Geneva show: Chev Corvette loses its head

GENERAL Motors has chosen the style-centric Geneva motor show next month to reveal the topless version of its new Corvette Stingray muscle car that was revealed in coupe form at last month’s Detroit motor show.

The Detroit company released a stylised Stingray logo to accompany the announcement, but no teaser pictures have yet been forthcoming.

Both Corvette forms are expected to go on sale in North America in the second half of this year, but only in left-hand drive.

The design of the Corvette Stingray was overseen in Detroit by Australian Mike Simcoe in his stint as head of North American design for GM before he returned to Australia to take up his current role as executive director of design for GM International Operations.

Although no powertrain details or performance figures have been released for the convertible version, GM promises “it will deliver the same balance of technology, design and performance” as the coupe.

It is expected to get the same new 335kW/610Nm 6.2-litre V8 engine, mated with a manual gearbox with a rev-matching system.

Left: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.

The coupe is said to be capable of a sub-four-second dash from zero to 100km/h, but we will have to wait until Geneva to find out how the convertible – which might be heavier – performs.

Although Geneva appears to be a strange choice for the unveiling for an iconic Detroit big-iron pushrod V8 sportscar, GM has spent a great deal of effort to slim down the new Corvette with carbon-fibre panels and aluminium parts, while also lifting performance and sophistication.

The current Corvette is already sold in continental Europe as the flagship to the Chevrolet range.

Chevrolet Europe president Susan Docherty said it was fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva because Corvette was the face of Chevrolet the world over.

“It is an icon that has long been recognised and admired even in countries where it’s never officially been offered,” she said.

Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said every Corvette was designed from the outset as an open car.

“The new Stingray is no different, with the coupe and convertible designed to excel in any situation – be it your daily commute, a drive across the continent or charging through twisting back roads,” he said.

According to Holden, the Corvette Stingray is not in GM’s plans for Australia, as no right-hand drive version is planned.