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The 427 Convertible features several carbon-fiber components that help reduce
weight, including:
* Carbon fiber raised hood (introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition)
* Carbon fiber Z06-style fenders
* Carbon fiber floor panels
* The "CFZ" carbon fiber front splitter and rocker panels are optional on the
427 Convertible, and included with the 60th Anniversary package
The weight reduction brings the 427 Convertible's curb weight to 3,355 pounds
(1,522 kg). Combined with its 505-horsepower LS7 engine, it gives the 427
Convertible a power-to-weight ratio of 6.64 - or one horsepower for every 6.64
pounds of vehicle mass. That's better than:
* Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet - 6.90
* Audi R8 5.2 RSI Spyder - 7.58
* Aston Martin DBS Volante Convertible - 7.82
* Ferrari California Convertible - 8.31
The combination of low mass and high output will make the 427 Convertible one of
the fastest convertibles in the world, delivering estimated 0-60 performance of
3.8 seconds, quarter-mile performance of 11.8 seconds, lateral acceleration of
1.04 g and a top speed of more than 190 mph.
The 427 Convertible is available in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels and will carry
a unique vehicle identification number sequence, similar to the Corvette ZR1.
Corvette 60th Anniversary Package
All 2013 Corvette models, including the 427 Convertible, will be available with
a 60th Anniversary Package, featuring an Arctic White exterior with a Blue
Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents. Convertible models will
have a blue top.
Additional content includes a ZR1-style rear spoiler, special badging,
gray-painted brake calipers and the "60th" logo on the wheel center caps,
steering wheel and seat headrests. An optional graphics package adds full-length
racing stripes in Pearl Silver Blue, including a tonal stripe stitched into the
convertible top, extending the graphic theme over the roof.
For 2013, all Corvettes will feature 60th Anniversary badges on the fascias and
the "waterfall" panel on convertible models, as well as 60th logos in the
instrument panel gauge cluster and on the sill plates.
A Legacy of 427-Powered Corvettes
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to
1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.
The first 427-powered Corvette rolled off the assembly line for the 1966 model
year. Two performance levels of the 427 were initially offered - an "L30"
version rated at 390 horsepower and the "L72," which cranked out 425 horsepower.
Both were rated at 460 lb-ft. of torque.
The range of 427 engines grew in 1967, with the addition of the "L71" and "L88"
options. The L71 added a unique triple-carburetor induction system that helped
boost output to 435 horsepower. Known to collectors as "427/435" cars, these '67
models - especially the convertibles - are especially sought-after collector
cars.
The "L88" delivered 430-horsepower (with a single four-barrel carburetor) thanks
to racing-tuned aluminum heads. Intended for customers who would immediately
transform their new Corvette into a race car, the L88 was installed in just 216
production Corvettes between 1967 and 1969.
In 1969, a special "L89" 427 engine combined the L71's induction system with the
L88's aluminum heads, offering maximum horsepower with an approximately
100-pound weight advantage over the standard iron heads. Also in 1969, Chevrolet
built two "ZL1" 427 Corvette coupes. The ZL1 engine was essentially an
all-aluminum version of the L88, with the aluminum cylinder block and heads
offering a tremendous weight advantage for racing. More of the engines were sold
as crate engines to racers.
By 1970, the big-block engine grew to 454 cubic inches, just as the trend in
high-compression, high-performance engines was beginning to wane. The four-year
run of 427 Corvettes was already established as the golden era of performance
Commemorative Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition Models
Rare and low-production examples of the Corvette have been around since its 1953
introduction, but Chevrolet didn't begin building commemorative models until
1978, when the 25th Anniversary model - also known as the Silver Anniversary
Corvette - was offered. The Corvette was in its third generation then and at the
close of that epoch in 1982, a Collectors Edition was offered, as well.
Those special models launched what has become a tradition for the Chevrolet
Corvette, which has offered milestone anniversary and generational
collector-edition models ever since. The 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible
represents the first time a Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition are being
offered in the same year - and available on the same car.
Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications