Manoli Katakis 
Chevrolet chose to reveal the 2020 C8 Corvette Convertible at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, and we really can’t think of a better venue to make it happen. Consider the historical context of the Corvette tie-in with the Apollo 11 astronauts, whom leased Corvettes for just a dollar. You could also consider that the C8 Corvette Stingray looks like it could blast off into space at any second with its aeronautic-inspired design that fits perfectly with the rockets fixated on the launchpad not far in the distance.
Now the official details of the 2020 C8 Corvette Convertible. For starters, it’s the first-ever hard top Corvette convertible in its 66+ year history, utilizing a sheet-molded composite material. This translates to a quieter cabin when the top is up, and an absolutely cleaner look compared to the previous soft-top designs. Tracing the Corvette back to its origins, it’s important to recognize that the original 1953 Corvette was only a convertible. Just the same, General Motors says that it engineered the C8 Corvette as a convertible first and foremost. Structurally, the C8 Stingray Convertible maintains the rigid center tunnel and use of the same die-cast parts found in the Stingray coupe. Chevrolet says that the roof design and same rear spoiler used on the Stingray coupe’s Z51 Performance Package results in identical drag coefficient between the coupe and convertible with the top up.
Expand the video below to see the convertible in action.
The two-piece folding top steps away from a traditional hydraulic system and utilizes a Corvette-first-ever six electric motors can open and close at speeds up to 30 mph and retract in as few as 16 seconds. When fully stowed, the C8 Stingray Convertible can still hold two sets of golf clubs in the rear trunk (yes, Chevrolet made sure to address the current customer’s greatest concern – golf club storage). The “frunk” front storage compartment is unchanged in the convertible.
Visually, the biggest change is the removal of the glass display panel in the C8 Stingray Coupe that shows off the 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that sends up to 495 horsepower and 470 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheels. This allows for an optimal storage solution for the hardtop, where lightweight composite panels and heat shields manage heat from the engine directly below it.To manage buffeting, a divider glass window in the middle of the vehicle can be power adjusted with the top up or down.
The breakthrough 2020 C8 Corvette Convertible will command a price of $7,500 above the MSRP of the $59,995 base C8 Stingray 1LT Coupe, putting it right at $67,495. A body-colored roof is standard, while Carbon Flash metallic-painted nacelles and roof are optional. Customers and enthusiasts can configure the C8 Stingray Convertible to their heart’s content on the Chevrolet website. For more, view the gallery below.
