Chevy just released its new Corvette ZR1, and the spec sheet is just this side of insane. All told, this thing is the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever created, with a thumping supercharged V-8 under the hood, advanced adaptive suspension components and tuning, and more wing than an international airport. All good stuff, no doubt, but what happens when you take off the roof? To find out, X-Tomi Design put together a rendering, and long story short, we approve.
The ZR1 convertible bears the same upgraded front fascia as its hardtop sibling, with aggressive, angular front intakes, a large splitter, and a taller hood to accommodate the bigger blower underneath. The wheels, fender vents, and enormous rear wing are also a carryover. Up top, though, you’ll notice the expanded headroom. If we’ve got your attention, then you’re in luck, because word has it a factory-made ZR1 convertible will break cover soon, possibly alongside the coupe version later this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Read on for the details.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible by X-Tomi Design.
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2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible
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Year:2019
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Make:
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Model:
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Engine:V8
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Transmission:7-speed manual
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Horsepower @ RPM:755
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Torque @ RPM:715
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Energy:Direct and Port
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Displacement:6.2 L
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0-60 time:3.6 sec. (Est.)
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Quarter Mile time:11.2 sec. (Est.)
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Top Speed:210 mph (Est.)
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0-100 time:4.5 sec. (Est.)
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Price:125000 (Est.)
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Price:
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car segment:
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size:
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Purpose:
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body style:
What Makes The 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible By X-Tomi Design Special
While overall we like the rendering, we can’t help but point out that it looks a little silly with that carbon fiber monstrosity hanging off the tail – indeed, cutting the roof off the ZR1 would do a good job in screwing up its formidable aerodynamics package. Chevy says the coupe makes close to 1,000 pounds of extra stick at speed, a vital feature when considering the ZR1’s 210-mph top speed. So what effect would a convertible have on performance?
Cutting the roof off the ZR1 would do a good job in screwing up its formidable aerodynamics package.
Luckily, recent spy shots seem to reveal that the factory convertible will get a few tweaks, including a less aggressive wing in back. The rest of it should be identical to the hardtop version, with as much as 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque on tap from a boosted 6.2-liter V-8. Magnetic ride suspension and a seven-speed manual transmission round it out, although we’re guessing convertible lovers will instead go for the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The real question is how a roofless ZR1 will hang on the track.
The real question is how the roofless ZR1 will hang on the track. The aero will likely be much less effective, and with no top, the car’s torsional rigidity will take a nosedive, affecting how it corners as a result. Basically, it’ll be pretty sloppy, especially with all that tire that’s stuffed in the corners. Chevy’s engineers might counter this with additional bracing in the flanks, but that’ll inevitably increase the car’s curb weight, once again hampering performance.
Either way, we’ll keep an eye out for any further developments. What do you think? Does a ZR1 convertible make sense to you, or does it neuter this latest ultimate ‘Vette? Let us know in the comments!
Drivetrain Specifications
| Type: | LT5 6.2L Supercharged V-8 with direct and port injection |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm) | 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92 |
| Block material: | Cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | Cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | Overhead valve, two valves per cylinder |
| Fuel delivery: | Direct and port injection |
| Horsepower | 755 HP @ 6,300 RPM (SAE certified) |
| Torque | 715 LB-FT @ 4,400 RPM (SAE certified) |
| Transmission | 7-speed manual with Active Rev Match 8-speed paddle-shaft automatic |
| Fuel economy city/highway | 15/22 mpg (manual) 13/23 mpg (automatic) |
| Front Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, Magnetic Selective Ride Control |
| Rear Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, Magnetic Selective Ride Control |
| Steering Type: | Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist |
| Turning Circle (ft. / m): | 39.2 / 11.6 |
| Brake Type: | Front and rear power-assisted discs with two-piece carbon ceramic matrix rotors; fixed six-piston aluminum front calipers and fixed four-piston aluminum rear calipers |
| Brake Rotor Size (in / mm): | Front –15.5 / 394 Rear –15.3 / 388 |
| Wheel Size: | Front: 19-inch x 10.5-inch Rear: 20-inch x 12-inch |
| Tire Size: | Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat (std.) Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (ZTK) Front: P285/30ZR19 Rear: P335/25ZR20 |
References
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Read our full review of the 2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1
Chevy Corvette Stingray
Read our full review of the 2014 - 2017 Corvette Stingray
Latest Corvette News
Or, read our full review on the 1969 Chevy Corvette 427/430 L88
Source: Rendering by Xtomi Design
Chevrolet today dropped the top on the 2019 Corvette ZR1 with the global introduction of the ZR1 convertible, the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model-year ZR1.
On sale next spring alongside the Corvette ZR1 coupe, the ZR1 convertible emphasizes Corvette’s iconic proportions and functional sculpture, highlighting the seamless transition between the exterior and interior.
The ZR1 coupe will carry a suggested retail price of $119,995, while the ZR1 convertible will start at $123,995 (prices include destination charge, but exclude tax, title and other dealer fees).
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
The performance and technology introduced on the Corvette ZR1 coupe carry over to the new ZR1 convertible. The strength of the Corvette’s aluminum chassis means the only structural changes in the convertible are accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. The power top can be operated remotely or while driving up to 30 mph.
In fact, the curb weight difference between the ZR1 coupe and convertible is less than 60 pounds (27 kg), with most of the difference attributed to the folding top hardware.
“The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. “Thanks to the strong structure, the suspension tuning between coupe and convertible models is identical, meaning the ZR1 convertible offers the same benchmark performance, including a top speed of over 200 mph.”
Top speed-enabling aero, horsepower
The Corvette ZR1’s unique aero package is central to the coupe’s 212-mph (341 kph) top speed. Its standard, stanchion-mounted Low Wing generates road-holding downforce with minimal drag, enabling the benchmark top speed. This was evident during top-speed testing at Germany’s Papenburg proving ground.
An adjustable High Wing is part of the new $2,995 ZTK Performance Package, which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning. It is designed to help generate faster lap times through maximum grip in the corners, with up to 950 pounds of downforce. The top speed is lower with the High Wing but still exceeds 200 mph.
Complementing the ZR1’s aero advantage on the way to 212 mph is the thrust generated by the exclusive LT5 6.2L supercharged engine, which is rated at an SAE-certified 755 horsepower (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft of torque (969 Nm). A seven-speed manual transmission and a ZR1-first paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission are offered with it. Preliminary testing has shown 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and the quarter mile in the high 10-second range when the engine is equipped with the eight-speed automatic.
The LT5 features a new, more efficient intercooled supercharger system, along with GM’s first dual fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection. Compared to the supercharger system on the Corvette Z06’s LT4 engine, the LT5 employs a larger, 2.65-liter supercharger that generates more boost while spinning at a slightly slower speed. That reduces heat to help maintain a lower air intake temperature for optimal performance.
Four new radiators also help manage cooling in the ZR1, which features 13 radiators in all, including circuits for engine oil, transmission and differential cooling.
A distinctive voice
A new, patent-pending exhaust system is the voice of the supercharged LT5 engine and offers the most aggressive sound ever for a production Corvette.
Building on the bi-modal exhaust system offered on other Corvette models, it features four distinct modes and sound levels: Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track. In Stealth mode, the ZR1 is quieter than the Corvette Z06, while in Track mode it is significantly louder.
In Track mode, a spring-loaded passive valve closes to allow virtually unrestricted exhaust flow for maximum performance. The exhaust note for all modes was carefully tuned to deliver a distinctive sound.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 coupe and convertible will be on display to the public Dec. 1-10 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
