RETURN OF THE CORVETTE 427
60 years after the first Corvette
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Thu, Jan 12, 2012
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible HOT WIRE—4-2-7. Three numbers dear to the heart of Corvette aficionados. As the current generation C6 Corvette is about to ride into the sunset, Chevy decided to bring back the magic numbers. So, for 2013—60 years after the first Corvette—it’s back. Meet the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition—the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history. “The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history—the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.” The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 21st, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer.
Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition The folks at GM say the Corvette 427 Convertible will blend elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models 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 (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), 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 will be assembled by hand at GM’s Performance Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can get the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their new car. 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 fiber Z06-style fenders Carbon fiber floor panels The “CFZ” carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the 427 Convertible The weight reduction will bring the 427 Convertible’s curb weight to 3,355 pounds (1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427 Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64—or one horsepower for every 6.64 pounds of vehicle mass. If true, 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 GM promises that 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.