2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible and 60th Anniversary Package - First Look

Celebrating Corvette’s 60th birthday.


By Shaun Bailey
January 11, 2012

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<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Breaking news to all fans of the Corvette—Three choice updates released on January 12, 2012:
First, a Convertible Z06 will finally be made, appropriately dubbed the Corvette 427 Convertible. It is a blend of parts from other models, specifically the carbon-fiber front fenders from a Corvette Z06 and the hydroformed steel frame rails of the Corvette Grand Sport. Being a unique model, it will be serialized like the exclusive ZR1 with a specific VIN sequence. Of course, it’s equipped with the world-class 505-bhp 7.0-liter V-8 (that’s 427 cubes) fitted to the Z06’s 6-speed manual transaxle, and comes standard with Magnetic Ride Control and a wheel/tire package in ZR1 sizes (unique wheels are part of the package, but the chrome ones direct from the ZR1 parts bin are optional). A curb weight of 3355 lb. is listed in the 427’s specifications, as are expected performance numbers of 3.8 seconds to 60 mph and 11.8 seconds for the quarter mile. Its top speed is a hairdo-destroying 190 mph. Strangely, it is not being introduced at the Detroit Auto Show; instead, it’s debuting on January 21 at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale Arizona, where it will be auctioned off, with proceeds from the sale benefiting the Drive to End Hunger. Expect this most extreme Corvette convertible to cost about $100,000 when it arrives at dealers this summer.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible




Second, a 60th Anniversary package to pay tribute to the Corvette’s 60th year of production. Neatly, this happens to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of Chevrolet. While the 100th Anniversary package is black on black, the 60th Anniversary Corvette is white with blue trim, and is available on all models, even the newly introduced 427 Convertible.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible



Third, Chris Perry, vice president, global marketing and strategy for Chevrolet, is quoted as saying, “The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current C6 generation.” So look for an all-new seventh-generation Corvette to arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible




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Bonus
2013 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster - First Look

Lambo’s ultimate drop-top will be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.


By Nick Kurczewski / Photos by Theophilus Chin/Chris Doane Automotive
January 12, 2012

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<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->The 2012 Geneva Auto Show looks set to host the unveiling of a new roadster version of the Lamborghini Aventador, the V-12-powered supercar that sits atop the company’s potent lineup. During our test drive of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, we called the car “downright devilish in performance,” but with the refined driving manners of an Audi sedan.

2013 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster




Sunshine, 691 Horsepower
Lamborghini hasn’t released any official photos of the 2013 Aventador Roadster, and we don’t want to wait until the Geneva show in March to see the car. Thus, we offer these computer-generated images, which give us a very close approximation to how the car will look on the stand in Switzerland. With the exception of the detachable roof, most everything should carry over from the hardtop. That means you’ll get the same ferocious 691-bhp 6.5-liter V-12 engine, coupled to a 7-speed single-clutch ISR gearbox and all-wheel drive.
In the standard LP700-4, this powertrain propels the mid-engine Aventador 2-seater to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds. The factory claimed top speed is 217 mph. The Roadster should be able to match these prodigious performance figures, given the care and attention Lamborghini will undoubtedly pay to keeping weight low. The car’s carbon-fiber tub weighs in at only 325 lb. Look for the Roadster to use lightweight materials in both its roof and any additional body reinforcements that might be needed.
The price, like those performance stats, is going to reside in the stratosphere. With the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 coupe starting at $387,000<~ , it’s likely the new Roadster will hit $400,000.




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• Aston Martin DBS Volante
• Audi R8 Spyder
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster

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2014 Subaru BRZ Convertible - First Look

Subaru could offer drop-top variant of rear-wheel-drive sport coupe.

By Nick Kurczewski / Illustration Copyright: Theophilus Chin/Chris Doane Automotive


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<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->The 2013 Subaru BRZ was recently revealed during the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show and speculation is already building about a convertible version of this hot rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. We recently got behind the wheel of the BRZ and raved about the car’s flexible nature, which blends spirited dynamics with everyday practicality. Having a drop-top variant would only increase the enjoyment levels – especially when it comes to basking in the “exuberant” exhaust note of the car’s 200-bhp 2.0-liter flat-4 cylinder.
BRZ Convertible
At the moment, the BRZ Coupe is good for a 0-60 mph sprint of less than 7 seconds. A convertible would undoubtedly add some extra mass onto the coupe’s 2,770 lb. curb weight. That might take a slight edge off performance; yet according to some sources, a convertible is part of the BRZ (and mechanically identical Toyota 86/Scion FR-S) project. That means the chassis should cope with the loss of the hardtop using only a minimal amount of extra bracing. Like the coupe, expect a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters.

2014 Subaru BRZ Convertible Illustration




No word yet as to whether the BRZ drop-top might be fabric, or a folding metal system. To keep the price low, we think Subaru is more likely to opt for a cheaper and less complex fabric top. From these computer-generated images, you might want to just leave the top down all the time. Unfortunately, the already tight rear seating is likely to only get worse with a convertible. Trunk space might also suffer.
We’re guessing owners would be willing to give up some practicality for style. And if Subaru gets the price right, the Japanese automaker should have no problem finding customers. The BRZ Coupe is expected to start around $25,000 when it goes on sale next year which means the BRZ Convertible may start around $30,000 if it goes into production for the 2014 model year.

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2013 Subaru BRZ
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</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>2011 Tokyo
2013 Subaru BRZ
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2013 Subaru BRZ Tokyo Unveiling
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</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>2011 Los Angeles
Subaru BRZ STI Concept
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Subaru BRZ STI Concept Auto Show Reveal
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</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Driving Impression
2013 Subaru BRZ Prototype
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That vette is nice but i think GM is screwing themselves on the prices of the vette now, uses to be a great value for the hp but now there goin up into the $100,000 price rang that there competators are in & the Lambo vert is sweet i was hoping they would make one

 

Saw a vette comercial,for z06 white vette,man would i love to have that thing!!!!

 

Does it amaze anyone else the way that the Lambo's steering wheel looks like its almost as high as the windshield?