Production of the 2020 Corvette Convertible began at General Motors‘ Bowling Green Assembly plant today following production delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Corvette Blogger, the first production examples of the 2020 Corvette Convertible will roll off the production line in Bowling Green today, though these aren’t the first C8 Corvette Convertible models to have been built. The plant has been churning out a limited number of so-called “Captured Test Fleet” vehicles for testing purposes in recent months (we’ve spotted a few of them out and about on public roads), but the vehicles that are being built today will be going to paying customers.
GM plans to slowly ramp up production of the 2020 Corvette Convertible in the coming weeks, so it’s likely that these folding hardtop models will only leave the plant in relatively small numbers today and for the rest of this week.
The 2020 model year Corvette Convertible will only be in production for a brief period due to the various production setbacks GM has experienced with regard to the eighth-generation Corvette. The sports car was first set to enter production in December, but the start date was pushed back to February due to the 2019 UAW strike. As such, Bowling Green Assembly only built about 2,700 cars before it was forced to shut back down in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plant reopened in late May, but only built coupe models for the remainder of that month and throughout June and July.
As we noted in a previous article, production of the 2021 model year Corvette is expected to commence in November. The mid-engine sports car has only received minor changes for the new model year such as some new equipment options and two new exterior colors. Many customers who ordered a 2020 Corvette or Corvette Convertible have been or will be given a 2021 model year build slot instead due to the various production delays GM experienced with the 2020 model.
The 2020 Corvette Convertible is mechanically the same as the coupe model, save for the two-piece foldable hardtop roof. The roof, which represents a departure from the soft-top configuration offered on all previous Corvette Convertible models, can be activated at speeds up to 30 mph and fully retracts in about 16 seconds. It is powered by the same naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, rated at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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Comments
A Chevrolet representative that was in the latest YouTube video of Speed Phenom said that Chevrolet wouldn’t begin production of the C8 Corvette Convertible until the end of the year; then again, he could have meant model year as August could be the official end-of-2020 C8 Corvette and all C8 Corvettes coming from the Bowling Green facility will be considered to being a 2021.
Will these be considered 2020 or 2021 Production Models?
I recall reading on several automotive publications that GM said it be running 2020 C8 production through the end of October, or, maybe, November, to make up for lost production, at which time they would shut down, for a week, or so, to retool for the 2021 version. GM would start shipping the cars to dealers in early January, 2021. So, it’s likely the 2020 convertible production will likely be the smallest since, maybe, the original 1953 Corvette. I think, if the plant is fortunate, maybe it’ll be able to crank out four to five thousand units, total, making it a genuine collector’s item.
Finally! Now, how many do they plan to make and when can the people with orders know when ours will be built/delivered?
Why doesn’t GM communicate with HTC buyers directly and explain the situation rather than them hearing second and third hand accounts of the status of production? Originally a 4/6 TPW, currently nothing. What gives GM? How about an explanation?
Thank you Barry….How hard could it be to put us in a broadcast mailing and keep us informed.
In July I was told by GM Covette support HTC production would start on Aug. 03 and my build week is Aug. 17th. Yesterday I was told, we won’t know your build week for 3-4 weeks….
A lot more complexity for not much more open air. The hard top model with removable roof lets in almost the same amount of open air as the rag top. Of course i understand that gm has to offer a convertible in this vehicle, but i would go targa.
I agree that the convertible looks just like a T-top and for that I’m disappointed.
The C7 convertible was just fine.
But, that’s all they’ve got so I had to buy that.
I bought the convertible because i still have luggage room with the top down. Targa top takes up most of the trunk.
After having a targa 911 for years, I decided on the HTC for two key reasons, ability to raise the roof anytime quickly (unexpected rain, more often use for short drives) and trunk space maintained at all times.
Honesty, I am not concerned about being able to see the engine, or not.
Particularly for the Convertible… I am happy to ‘trade’ a full convertible for seeing the engine.
For as much as I ‘understand’ the Nacelles for the structure of the car… but I REALLY WISH they were not there.
Some type of ‘exposed’ roll bars would be okay because they would still have “Open Air” and wide visibility.
Considering that the Coupe version of the C8 has a “window view” of the engine, I would not be surprised if, in a year or so, some enterprising aftermarket tuner will engineer a rear lid for the convertible that has a window in it, for those who absolutely have to have it – for $5000 to $7000, plus paint!
I think every rag top I have ever been in had wind noise. I’m hoping to have a convertible that doesn’t “roar” going down the road. The convenience of putting the hard top up or down at -30 mph is worth the extra money to me. Not to mention having a rare car in a low production year. If the top fits snug with no issues, I’ll be happy .
Does anyone know if the 2021coupe’s and convertibles will be built at the same time, or will they separate production months?
Does anyone know if the coupe’s and HTC’s will be rolling off the assembly line and the same time in 2021, or will they separate production months like the 2020?