If you hated the idea of the Z06 going supercharged and getting a targa top, you'll really hate this: Chevrolet will introduce the 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible at the New York Auto Show next week. And thanks to the Stingray Forums, here it is. Looks great, but is it a real Z06?
So what can we expect? Same power. Same transmission options. So that means a supercharged 6.2 liter LT4 V8 with at least 625 horsepower and 635 pound feet of torque. That's routed to the wheel through a seven speed manual or an eight speed automatic.
And as we learned when we drove the standard Corvette Stingray Convertible, the rigidity of the convertible is largely on par with the coupe and Chevy believes it's the most rigid convertible in the world.
Chevy has now released all of the official details of the new Z06 Convertible, and they are largely the same as the coupe that we saw in Detroit, even in the weight department. The Z06 Convertible is 20 percent stiffer than the last Z06 with the fixed roof. Curb weight is basically identical. Options and equipment (including the Z07 hardcore track pack) are basically the same.
So it's a Z06 sans roof. But you knew that.
Here's the thing: They'll sell more than they can possibly build. An eight-speed automatic Z06 Convertible. 625 horsepower. Cost less than $100,000 probably. Holy crap.
But it also means the definitive end of the Z06 nameplate as the track focused Corvette. A Z06 is now the hi-po option, with the Z06 Vert being the ultimate boulevard cruiser.
Z06 loyalists and purists will be pissed. People who love power will be perfectly fine. We'll see the Z06 Convertible in person at the NY Auto Show next week.