Over the summer, Corvette fans worldwide got an
enormous feast for the eyes on the form of a reveal: the C8 made its
worldwide debut in a hanger on July 18 in Tustin, CA during a spectacular
event. A convertible version was not present at that date, and it wasn't known
exactly how long fans would have to wait to see the new convertible appear. Now
there is thankfully a more solid date range to circle on the calendar, as
Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Kai Spande let it be known during an interview
with Motor 1 that the convertible version should be expected to arrive “in the
October time frame”.
Everyone here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis
agrees that it can benefit any automaker to hold back on the reins a bit as far
as revealing exactly when a new variant will arrive, to keep a level of
interest as well as mystique high. Sometimes buyers will wait a year or more
between the launch of the base-level car and additional variants like a
convertible. If all goes as planned with this release, the open-air model could
be in showrooms by early 2020, which could be just in time for warmer weather
to arrive during the spring!
What could be expected in terms of power is the
490-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 in base form, or a 495-hp version sporting the
optional Z51 performance package. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic will be
standard across the board. As with other generations, the C8 convertible will
most likely inspire high-performance models like the Z06 and ZR1. The
retractable hardtop folds into a compartment directly behind the passenger
cabin, and because the roof will essentially sit on top of the Corvette's
mid-mounted engine, the convertible will not feature the clear engine cover this
is on the coupe.
Just when all of the excitement surrounding this
long-awaited mid-engine model had seemed to die down, the fever was stoked
again for many fans with the simple tweet that announced it's due date through
a cool GIF that showed a cartoon C8 coupe morphing into a convertible. This is
a true leap of faith in terms of marketing and engineering, and so far the
response has been phenomenal. Any new Corvette carries with its release
significant and exciting clout, and since this one is the first mid-engined
model in history, it is that much more monumental. Cars equipped with the Z51
performance package can go from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds. We
have spent the entire dog days of summer tipping our hats enthusiastically to
this release, and the fact that the convertible is coming soon will provide the
fresh-air option to us right here in the showroom!