2011 Corvette Convertible

Corvette provides a premium driving environment with such options of rich leather coverings on the instrument panel upper, door panel uppers, console cover and sport seat surfaces with the available Custom Leather-Wrapper Interior Package on the 4LT trim level. A custom leather-wrapped interior package adds 2-tone leather with crossed flags embroidered in the headrests and leather on the console, instrument panel, and door panels.

All 2011 Corvettes come with standard air conditioning, keyless entry, a stereo system with MP3 playback, cruise control, power accessories, dual-zone climate control, leather seating and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Chevrolet provides its flagship sports car with plenty of standard safety features, too, like ABS, driver and passenger air bags, TPMS, traction control, and a limited-slip differential. Packages include heated seats, a Bose sound system, a navigation system, and Bluetooth. Navigation systems now include a USB port and audio inputs.

Finally, you can prove you live in the 21st century with the available dot-matrix head-up display that shows speed, rpm, oil pressure and G-meter readings.

With the addition of the Grand Sport model last year, and the new Z06 Carbon Limited Edition for 2011, there are plenty of Corvettes to choose from. Across the range, all manual transmissions get improved synchronization for better shifting, while base models have new 5-spoke wheels, and the Z06 gets a retuned exhaust.

Grand Sport

The revival of the Grand Sport in 2010 filled the gap between the base car and the increasingly expensive Z06. The GS brings the Z06’s sharper suspension and brakes down to the base Corvette. The Grand Sport can be distinguished from the standard Corvette by the Z06’s 3.3 inch wider bodywork, along with unique fender vents and wheels (18-inch wheels up front, 19-inch wheels at the rear). Having the Z06 brakes, it can make an incredible 150-foot stop from 70 to 0 mph.

The Grand Sport convertible shares the 430 horsepower LS3 engine with the base model convertible, and either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Grand Sport comes standard with wider wheels and tires, a revised suspension, extra cooling, larger brakes, and specific manual gear ratios. While the Corvette will never be mistaken for an economy car, with the 6-speed manual transmission it does get a surprising 26 mpg on the highway.

Described as a topless rocket, the straight-line acceleration is relentless and on par with that of other 6.2-liter Corvettes at 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and the quarter-mile in 12.6 at 115 mph. The convertible has an estimated top speed of 185 mph. Having the Z06 brakes, it can make an incredible 150-foot stop from 70 to 0 mph.

Using the optional F55 Magnetic Selective Ride Control package, it bundles two-mode magneto-rheological shocks with massive, second-generation Goodyear F1 Supercar run-flat tires.

Z06 Carbon Limited Edition:

The Corvette gains a new model for 2011, the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition. The package slots between the regular Z06 and the ZR1 and includes upgraded packages and special appearance kit. This Che vy Corvette Z06 comes in a fixed roof, and gets adaptive, sport tuned suspension with heavy duty anti-roll bar and springs, and premium shocks. However, you won`t find this Vette as a convertible.

The sport-tuned, race-track oriented Z06 is powered by the larger LS7 engine, a 7-liter V8 power-plant that makes 505 hp, and is connected to a 6-speed manual. This combination is capable of 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds—in first gear. The body is lightened by using an aluminum structure with bonded carbon fiber composites. It features a firmer suspension, 6-piston brake calipers and 18-inch front/19-inch rear aluminum wheels.

ZR1:

Adding to the excitement, the ZR1 is loaded with the LS9 6.2-liter engine and a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. For improved on-track performance, it uses a Performance Traction Management system. Using the same chassis as the Z06, it has a specially tuned suspension and Michelin performance tires exclusive to the ZR1. At 638 horsepower, its top speed has been tested at 200+ mph, making the fastest production Corvette ever.