The all-new 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition

The 60-year storied history of Corvette culminates in the ultimate merging of classic design and iconic supercar power—welcome the all-new 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition, available early summer 2012. Combining technology found in both the Z06 and ZR1 including carbon fiber elements and the handcrafted 7.0 LS7 small block engine with the Corvette convertible experience, 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible is the first and only of its kind. Prepare yourself for the highest-performing Corvette convertible in 60 years. It's what Corvette dreams are made of.

Everything on the 427 Convertible works together to create stability during high-speed handling. The optional Carbon Fiber front splitter and side rockers from the ZR1 and ZO6 help reduce lift, which helps keep the 427 grounded while maneuvering at high speeds. Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control™, which provides increased wheel control by dramatically reducing heave, pitch and roll even on the roughest of roads or during difficult maneuvers at high speeds. Then there's its optimized suspension, which was fully enhanced with a unique calibration specifically for the 427 Convertible. Consider all of that with launch control, standard with the short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox, which modulates engine rpm to lay the power down smoothly while providing consistent acceleration times on the track. All of this together means greater control no matter if you're on a test track or on the highway.

It's track-ready power with the support of state-of-the-art control. Corvette 427 Convertible uses monoblock six-piston front calipers and four-piston rears, while the extra-large 14-inch front rotors and 13.4-inch rears are vented and cross-drilled. It also pulls elements from Z06 and Grand Sport such as 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels; and Michelin® PS2 tires, which offer exceptional grip. Combining these elements give the 427 Convertible a grounded and aggressive appearance that also supports its high-speed capability with incredible stopping power as well.

The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible pulls elements from both the Z06 and ZR1 into the Corvette convertible body creating the ultimate dream Corvette. The classic and aggressive appearance with rounded fenders, and its powerful silhouette are distinctive while the use of the latest in lightweight material from the Z06 and ZR1 including its Carbon Fiber raised hood, floor panels and fenders visually strengthen its track-ready look while helping to make it the fastest and most capable Corvette Convertible yet. It's the best of the most powerful and aggressive Corvette appearances brought together in a convertible body for the first time ever.

Corvette racing is about more than simply winning on the track. It's about bringing the technologies developed to win into production models and building a better Corvette. Over the years, our engineers have worked closely with the Corvette Racing Team to co-develop innovations that have improved Corvette models year after year. Innovations such as the LS7 engine co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine, which features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as the racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and dry-sump oil system. Even the Carbon Fiber elements found in the 427 Convertible were developed on the racetrack, because in the end if it makes it a better racecar, it makes it a better Corvette.

Control is a good thing, and this technology provides increased wheel control by dramatically reducing heave, pitch and roll even on the roughest of roads or during difficult maneuvers at high speeds. These shock absorbers employ magnetorheological fluid for damping levels adjusted up to 1,000 times per second, making the system exceptionally responsive. Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the 427 Convertible includes two distinct calibrations to best support driving style: Tour mode and Sport mode. Ride is smooth on the road and handling is solid on the track. It's the best of both worlds wrapped up in a convertible body — just sit back and enjoy the adrenaline rush.

For refined handling and reduced weight, 427 Convertible employs standard Carbon Fiber elements from both the Z06 and ZR1 including floor panels, fenders and raised hood. Additionally, the Carbon Fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible or part of the available 60th Anniversary appearance package. This weight optimization along with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine gives 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.6:1 -- better than Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spider, Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible and Ferrari California Convertible.