Geneva show: Chevrolet Corvette goes topless

CHEVROLET has ripped the covers off the highly anticipated convertible version of its Corvette Stingray ahead of a world debut at the Geneva motor show this week.

The drop-top Stingray features the same angular design as the new-generation hard-top version of the iconic US sportscar that was revealed at the Detroit motor show in January.

As with the coupe, no right-hand-drive production has been announced.

As the images show, Chevrolet has opted to continue with a traditional fabric roof for the convertible instead of a folding metal design that is favoured by an increasing number of manufacturers.

Chevrolet has focused on weight reduction with the 2014 Corvette and has achieved this through the use of an aluminium frame that is 45kg lighter than the outgoing model.

A carbon-fibre bonnet, and rear-quarter panels, doors and tailgate made from sheet-moulded composite compounds, also add to the overall weight reduction.

Australian Mike Simcoe oversaw the design of the new Corvette in Detroit during his posting as GM’s head of North American design.

While powertrain details are yet to be revealed, the convertible is expected to carry the same 335kW 6.2-litre V8 mated to a seven-speed manual gearbox that has already been announced for the coupe.

Performance figures should be close to the hard-top, which is claimed to sprint from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds.

Chevrolet has also previously said that the new engine will be more fuel efficient than the outgoing model, which had official fuel consumption figures of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

As GoAuto has reported, the US car-maker has chosen the Geneva show to reveal the Stingray convertible as the Corvette is the face of Chevrolet around the world.

The Corvette is sold as the flagship of the US car-maker’s range in continental Europe.

No on-sale date has been announced for the Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible, but it is expected to launch in the US in the second half of the year.