The 2020 Corvette Convertible touched down earlier this month in a debut event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, bringing with it a long list of exciting new features. Chief among these was a new foldable hardtop roof, the operation of which we captured in the following one-minute video.
Shot on location at the debut of the 2020 Corvette Convertible, the video shows the top both opening and closing. Chevrolet claims the roof will drop in just 16 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph, and by our stopwatches, we find that claim to be more or less accurate.
Making the magic happen is a button located on the driver’s side armrest. Hit it, and side windows drop, while the rear deck lid lifts up just behind the cabin. With the deck high in the air, the prominent “nacelle” aero elements in tow, the roof splits into two pieces, folding on top of one another as they descend below the deck. The lid then swings closed, locking the roof underneath it.
As we reported previously, this renders the GM Rear Camera Mirror inoperable until the roof comes back up.
Speaking of which, the whole process reverses when putting the top back up, with the rear lid lifting and the roof unfolding into position above the cabin. Once the 2020 Corvette Convertible’s roof is back in place and the rear lid is down, the rear glass and side windows go up as well.
The move to a foldable hardtop roof is a major break from tradition, as all previous Chevrolet Corvette convertible models came equipped with a soft top. The benefits of a hardtop are threefold: first, a convertible hardtop provides a much more comfortable experience in the cabin compared to a soft top, as it more effectively blocks out road noise and wind noise. Secondly, a foldable hardtop is more secure, as soft tops can provide easy access to thieves. Finally, the foldable hardtop looks much cleaner than a soft top, closely mimicking the lines of the coupe model with the top in the up position.
We’ll have more 2020 Corvette Convertible coverage coming soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Very nice robotic mechanicals?
Now, Let’s hope it doesn’t break. I’m sure it’s going to be a pretty penny to fix -once the warranty expires.
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Ok. I seem to have a few little B’s that hide, and always give me a thumbs down.
It’s ok, little ones. If you can’t stand up for yourselves, your thumbs might end up in a place that might- give you enjoyment? I think so.?
You got smoked. Now, say something!
Come on. Don’t hide in the closet behind your-easy thumbs down.
Say something.
Of course, you can’t. With limited Intelligence, all you can do is push the little thumbs down button!
What a sorry mess. Grow a pair or, never mind. It’s too late for that ?
grow up. do you collect these up-votes for a free happy meal?
i agree with your initial comment. complexity breeds problems.
Thanks, Steve. That was funny, and at least you replyed instead of just hitting the Thumb-thingy.
I’m giving you a “thumbs” up!
Also, I’m willing to share my Happy Meal with you. But, there is a catch.
I get to keep the toy.
Sorry…
I’m a really nice person. But if you have a problem, state it. Don’t be a P and hide behind the easy way out, boys.
Thanks girls, for proving my point.
?
Get over yourself. A few times sure, now it’s just annoying.
@No. You are correct. I guess drinking beer and posting isn’t a good idea. I was getting a little fiesty.
I’m over myself now and apologize to everyone here.
Thanks!
The 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Convertible with retractable hardtop means the end of a top rotting, smelling funky or tearing with the best part being that there’s just an additional 80 lbs difference between the convertible and conventional hatchback.
That’s slick. But be prepared for it to leak.
No just do a Camaro convertible like this too!