THE Mook Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible 2012-01-12 DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models. “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.” The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer. Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car. Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available. The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including: Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition) Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders Carbon fiber floor panels The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 – or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That’s better than: 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 The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph. The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1. Corvette 60th Anniversary Package All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will have a blue top. Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof. For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and the “waterfall” panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates. Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation. The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger. A legacy of 427-powered Corvettes Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced. The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered – an “L30” version rated at 390 horsepower and the “L72,” which cranked out 425 horsepower. Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque. The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the “L71” and “L88” options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as “427/435” cars, these ’67 models – especially the convertibles – are especially sought-after collector cars. The “L88” delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216 production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969. In 1969, a special “L89” 427 engine combined the L71’s induction system with the L88’s aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately 100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet built two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold as crate engines to racers. By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953 introduction, but Chevrolet didn’t begin building commemorative models until 1978, when the 25th Anniversary model – also known as the Silver Anniversary Corvette – was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well. Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being offered in the same year – and available on the same car. Below is a list of the Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models, as well as production numbers and their distinguishing features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 That sounds a wee bit faster than my 84! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z71_Denali Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P7DkY5SHE6A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70'sChevyGirl Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Oh yeah Baby..."The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history"!!! :2thumbs: You should see the gorgeous cars at NAIAS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris@Adams Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Too cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortplainman Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 saw that on the corvette facebook link. looked really good IMO. if chevy has one thing down right now, its the corvette. hasnt missed a bit IMO in years. even in the 80's/90's they did right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Wow! This must be the surprise at Barrett-Jackson next week? Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation. The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osok Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 While I do dig a lot of corvettes..I have to say the very very first thing that popped into my head when I scrolled down and saw the photo was.."looks like a camaro front end". So for being a LE special Vette..it kind of instantly turned me off. Looks like late 90s early 2000 Camaro hood and front end lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggerdan11 Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Thats awesome News. That will be a perfect vehicle for my dad who wants a Convertible but the power of the Z06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE Mook Posted January 12, 2012 Author Share Posted January 12, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Adam's Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Wow! This must be the surprise at Barrett-Jackson next week? Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Drive to End Hunger food relief program. Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including Hendrick team driver and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon. Team owner Rick Hendrick helped launch the Drive to End Hunger program with AARP and the AARP Foundation. The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger. Reportedly this isn't the BIG surprise. Theres something planned to go across the block that will be totally unexpected from everything I'm reading and GM isn't telling anyone what it is. I'm thinking they're gonna surprise everyone and auction off the first ZL1 Camaro... its getting awfully close to start seeing those beasts at the dealers and that would get a BIG splash of coverage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE Mook Posted January 12, 2012 Author Share Posted January 12, 2012 Reportedly this isn't the BIG surprise. Theres something planned to go across the block that will be totally unexpected from everything I'm reading and GM isn't telling anyone what it is. I'm thinking they're gonna surprise everyone and auction off the first ZL1 Camaro... its getting awfully close to start seeing those beasts at the dealers and that would get a BIG splash of coverage. What about a 1/1 in the Carbon Flash Metallic like the Centennials.... OH MAN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChargerMatt Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Looks like a viper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylander Posted January 12, 2012 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Beautiful. I bet it even has a much stronger presence when seen i person, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Slow Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Thanks Mook, that first pic is now my background pic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Cool. A Z06 convertible. Betcha it's going to be over $100,000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcss383 Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Cool car, but I think they should have been a little more creative with the name than '427 edition' that they used a few years ago which was nothing more than some badges. I'll be curious to see how many people actually want a Z06 convertible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Team Adam's Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I'll be curious to see how many people actually want a Z06 convertible Quite a few people would be my guess. My dad was all set to pull the trigger on a Z06 and ended up going with the Z51 optioned car so he could have the removable hardtop, then spent the money he saved on squeezing the extra HP out of it to put it at Z06 levels. Had they just offered the targa or convertible tops he'd have gone Z06. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I think all you "non" Corvette guys would be surprised to find that we've been asking for just that...... a convertible Z ...........for years. Only thing is, the Z isn't selling because of the small price difference between the Z and the ZR1. Might as well spend the extra few grand and get the bad boy ZR1. When I bought my Z new in 02 I paid a little over $50,000 for it. Now they're close to $100,000. They're really outpricing themselves from the average guy like me. It sucks, but the one I have now will most likely be the ONLY one I'll ever own. But I've sure gotten 10 years worth of enjoyment out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveVY Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I think all you "non" Corvette guys would be surprised to find that we've been asking for just that...... a convertible Z ...........for years. We ended up with the Grand Sport model (one step below the Z06) because the Z06 wasn't available as a convertible. This appears to be one sweet car, it will be cool to see pricing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reichler Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I think all you "non" Corvette guys would be surprised to find that we've been asking for just that...... a convertible Z ...........for years. Only thing is, the Z isn't selling because of the small price difference between the Z and the ZR1. Might as well spend the extra few grand and get the bad boy ZR1. When I bought my Z new in 02 I paid a little over $50,000 for it. Now they're close to $100,000. They're really outpricing themselves from the average guy like me. It sucks, but the one I have now will most likely be the ONLY one I'll ever own. But I've sure gotten 10 years worth of enjoyment out of it. Few grand difference? A Z06 starts at around $76K. A ZR1 starts at around $112K. I would hardly call $36K a "few grand". Yes you can play around with loading them up with options, but at no point is a ZR1 ever only a few grand more than a Z06. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveVY Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Re: Why the Z isn't selling as well as some expected... I think GM did a good job in creating the Grand Sport model and giving us as customers a better range of choices. They took the wide body from the Z06 along with some brake components and the dry sump (dry sump only on the coupe, not the convertible) and made those features available on the lower priced Grand Sport model. The Z06 still has the LS7 engine and the lighter frame. Be creating the Grand Sport I believe they took a few sales from the Z06 but also gained some new sales of people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcss383 Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Few grand difference? A Z06 starts at around $76K. A ZR1 starts at around $112K. I would hardly call $36K a "few grand". Yes you can play around with loading them up with options, but at no point is a ZR1 ever only a few grand more than a Z06. Actually, a fully loaded Z06 is only $4k less than the base ZR1 price. But it also has everything the ZR1 has except the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marylander Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 I think all you "non" Corvette guys would be surprised to find that we've been asking for just that...... a convertible Z ...........for years. Only thing is, the Z isn't selling because of the small price difference between the Z and the ZR1. Might as well spend the extra few grand and get the bad boy ZR1. When I bought my Z new in 02 I paid a little over $50,000 for it. Now they're close to $100,000. They're really outpricing themselves from the average guy like me. It sucks, but the one I have now will most likely be the ONLY one I'll ever own. But I've sure gotten 10 years worth of enjoyment out of it. I agree 100%. Five years ago the Z06 was the aspirational, "maybe next" car on my horizon. But at 80K or more it just makes no sense. So instead of nurturing my enthusiasm for Vettes, it sent me in a difference direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z71_Denali Posted January 13, 2012 Share Posted January 13, 2012 Actually, a fully loaded Z06 is only $4k less than the base ZR1 price. But it also has everything the ZR1 has except the engine. fully loaded Z06 has some things that a base ZR1 doesn't have. some of the interior comforts like nav and leather dash. but the ZR1 3ZR has all that and the LS9 for like $20k more. i'll be able to afford my first vette next summer. i've decided on either a used ZR1 if i can find one or brand new fully loaded Z06 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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