Chevy Unveils Its Fastest Corvette Convertible Yet

BRAINTREE, MASS. (01/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Corvettes are known for being some of the fastest sports cars on the circuit, but the 2013 Chevy Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition will be the fastest drop-top Corvette that Chevy has ever built. Scheduled to arrive at Chevrolet dealerships this summer, the new Corvette will house the LS7, the most powerful engine that Chevy has ever installed in a production Corvette convertible.

The Chevy Corvette 427 Convertible is named after the displacement size of the LS7 engine, which is 427 cubic-inches, or 7.0 liters. Currently found in the 2012 Corvette Z06, the LS7 delivers 505 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. Chevy claims that the 427 Convertible can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of more than 190 mph.

"The LS7 engine is an efficient beast; it puts out massive horsepower yet features lightweight titanium materials to ensure acceleration isn't affected," said Haykel Ammari, general manager of Greater Boston Chevy dealer Quirk Chevrolet. "That innovation extends to the body of the 427 Convertible as well, with the use of other materials that are also strong yet lightweight."

With carbon fiber comprising its raised hood, Z06-style fenders and floor panels, the Corvette 427 Convertible achieves a lowered curb weight of 3,355 pounds. That places the car's power-to-weight ratio above the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, the Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder, the Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible and the Ferrari California Convertible.

While Massachusetts Chevy fans will have to wait until summer to get a taste of the new open-air Corvette, one lucky buyer has already taken one home. Fresh off the assembly line, the very first 427 Convertible crossed the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction on January 21. Proceeds from the auction benefitted the Drive to End Hunger food-relief program, which was started by AARP and Hendrick Motorsports to raise money and build awareness for combating hunger in the United States.

When it finally does go on the sale, the Corvette 427 Convertible will be available with a 60th Anniversary Package like all 2013 Corvette models. Marking 60 years of the Corvette, the package includes an Arctic White exterior, a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior, a rear spoiler and special anniversary badging. Convertible models will also receive a blue top.

"Though it's well known by collectors, many people don't realize that the Corvette was only available as a convertible for the first ten years of its life," added Ammari. "The release of the 427 Convertible during Corvette's 60th anniversary is both a nod to the car's origins and its future. By coming out with a new, extremely fast convertible model, Chevy has shown that it is going to continue to innovate with the Corvette."

About Quirk Chevrolet:

Quirk Chevrolet serves satisfied Chevy drivers throughout the Boston metro area. Their expert Chevy service staff and dedicated parts department, in addition to their extensive inventory of new and used Chevrolets, has made Quirk Chevrolet the destination for Chevy lovers throughout Massachusetts and New England. To find out more, visit them online at www.quirkchevy.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkChevroletMA, follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/QuirkChevyMA, call them at 781-917-1151, or stop by their dealership at 444 Quincy Avenue in Braintree, Massachusetts.