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Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition


January 13, 2012



The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette's history.

Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque, it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible - and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM's Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collect Edition can purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new ca.

Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels - introduced on the 2012 Corvette Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages - come standard and include unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.

The 427 Convertible also features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce weight, including:

  • Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
  • Carbon fiver Z06-sytle fenders
  • Carbon fiber floor panels
  • The "CFZ" carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package
The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible's curb weight to 3,355 pounds. Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ration of 6.64 - or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. That's better than:
  • Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet - 6.90
  • Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder - 7.58
  • Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible - 7.82
  • Ferrari California Convertible - 8.31
The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of 3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.

The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4L trim levels and will carry a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition -

Preliminary Specifications

Overview
 Model  Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
 Body Styles/driveline
 two-door convertible; rear-wheel drive
 Construction  composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with  aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis  components
 Manufacturing location
 Bowling Green KY
   
Engines  7.0L V-8 LS& (Z06)
 Displacement (cu in/cc)  427 / 7008
 Bore & Store (in/mm)
 4.125 x 4 / 104.8 x 101.6
 Block material
 cast aluminum
 Cylinder head material
 cast aluminum
 Valvetrain  overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
 Fuel delivery
 SFI (sequential fuel injection)
 Compression ratio
 11.0:1
 Horsepower
(hp/kW @rpm)
 505 / 377 @ 6300*
 Torque (lb-ft/Nm @rpm)
 470 / 637 @ 4800*
 Recommended fuel
 premium required
 Estimated fuel economy (city/hwy)
 15 / 24 (no guzzler tax)
   
Transmission  six-speed manual
 Application  std
 Gear ratios (:1)
 
    First  2.66
    Second  1.78
    Third  1.30
    Fourth  1.00
    Fifth  0.74
    Sixth  0.50
 Reverse  2.90
 Final drive ratio  3.42
   
Chassis / Suspension
 
 Front  short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber; Magnetic Selective Ride Control
 Rear  short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber, Magnetic Selective Ride Control
 Traction control electronic traction control; Active Handling
   
Brakes  
 Type  front and rear power-assisted disc with ABS with six-piston - front and four-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors
 Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm)  front:  14 x 1.3 / 355 x 32
 rear:  13.4 x 1 / 340 x 26
 Brake swept area (sq in / mm)  front:  309 / 1994rear:  269 / 1735
   
Wheels & Tires
 
Wheel size  front:  19-inch x 10-inch aluminum
 rear:  20-inch x 12-inch aluminum
Tires  front:  285/30ZR19
 rear:  335/25ZR20
   
Dimensions  
 Wheelbase (in / mm)
 105.7 / 2685
 Overall length (in / mm)
 175.6 / 4460
 Overall width (in / mm)
 75.9 / 1928
 Overall height (in / mm)
 48.7 / 1236
 Curb weight (lb / kg)
 3355 / 1522
 Weight distribution (% front / rear)
 50 /50
Interior  
 Seating capacity
 2
 Interior volume (cu ft / L)
 52 / 1475
 Headroom (in / mm)
 38 / 962
 Legroom (in / mm)  43 / 1092
 Shoulder room (in / mm)
 55 / 1397
 Hip room (in / mm)
 54 / 1371
Capacities  
 Cargo Volume (cu ft / L)  11 / 295 (top up); 7.5 / 212 (top down)
 Fuel tank (gal / L)
 18 / 68.1
 Engine oil (qt / L)
 10.5 / 9.9

* SAE certified


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