Once Chevrolet->ke199 dropped the newCorvette Stingray, it was just a matter of time before the convertible version would hit the market.

Today was the day, as the new Stingray Convertible made its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show->ke228.

The convertible version is nearly identical to the coupe version, except of course, its three-ply fabric top that opens and closes at speeds up to 30 mph. The convertible version also features sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, which both contribute to a quieter cabin and a more premium appearance.

The new Stingray Convertible will be put on sale in late 2013.

Updated 04/26/13: GM has just released nearly all of the pricing details on the Corvette Stingray Convertible, as well as standard features and options. See the details after the jump.

Updated 12/17/2013: Chevrolet unveiled a new set of high res images for the convertible version of the seventh generation Corvette. Check the picture gallery to find them all!

Click past the jump to read all about the 2014 Stingray Convertible

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 455 @ 6000
  • Torque: 460 @ 4600
  • Transmission: Seven-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Okay, so we already know that the new Corvette is pretty sick looking – in a good way – to say the least. It’s aggressive, sporty, stunning and sharp all at the same time. Once you hack the lid off of the thing, however, the C6 generation’s influences really stand out. Now that you’re no longer distracted by the sexy new roofline and back end, all that remains is a restyled C6 Corvette – from the front, at least. So, in that aspect, the convertible disappoints us a little.

Flip the car around, so you get a good look at its hind quarters, and you see what makes the C7 Corvette so awesome. Its signature quartet of trumpets spewing exhaust and a wonderful soundtrack, and those refreshed taillights light up our lives. And with the new roofline out of the way, the differences on the rear fascia really get the opportunity to shine through. There really is a big contrast between the changes up front and those on the back.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Exterior Specifications

Wheelbase

106.7 in.

Overall length

177 in.

Overall width

73.9 in.

Overall height

48.6 in.

Curb Weight

3,362 Pounds

Weight distribution (% front / rear)

TBD


Standard Exterior Features

-Carbon-fiber hood

-Fully electronic top with remote opening via the key fob

-Aluminum frame

-Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting

Interior

Inside the cabin, we expect to see much of the same equipment found in the base model Stingray, which is a good thing. Gone the way of the dinosaurs is the boring old Corvette interior of yesteryear, as GM finally pried a little money from its coffers and pumped it into developing an interior that doesn’t look and feel like a three-dollar suit – at least this is what Chevy is claiming. We’ll ultimately be the judge of the final interior design, but we expect GM to deliver on its promise.

As for standard features, you can expect things like navigation, a multi-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, electroluminescent gauges and other high-end features to all come standard. As an option, you’ll likely see some upgraded leather, two-tone color schemes and contrasting stitching.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Interior Specifications

Head Room

37.9 In.

Hip Room

53.7 In.

Leg Room

43 In

Shoulder Room

55.2 In.

Passenger Capacity

2

Trunk Volume

10.0 Cu-Ft


Standard Interior Features

-Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens

-Next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera

-Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack

-Keyless access

-Push-button start

-Power tilt/telescope steering wheel

-Lightweight magnesium seat frames

-Eight-way power seat adjustment

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Engine and Performance

We already know what the Corvette Stingray is rocking under its sexy new hood and that is a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that GM has dubbed the LT1. This LT1 small-block engine is 100-percent brand new, as not even a bolt was reused from the outgoing 6.2-liter unit. This V-8 powerplant is slated to punch out 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque in its standard guise and and up to 460 horsepower with the performance exhaust system..

This engine will feature the same cylinder deactivation technology that drops it to a fuel sipping 3.1-liter four-cylinder when all eight cylinders are not needed. GM claimed that this engine, which mates with the seven-speed manual transmission or six-speed automated manual, would exceed the 26 mpg highway rating that the C6 `Vette has. Well, GM stayed true to this claim, as the C7 Corvette convertible hits 29 mpg highway.

GM claims that the 2014 Stingray will hit 60 mph in under four seconds, but is being mighty stingy with the official specifications. Given the fact that the convertible hardware will add some extra weight to the `Vette, we would say that the convertible model should fall in at about the 3.8- to 3.9-second range to 60 mph. That’s a whole lotta toupee-ungluing quickness right there, so strap that baby on tight.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - Engine Specifications:

Displacement

6.2-liters

Bore & stroke

4.06 in. x 3.62 in.

Block material

Cast aluminum

Cylinder head material

Cast aluminum

Valvetrain}

Overhead valve, two valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery

Direct injection

Compression ratio

11.5:1

Horsepower

455 @ 6,000 RPM

Torque (lb-ft)

460 @ 4,600 RPM

Fuel Economy (City MPG / Highway MPG)

17 /29


Suspension and Brakes

Under the skin, the 2014 Corvette Convertible remains virtually identical to the coupe version. This means it features short- and long-arm double-wishbone setups that allow each wheel to move independent of the other, resulting in superior handling.

From the looks of things, the Z51 package, which adds in some really sweet suspension components, is available for a $2,800 premium on all trims. The base braking system includes a set of Brembo units with rotors measuring 12.6 inches up front and 13.3 inches on the rear. Squeezing these rotors are two sets of four-piston calipers. On the coupe model, this brake setup knocks 11 feet off of the C6’s braking distance, so we assume it will do the same for the convertible version.

Suspension and Brake Specifications

Front}

Short/long arm ( SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, monotube shock absorber

Rear

Short/long arm ( SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, monotube shock absorber

Traction control

StabiliTrak, electronic stability control

Brake Type

Brembo four-piston fixed front and rear calipers

Rotor diameter

Front 12.6 in. / Rear 13.3 in.


Pricing

The Stingray Convertible adds a small premium to the Coupes base price. The extra $5k brings the convertible's base MSRP to $56,995, including destination charge.

Available options are plentiful for the Stingray Convertible. The 3LT package, which includes a Bose 10-speaker stereo, SiriusXM for one year, HD Radio, color heads-up display, a memory package, navigation, heated and ventilated seats, power lumbar and bolsters, Napa leather seating, a leather-wrapped dashboard, instrument panel, console and door panels, comes in at an $8,005 premium.

If you're still not satisfied, you can add in: competition sports seats for $2,495; an exposed-carbon-fiber roof for $1,995; Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management for $1,795; dual-mode exhaust system for $1,195; carbon-fiber interior trim for $995; sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim for $995; red calipers for $595; and black-painted wheels for $495.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Pricing Details

Trim

MSRP

Corvette Stingray 1LT

$56,000

Corvette Stingray 2LT

$60,210

Corvette Stingray 3LT

$64,005

Corvette Stingray Z51 1LT

$58,800

Corvette Stingray Z51 2LT

$63,010

Corvette Stingray Z51 3LT

$66,805


Competition

2014 SRT Viper Roadster

There has been no official confirmation of a roadster model for the SRT Viper, but we all pretty much know that there will be one starting in 2014. This beast will boast the same 8.4-liter pavement-pounding V-10 engine as its coupe sibling, which punches out 640 horsepower through a six-speed Tremec transmission.

The SRT Viper coupe hits 60 mph in the low-3-second range, so we anticipate the roadster model doing about the same. This puts the Corvette at a serious acceleration disadvantage, but that’s not all you need to consider with this type of car.

The first thing to consider is that the thirsty V-10 engine in the Viper wasn’t given any advancements to increase its mpg, like the Corvette has been, so the `Vette will likely get much better fuel economy. The biggest difference, in our opinion, is the fact that the Corvette has always been and will likely continue to be a more refined and easy-to-drive sports car than the Viper, making it more tolerable for buyers that prefer comfort over balls-to-the-wall performance. Add in the fact that the SRT Viper Coupe runs $97k and the convertible will likely crest the $100k mark and you have a really strong argument to go with the Stingray.

Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

Sure it’s a pony car instead of a two-seat sports car, but the Shelby GT500 convertible has earned a slot right alongside the Viper and Corvette. With a supercharger-fed, 5.8-liter, V-8 monster pumping out 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque, this beast puts both the Viper and the `Vette to shame – in total output, at least.

For hasn’t officially released the 0-to-60 time, but with a 1-foot rollout, the Shelby `Stang hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. From a dead stop, it was slowed to 4.1 seconds. So, it will likely hang with the Corvette, but the Viper would simply eat it alive. Where the Mustang will lose out is in the twisty stuff, as the Corvette is tuned for curves and the Shelby, while competent in corners, isn’t on par with the likes of the Viper or Corvette.

However, at a bargain of $59k, how can you pass on this this `Roided up pony?

Conclusion

At a base price shy of $60k, the Stingray Convertible seems like a pretty stellar deal. To get a model that not only gives you the freedom of a drop top, but also adds in a carbon-fiber hood and 450 horsepower for $56,995 is a steal. We still have to see how it tests out in real life, but it looks great so far.