The Corvette->ke1280 hit showrooms in 1953 with a petite six-pot under its hood and a sluggish 10-plus-second 0-to-60-mph time. Sure, it was slow and rather un-Corvette-like, but it was the model that launched the greatness that is the Corvette. The C1 Corvette was also the last time we saw a production model without pop-up headlights before the C6 generation debuted in 2005. In 2014, the C7 hit the market with heavily revised styling. Following that up was the Z06 in 2015 that made all the Euro supercars stand up and take notice and now we have a convertible version of the mighty Z06..

The big deal about it is that this is the first factory-built Corvette->ke1280 Z06 Convertible since 1963, when Chevy introduced the said package as a performance update for endurance racing. It was actually called "RPO Z06" and included a larger-diameter front anti-roll bar, a vacuum brake booster, a dual master cylinder, larger shocks, and stiffer springs.

Because it also came with a gas tank that was nearly double the size of standard 20-gallon tank, the package was only available on coupe models at first. However, the manufacturer says that one convertible->ke144 was fitted with the Z06 bundle that year.

Getting back to the newly-revealed model, Chevrolet claims the Z06 Convertible represents "the culmination of more than four years developing an all-new, all-aluminum structure." You see, because the new structure is much more stiffer than the previous Z06, the drop-top sports car->ke506 needed no structural reinforcements, which means its curb weight won't be affected by missing a fixed roof.

Update 8/22/2014: GM has revealed the Corvette Z06 Convertible's base price of $83,995. See all of the details after the jump.

Updated 01/23/2015: We've added a series of new images from the car's official debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 650
  • Torque: 650
  • Transmission: 7-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Aside from its ragtop, the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible is identical to its coupe brother as far as design is concerned. This means it won't miss the more aggressive front end, the carbon-fiber hood or the rear spoiler that helps it stay glued to the track. Also, the drop-top Z06 will become available with the carbon-fiber aero package and the Z07 package that will be offered with the Coupe.

The electronic top, which includes sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, can be lowered remotely using the car's key fob. It can also be operated while on the move, but only at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The top will be provided in four different colors.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible - Exterior Dimensions

Height, Overall

48.8 In

Length, Overall

176.9 In

Track Width, Front

65.2 In

Track Width, Rear

64.85 In

Wheelbase

106.7 In


Interior

Inside, the only noticeable difference between the Z06 Stingray and the Z06 Convertible is that the latter had to be fitted with carbon-fiber panels behind the seats so that the vehicle's flowing design isn't affected when the top is folded.

Other than that, customers will get to enjoy the same premium cabin with soft-touch materials, magnesium frame seats (either standard GT or optional Competition Sport) and flat-bottomed steering wheel. Naturally, Nappa leather and aluminum, carbon-fiber and micro-suede inserts are up for grabs on certain trim levels.

Shifter Detail

Drivetrain

Nothing new under the hood, but that's far from being bad news, because the Z06 is powered by an all-new, supercharged, 6.2-liter, V-8 engine fitted with direct injection, active fuel management and cylinder deactivation. What's more, the mill generates no less than 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful Corvette in history.

All that power is to be directed toward the wheels by a standard seven-speed manual transmission or the all-new, available eight-speed automatic which is operated by paddle shifters placed behind the steering wheel. The latter is also set to make its way into the less furious 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

The drop-top hits 60 mph from standing start in less than 3.5 seconds with either transmission. However, the quickest sprints come with the eight-speed automatic, which needs a little over three ticks to charge from naught to 60.

Type

LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine

Horsepower

650 HP

Torque

650 LB-FT.

Transmission

seven-speed manual transmission

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

< 3.5 Sec.


Suspension and Brakes

As you might have already guessed, the SLA-type suspension specifically tuned for track performance, as well as the new, adjustable Magnetic Selective Ride Control dampers and the electronic limited-slip differential are standard on the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible too.

For braking duties, the rag-top Z06 relies on the same large Brembo brakes and two-piece steel rotors that measure 14.6-by-1.3 inches up front and 14.4-by-1 inch out back. The units are fitted with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston calipers around the back.

The standard lightweight, aluminum wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, while the optional Z07 package switches them with Sport Cup 2 rubber for enhanced grip.

Prices

The 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible starts out at only $83,995 and it has three trim levels available 1LZ, 2LZ and 3LZ. for another $2,995 buyers can add in the Carbon Fiber Ground Effects Package, which includes a functional carbon-fiber front splitter, carbon-fiber rocker panels and a large rear spoiler. For another $7,995, buyers can add in the Z07 Package, which includes Brembo carbon-ceramic matrix rotors, adjustable aero components and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup tires.

Pricing

Model

2015 MSRP

Corvette Z06 1LZ

$83,995

Corvette Z06 2LZ

TBA

Corvette Z06 3LZ

TBA


Option Pricing

Option

2015 MSRP

2015 MSRP

$2,995

Carbon Fiber Ground Effects Package

$7,995


Competition

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

The 911 Turbo Cabriolet is available in two 3.8-liter inline-six flavors, each boasting less power than the 2015 Corvette Z06. The base model churns out 520 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, which translate into a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 195 miles per hour. The Turbo S model offers 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which cut about 10 percent off the 0-60 mph spring, leaving it at 3 seconds. The latter tops out at 197 miles per hour.

Both versions return respectable fuel economy for what they host under the rear hood, being rated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. As far as pricing goes, the 911 Turbo Convertible retails from $160,700, while the 911 Turbo S Convertible wears a 193,900 sticker. The Corvette Z06 Convertible will likely be far cheaper that the base 911 Turbo, but the Corvette is not as luxurious nor it is the raw driving machine of the 911.

Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

Powered by a 4.5-liter, V-8 engine connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Ferrari 458 Spider benefits from 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. The Italian supercar accelerates from naught to 62 mph in about 3.4 seconds before reaching its 198-mph top speed. Combined fuel consumption sits at around 17 miles per gallon (not that anyone cares).

The 458 Spider is priced from $257,000, which is probably more than double than what the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible will retail for. On the other hand, we can't ignore the fact that this supercar comes with a Ferrari badge, which pretty much speaks for itself. And let's not forget about that awesome exhaust note.

Conclusion

I'm not the one to fall for automaker-made braggadocio, but this time I have to go with what Chevy had to say about the Z06 Convertible. We're looking at one of the most capable drop-tops on the market. A sports car -- damn near a supercar -- that will let wind blow through your hair likely for less money than its competitors. Bring it on!

Corvette Z06 History

1963 Chevrolet Corvette "RPO Z06"

The "Z06" name made its first appearance in the Corvette lineup in 1963, but not in the way we know it today. This was actually the RPO Z06 package, which included a large front anti-roll bar, a vacuum brake booster with dual master cylinders, sintered -- powder-based -- metallic brake pads, a 36.5-gallon fuel tank, power rear drum brakes with vented backing plates and updated shocks and springs. It was because of the gas tank that the Z06 package was a late addition to the convertible Corvette -- the gas tank was left off of these builds, as it would not fit under the convertible.

Only 199 of these Z06 models were produced, and Chevy built them specifically for SCCA competition.It included a 360-horsepower, 327-cubic-inch, V-8 engine.

2001 - 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The Z06 returned in 2001 with a 5.7-liter, V-8 powerplant that pumps out 385 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque -- a 35-horsepower and 25-pound-feet bump over the base 2001 Corvette. Chevy tweaked the 5.7-liter to 405 ponies and 400 pound-feet of twist the following year, and it carried that setup through its final year -- 2004.

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2005 - 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Along with the debut of the C6 corvette in 2006 came an all-new Z06 with a 7.0-liter, V-8 engine with 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The following year brought the introduction of the 427 Limited Edition Z06 that featured special graphics and exclusive, titanium-colored leather interior. In its final year -- 2013 -- the Z06 had an optional, 427 Collector Edition.