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The 2013 model year of the Corvette not only marks the 60th anniversary of Chevy's iconic sports car but also the final production year for the current C6 before it is replaced by an all-new model.To celebrate the event, Chevrolet has created the new 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition and the 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models. Both will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Arizona on January 21, and go on sale early this summer.Chevy says that the 427 Convertible Collector Edition, which blends elements from the Z06 and ZR1 models, is the "most capable" drop-top model in the Corvette’s history.As the name suggests, the special edition convertible is powered by the Z06's 427 cu.in. (7.0-liter) V8 engine rated at 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), making it the most powerful series production Corvette Convertible ever. It's available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.Aside from the powerful V8, the collector's edition gets the same driveline and rear axle system as the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control, along with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires and several carbon-fiber components such as the hood, Z06-style fenders and floor panels.The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition tips the scales at 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg) delivering estimated 0-60mph (96km/h) performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph (305km/h).The new 60th Anniversary Package is available on all 2013MY Corvette models including the 427 Convertible. It features an Arctic White exterior with a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents, while the Convertible models also get a blue top.Other features include a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging inside and out, gray-painted brake calipers and the “60th” logo on the wheel center caps, steering wheel and seat headrests, plus optional graphics package with full-length racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue.If you scroll down, you can find a list with all the Collector and Anniversary Edition models released throughout the Corvette's history.
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Making its premiere in final production trim at the2012 Detroit Auto Show is the limited run Falcon Motor Sports F7 sports car, a prototype of which you may remember seeing at the 2010 edition of the North American International Auto Show.Based in Holly, Michigan, which is about an hour's drive from Detroit, Falcon began working on the F7 in 2009 and completed development in late 2011.Falcon says that the F7's exterior design drew its general inspiration from the 1980s-era supercars, while the interior was crafted to accommodate drivers up to 6'4 (195 cm) in comfort.The F7 is well equipped for its category with standard features including several amenities such as an iPod docking station, Bluetooth device connectivity, Garmin GPS, premium audio system, keyless locking and ignition system, power windows, and air conditioning.The hand built sports car rides on a unique tig-welded aluminum chassis with an integrated carbon fiber structural tunnel, as well as carbon fiber reinforced floor pan and firewall. Like many exotics, the F7's body panels are made of lightweight carbon fiber.The mid-mounted V8 engine and most parts of the suspension are sourced from the Corvette. The naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 LS7 is rated at 620 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 585 lb-ft of peak torque at 5,400 rpm, and is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels.Depending on the configuration, Falcon says that the F7 can go from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 3.3 to 3.6 seconds, reach a top speed of 190 to 200mph (305 – 322 km/h), achieve 1.1-1.3g maximum lateral acceleration and come to a complete stop from 60mph in less than a 100 feet.Production of the F7 Series 1 will be limited to 10 units with prices starting from $225,000.PHOTO GALLERY
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No more guessing what the 2014 Chevrolet Stingray series' Convertible version will look like as General Motors has just released the first official photos of the car, a few days before it makes its world premiere in Switzerland and the 83rd edition of the Geneva International Auto Salon.Both images show the Corvette Stingray Convertible from a 3/4 profile angle, with or without its soft-top in the upright position.General Motors hasn't shared any information about the car yet, but the rear spoiler and other details like the hood vents point to a Z51 package-equipped model, which also includes some performance upgrades such as an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, and integral brake, differential and transmission cooling.Under the hood you'll find the same 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine rated for 450-horses and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque connected to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission as the coupe.We'll keep you updated on the Corvette Stingray Convertible as soon as GM comes out with more details.PHOTO GALLERY
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The new Corvette Stingray Convertible made its first public outing at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show today, and we must admit, it looks as good, if not better, in the flesh than what the renderings (?) and the official studio shots hinted at.Chevrolet says the new Corvette Stingray was designed from the get-go to be offered as a convertible model, and as a result, the only structural changes compared to the coupe are limited to accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.According to Chevrolet, since no structural reinforcements were required for the convertible, both Stingray models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios."With the all-new Corvette Stingray, we designed and developed the coupe and convertible simultaneously," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. "As a result, the Corvette Stingray offers an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design."The Corvette Stingray Convertible is fitted with a fully automatic top that can be opened or closed remotely using the key fob from the outside, and at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31mph) when inside.Like the coupe, the soft-top version is powered by GM's new LT1 6.2-liter V8 delivering an estimated 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of peak torque, paired to either a 7-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.Customers can also fit the convertible with the track-capable Z51 Performance Package, which includes the following items: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package to improve high-speed stability."We wanted the driving experience of the Corvette to live up to the performance expectations that come with the ‘Stingray’ name,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “Because it was designed from the beginning as an open top car, the Corvette Stingray delivers an exhilarating, connected driving experience - no matter what configuration you choose.”Both the Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible will arrive in global markets in late 2013.According to GM, changes for Corvettes destined for export "vary only in equipment required to accommodate the respective markets’ regulations, such as lighting, headlamp washers, and outside mirrors".PHOTO GALLERY
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