The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette has become one of the most anticipated cars of all time. And now, General Motors is generating even more buzz by announcing the first ever Corvette hardtop convertible.
Corvettes have long been available as convertibles, and you can also get a targa-top. However, many drivers prefer the ease of a hardtop convertible. Not only that, but a well-constructed hardtop offers better insulation than a cloth-top when closed.
The top will be made of two pieces, which can be retracted and stored by six different motors. The roof pieces are stored in compartments behind the seats. It’ll take about half a minute for the roof to retract. You’ll be able to put the top down at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Given how radical the 2020 Corvette is, GM’s decision should come as no surprise. While Corvettes have played by their own super car rules for decades, GM decided to shake things up with the next generation. Gone is the front engine, with the new Corvette for sale opting for a mid-engine instead. This will distribute weight and should improve handling.
Likewise, no manual transmission will be offered. This decision is sure to upset some auto-enthusiasts. These days, however, automatic transmissions offer better performance than what many skilled drivers can muster with a manual.
It’s unclear what impacts the hardtop convertible option will have on performance. Likely, the hardtop system will add some weight to the super car, potentially slowing it down. As for the Z51 6.2 liter Stingray coupe, it’s expected to hit 60 in less than 3 seconds. Even if the hard top slows the 2020 Corvette down a bit, it’ll still be blazing fast.
