The 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible Has Made Its Official Debut

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible takes the Corvettes heritage to new heights as the first hardtop and mid engine convertible in Corvette history. The fighter jet inspired design maintains the same storage as the coupe, even with the top down. Powered by the same 6.2L Small Block V8 LT2 engine as the coupe, the 2020 Stingray convertible will produce 495 horsepower and 470 torque when equipped with performance exhaust which is the most horsepower and torque for any entry level Corvette.

Drop top driving has always been a part of the Corvettes history. When the Corvette first debuted in 1953, it was actually available only as a convertible. The 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray convertible builds off that history as the first hardtop and mid engine convertible in the Corvette lineup.

“We put the world on notice when we introduced the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette a few months ago, and now we’re raising the bar with the first-ever hardtop Corvette convertible,” said Brian Sweeney, Chevrolet U.S. vice president. “And the convertible will be priced only $7,500 more than entry 1LT Stingray coupe.”

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The mid engine 2020 Corvette Stingray was engineered as a convertible. The convertible maintains the same frame found in the C8 Stingray coupe. This was a similar set up with the C7 Corvette as well, GM constructed the frame to be so rigid that the loss of a solid roof would not affect the performance of the car so the enthusiasts could have their performance and style, too.

“Our goal from the beginning was to make sure customers didn’t have to sacrifice any functionality, performance or comfort when choosing the hardtop convertible,” said Josh Holder, Corvette program engineering manager. “We managed to keep the same design theme as the coupe, as well as the exceptional storage capacity and track capability.”

GM engineered the hardtop to retract into the body which allowed it to maintain the C8 Corvette coupes ability to store two sets of golf clubs in the trunk even with the top down. The C7 Corvette convertible limited the storage area when the top was down so this is a massive improvement. The convertible also keeps the coupes frunk, which can obviously hold additional cargo in addition to your, mandatory 2 sets of golf bags.

C8 Corvette Convertible Top Operation

The top can be dropped at speeds up to 30 mph and retract in 16 seconds. It is powered by six electric motors, which is a Corvette first. A body colored roof is standard and Carbon Flash metallic painted nacelles and roof are an optional feature.

A glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down. The glass has been optimized to reduce wind noise in the cabin for improved quietness and comfort. The roof design, combined with the same rear spoiler used on the C8 Stingray coupe Z51 Performance Package, has the exact same drag as the coupe model does when the top is up. GM engineers tweaked the chassis for the convertible so it would provide almost the same performance as the C8 Corvette coupe.

The C8 Corvette is definitely a game changer and with options like the convertible now available for preorder, you can really have it any way you want it. What GM has done with this car is nothing short of amazing and now you can get it with a drop top and you don't have to sacrifice anything. If you are interested in ordering your own C8 Corvette Stingray coupe or convertible, you can now build and price your own on the C8 Corvette visualizer at Chevrolet.com.

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About The Author

Justin Nohe - My name is Justin and I am a car fanatic. Everything automotive is my passion. Ever since I was a little kid owning a Corvette was my dream and I recently achieved that dream with a 2015 Corvette Z06. I have such passion for the automotive world and enjoy sharing it with anyone who will listen! You can contact me, send me tips and follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.