Earlier this month, General Motors revealed that it had built less than 2,700 2020 Corvette C8 units between the UAW strike delay and the COVID-19 shutdown. Of the 2,695 cars that have been built so far, none of them are 2020 Corvette Convertible models, with only a select number of pre-production convertibles having been built so far.
Two of these pre-production 2020 Corvette Convertible models were recently spotted out in the wild by some keen-eyed Chevrolet fans. The first of these cars, a Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat model, was spotted by Corvette Forum user Sin City in a parking lot. This particular car is a mid-level 2LT trim and features the Z51 performance package as well as a beige Napa leather interior.
The second car was posted to a C8 Corvette fan page on Facebook. This car is done up in a much sportier guise, featuring an Accelerate Yellow exterior, Jet Black interior, Carbon Flash painted wheels, yellow brake calipers and the Z51 performance package. Both cars are on Michigan plates, further evidence that they belong to GM and not customers.
It’s not clear when GM will begin to produce 2020 Corvette Convertible customer cars. The automaker has not said when the Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky will get back to work and it is possible that it may experience parts shortages at the plant, as some components come from Mexico and other parts of the globe. Production of the Corvette Convertible might be put on the back burner as well, with the automaker still well behind on coupe orders that came in first.
Compared to the C8 Corvette Stingray, the C8 Corvette Convertible features a power-folding hardtop roof that provides a more open feel when retracted than the coupe’s standard removable hardtop. The foldable hardtop can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph and fully retracts in just 16 seconds. GM claims the hardtop roof provides a quieter cabin than the soft-top roof it used on the C7 Corvette and other front-engine Corvettes.
Like the coupe, the 2020 Corvette Convertible features a naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine rated at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional performance exhaust system.
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Comments
If the plant never re-opens, those 2700 cars will be worth big money.
If someone orders a 2020 C8 convertible w/a custom build; then it will be a much sought-after ride!
The actual amount of opening in the convertible is minimal compared to the removable hard top model. Almost to the point of why bother making a convertible. Thats a whole lot more complexity for not much more open air.
The coupe has two drawbacks if you like having the roof off regularly. First, you have to stop and get out to put on the top, for those of us who live outside of California It rains regularly and often unexpectedly. Second, if you’re on a driving holiday with luggage, you no longer can remove and stow the top. These seem like a stretch, having live with both targa tops and convertibles for 25 years it was and easy choice… I’m at 3000 stage.
Man, I’m glad I own a 1965 stingray ragtop , a 1980 L 82 and of course my brand new 2019 Z06 supercharged !…ALL RED! Because I’m sorry bro’s… Those 2020s are ugly especially that yellow one… It looks like a deformed banana
I received reputable information that GM is targeting May 18 as the opening date for the BGAP. Further, while we are speculating on Coupes, I have indirect information that Convertibles previously coded at 1100 have been changed to 3000 code meaning that not only will these convertibles be built, they will be built as 2020’s; further, they will not be built as 2021’s, and after removing pending builds on the line, convertible will be built on the line, along side or interspersed with coupes. GM has been working with the United Auto Workers to put safety measures in place so that production can start again. Nothing on the suppliers situation and C8 transmissions. That will be up to the U. S., G.M. and Mexico to resolve. That 2,700 Corvettes is a nominal figure and will be changing to increased numbers, in May. It is hoped that GM does not neglect its starting date for the 2021 cars because if they don’t get with it in August, it will further delay the highly regarded and anticipated Z06 release. We are looking forward to that car to further compete with other super cars. AF
My personal opinion is that the 2019 model looks better than the 2020. The 2020 looks like a poor knock off of a Lamborghini.
From my own perspective, I believe the styling of the new Corvette looks beautiful. If I had not or, did not think that to be the case, I would not have bought it. I’m not going to disagree with you on your looks assessment, Ken. Instead, I’m going to suggest that you vote with your feet. That is, don’t buy a 2020. That is the way to express your opinion that has the most impact. In the meantime, I have a C8 Coupe in the garage. I also have a C8 Convertible on order. Now, I don’t really need two Corvettes. If anyone is interested in an amazingly optioned Blade Silver Metallic C8 Convertible that has reached 3000 code and has both the LT3 Package and the Z51 package, give me a PM with an access to contact you. Arrangements can be made with WIN Chevrolet in Carson to buy this car at sticker and not above.
I’d like to send you a DM, but this site is not easy to navigate. Please contact me.
e-mails are not to be exactly produced. If you want details on the C8 that is going to be built for me and Coming through WIN Chevrolet, send me an e-mail at ralexford at gmail dot com. This is for people who want a convertiable 2020 C8, which will wind up, most likely being a limited production year with the convertible a much more limited production model. I don’t know when the BGAP will begin production but the story today in AutoBlog.com mentioned May 18 as a target to open. As mentioned before, GM has moved this one to 3000 status, meaning that GM intends to build it as a 2020, according to the Corvette Concierge. I can’t find a source better than that. The actual GM model build number is: XRVH__. (Leaving out the last two letters, at this point.) You will have to work with me as right now, the car is being built for me through WIN Cheverolet. I personally will only want my deposit back from WIN Chevrolet. I have no interest at all in making any money on this amazingly optioned car. If you like the maximum in interior comfort and convenience the car has the 3LT and if you want the maximum in go fast components, it has the Z51 package. With Blade Silver Metallic, this car is going to be very rare and likely will be a one of one.
Sales of the C8 will easily be double and perhaps more than the C7. It’s the hottest and most anticipated car of 2020 if they can finally get to make them. 2020 was sold out prior to this virus thing and 2021 will likely be as well. Performance, fit and finish and design is superior to anything prior. Some have called it the best car GM has ever made…
One thing never changes, SOME older Vette owners always bad mouth the new model since they realize that they don’t have the latest and the best anymore. It was the same for the C7. How childish of them.
Long live the Vette.
Will the C8 still be produced in RHD?
From what I’ve read in the car mags, It won’t be until 2022 or 2023 before RHD models come online.
Will C8 still be produced in RHD?
[email protected] Its a step by step process. It continues to be about the virus first and foremost. We don’t want Bowling Green to first open only to be closed again if there’s another outbreak. If the country gets healthy, GM will take care of the rest. AF
The yellow looks like a small boat.
The C8 Corvette convertible has to be an instant collector’s item and offers the best of both world given the C8 Corvette features a retractable hardtop; a C8 Corvette Z51 LT3 convertible in a word as people might say.. priceless.
Agreed omegatalon. 2700 so far and the build line will turn out no more, and likely less cars per day than previously because of precautions for the workers to keep the work area virus free. That will be priority one. One You Tube story did a vlog on the numbers and predicted that the numbers, in a year that cars were sold to the public, in his opinion, will be either the lowest ever or second to the lowest ever. Americans have gone nutso over the car not only because it is a mid-engine sports car, but owners have been getting incredible numbers from the car. The 911S Porsche from 1973 is worth a mint these days. The same year RS version have sold at auction for more than a million dollars. They are limited production cars. No one can say what a car might fetch in the future. Too many variables. But low numbers has often been one of the criteria. Affording one now, if you can get one is not really a risk because of what a great car it is. Most cars lose value from the begging. Then the ones that the public believe are special go on to make the public and the collector very happy in deed. AF