edition weighs only 3,355 pounds which helps the sports coupe deliver a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 - better than any of its competitors. The car will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, run the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds, deliver a lateral acceleration of 1.04 g, and hit a top speed of more than 190 mph. This kind of speed translates into crappy estimated fuel economy of 15 city/ 24hwy.

Prices

The new Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will be available in the 2LT, 3LT, and 4LT trim levels. Prices will be announced at a later date, but the first units will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program.

Competition

As Chevrolet themselves confirm, the new 427 Convertible Collector Edition will take on models like the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, the Aston Martin DBS Volante, and the Ferrari California.

By 2013, the 911 Turbo Convertible will get an update that will leave it with a 3.8L turbocharged flat six engine that will deliver a total of 500 HP - almost the same as the new Corvette. The Audi R8 V10 is powered by a 5.2 Liter FSI V10 engine that delivers a total of 525 HP. The Aston Martin DBS gets a 6.0 Liter V12 with 510 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque, while the Ferrari California gets a 4.3 liter V8 engine with 483 HP and 373 lb-ft of torque.

Power to weight ratio:

  • Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet – 6.90
  • Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder – 7.58
  • Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible – 7.82
  • Ferrari California Convertible – 8.31