Test drive: 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible – made for summer fun

The 2014 Corvette was designed from the start to be was a convertible. (Picture courtesy Chevrolet)

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible may seem to be find it irresistible’s all about having enjoyable Within The solar, however it’s also an knowledgeable at quandary administration.

No, not the company variety that GM is so accustomed to nowadays, and now not your mid-lifestyles drawback, both. It’s the one the place you’re looking to come to a decision whether or not to purchase the convertible sports Automobile you in reality need or the coupe version you recognize goes to be a greater Automotive.

Within The case of the brand new Corvette, it used to be designed from the start to be become a convertible and is constructed on an excellent-stiff aluminum chassis that does simply fantastic With No roof. Chevrolet says the drop-top is only one or 2 percent much less rigid than the Stingray coupe, compared to 40 percent or More for many vehicles.

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After All, Chevrolet did cheat just a little to drag off this superb feat. The Stingray “coupe” is truly a targa with a removable center roof panel, so it’s already just about an open-high Car. Nevertheless, each are significantly stiffer than the final authentic hardtop ’Vettes — the 2013 Z06 and ZR1 — but one can’t lend a hand however surprise what a few roof rails would possibly do.

A seven-Velocity manual gearbox lend a hand this Automobile get impressive fuel mileage numbers on the highway. (Photograph courtesy Chevrolet)

As it’s, the convertible positive aspects just 64 kilos In The conversion. With the field checked for the non-compulsory $ 1,195 efficiency exhaust, which will increase the power of its 6.2-liter V8 from 455 hp to 460 hp and provides it the voice of an offended Titan, it’s just right to get you to 60 mph in 3.Eight seconds and down the quarter mile in about 12 ticks – assuming your local drag strip lets in convertibles with out rollover protection, which is one position the coupe nonetheless holds the upper hand.

Extra telling is how in a position it is on a street less straight. With Out A twisting, bending chassis it’s as certain-footed and secure as any Stingray, delivering a tremendous experience alongside the best way. Earlier Corvette convertibles had been a bit of a large number, with quivering physique panels and shock waves accompanying each little bump. This one is as solid as a bauxite rock.

A Z51 performance bundle and magnetically managed energetic suspension are to be had, and that i’d recommend both if you happen to had been shopping for the coupe, however seeing as how the convertible isn’t a monitor Car, you’re at an advantage saving the money, as a result of it doesn’t want it and you do. With a starting value of $ Fifty Eight,995, the convertible costs five grand greater than the coupe.

A thick, triple-layer cloth roof retains the cabin as quiet as a hardtop when you need it up. (Photograph courtesy Chevrolet)

You Can skip the six-Speed computerized, too. It’s merely adequate, and an Eight-Speed is on the best way someday subsequent yr. The Usual 7-Velocity manual is a slick-shifting gem with automated rev-matching on downshifts and a stratospheric overdrive that keeps the motor turning at just 1,200 rpm at 70 mph, just right for a conservative 29 mpg ranking. Cracking 30 mpg is no drawback in the true world.

Speaking of 30, the highest can also be opened at speeds up to 30 mph, or remotely via the keyfob when the automobile is parked, neatly tucking under its arduous tonneau cover. When it’s up, the thick, triple-layer fabric roof keeps the cabin as quiet as a hardtop on the fee of rearward visibility, the Stingray convertible’s major problem. O.Okay., so possibly Which You Can’t have all of it.

That’s, unless you’re speaking about the inside, which will get the exact same therapy because the coupe’s. It’s neatly-appointed, fitted with a slightly-screen infotainment machine, on hand head-up show, and a configurable digital instrument cluster with three layouts, a G-pressure meter and an automatic stopwatch for timing sprints, amongst different capabilities.

The now not too giant, but no longer too tiny 10-cubic-foot trunk may just show More useful, however, simply swallowing a few duffle luggage to your weekend on the beach. Convertibles are all about enjoyable In The sun, in the end.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible

Base worth: $ Fifty Eight,995

Sort: 2-passenger, 2-door convertible

Engine: 6.2L V8

Power: 455 hp, 460 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 7-Speed guide

MPG: 17 metropolis/29 hwy