Breaking: 2015 Corvette Z06 drops its top for New York auto show

This is the new 2015 Corvette Z06 convertible, the Stingray for owners who want it all, shown a little earlier than we expected. Buyers get the Z06 engine, racing suspension and brakes, and now, for the first time since 1963, they can get that package with a convertible top, as we'll see at the New York auto show.

“Until recently it was not possible to create a lightweight, open-roof structure strong enough to cope with the braking, cornering and acceleration of Corvette's top performance models,” said Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter. “The frame for the Z06 convertible leverages advancements in computer-aided engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing techniques -- many of which were not available just five years ago.”

Chevy
The 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 convertible has a power folding top that can open at speeds up to 30 mph.

The aluminum chassis is 20 percent stiffer than the previous Corvette Z06. The company says it needed no structural reinforcements to lose the top. The only changes are the provisions for mounting the power folding top and repositioned seatbelt mounts.

The thick fabric top is offered in four colors, features a glass rear window and folds down while driving at speeds of up to 30 mph. The power top mechanism did force Chevy to relocate the trans and differential coolers to the underbody.

The coupe and convertible Corvette Z06 will be offered in three basic configurations: The standard Z06 features the front splitter, spats around the front wheel openings, a unique carbon fiber hood and rear spoilers. The carbon fiber aero package adds a carbon fiber front splitter with winglets, carbon fiber rocker panels and a large rear spoiler with a fixed wickerbill. Finally, the Z07 package adds larger winglets and an adjustable center section on the rear spoiler.

Chevy
The 2015 Chevy Corvette Z06 convertible gets either a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic.

The new LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8 provides motivation for both versions of the Z06. Chevy says it'll deliver at least 625 hp and 635 lb-ft of torque. Like the Stingray, the Z06 uses direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing to stay at least semi-efficient. A seven-speed manual transmission is standard, and now an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional. The octo-trans has four gearsets and five clutches to deliver performance on par with a dual-clutch gearbox, but without the herky-jerky tradeoff. The manual transmission features automatic rev matching.

Like the Stingray and Z06 coupe, the Corvette Z06 convertible gets launch control, Chevy's Performance Traction Management system and an electronic limited-slip differential.

Chevy hasn't said how much the Z06 convertible will cost, but judging from previous years, we expect it to start around $80,000.

The 2014 New York auto show runs April 16-27 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars including the 2015 Mustang convertible, BMW M4 convertible and next Hyundai Sonata. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/new-york-auto-show.

By Jake Lingeman