The 2020 Corvette Convertible debuted at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex just last month, offering a new retractable hardtop roof for the Bow Tie brand’s latest mid-engine sports car. This is a major change for the Vette nameplate, with the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Convertible offered as the very first Corvette to sport a retractable hardtop roof – all previous-generation convertibles used soft tops. We asked Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter directly if the team considered doing a soft-top roof during development of the C8. Here’s what he had to say.
“We looked at a convertible soft top early on, but most of our competitors are doing retractable hardtops,” Juechter told GM Authority Executive Editor Alex Luft in an interview. “In fact, one of the reasons that the C7 Convertible didn’t sell as well is that it didn’t look as cool,” Juechter added.
Indeed, styling was one of the main drivers behind development of a retractable hardtop for the 2020 Corvette Convertible.
“The canvas tops are starting to look a little old-school,” Juechter said. “You couldn’t keep the same sort of racy upper and quarter vents, so pretty early on in the development of the C8 we said we gotta do a retracting hardtop.”
Juechter also mentioned NHV (noise/vibration/harshness) as a major factor in developing a retractable hardtop roof over a canvas top.
As we covered previously, the C8 Convertible is a bargain compared to the competition, offering big power and a quick 0-to-60 mph time, all for very little outlay.
The 2020 Corvette C8 Convertible is priced at $67,495, $7,500 more than the $59,995 starting price for the Coupe model. Customization options include three color combos for the roof and rear nacelles.
In terms of availability, the 2020 Corvette C8 Convertible will launch after the C8 Coupe. For reference, the 2020 Corvette Coupe will launch in February following delays incurred during the UAW strike.
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Comments
It’s a good way to blow back those middle life men comb overs, now they need a tie-down for the leftover toupee wearers, don’t want accidents from wigs hitting other drivers windshields or DOT workers mistaken it for roadkill…
I am 68 years old and I have ALL of my hair. Just count yourself as one of those baldies.
Guestt is just mad because he lost all his hair trying to figure out how he can afford a C8. Typical crybaby scenario. It’s ok Guestt, I’m sure your mommy will lend you a few bucks so you can put a deposit down on one. Too but you’ll end up having it repo’ed a few months later.
Lol, Grumpy Old Men 2 right here……
I have all of my hair too. Some on my head, and some in my comb!
Another wanna be comic…….
I love the new C8 Hardtop Convertible. Great job by the GM Design Team
remember the insane HP numbers? turns out there was an error with the dynamometer testing.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-chevrolet-c8-corvette-dyno-results-followup
Whatever the reason, it was the right one as a convertible hard top means there won’t be chances for the composite top to rot, rip or tear over time.
When is the Camaro retracting hardtop model coming?! 😉
That powder blue doesn,t seem like a good color for a vette…..
Oh, damn!! I thought my C7 convertible did look cool!
Am I glad those nacelles can come body color— was considering canceling my C8 order because the black two tone appearance looked like a cheap dealer-installed accessory.
The coupe model looks great, 100%.
But the convertible looks like a modified automatic topped T-Top, not a real convertible.
Just because Ferrari and Maserati have it, doesn’t make it officially cool.
Just sayin”
I use flat hats and baseball type caps when I get out in my 17 GS convertible. I am very happy with the top but I also have my eye on the C8 and think it looks fantastic as a convertible. Especially with the all black top. Just going to wait for the dealers to drop the mark up before I make a move. Besides I figure as long as I still enjoy driving my GS the need is not pressing.
THAT RETRACT TOP IS SO DAM COOL WHEN STORED!