Ken Fichtner

To All Chevrolet Dealers

Earlier in the week, information regarding the Corvette’s plans for 2012 build-out and 2013 model year run was sent to you through a GM Global Connect Message (Number G_0000102999, dated Monday, January 9, 2012). Today, Chevrolet would like to provide some additional information on the 2013 Corvette.

To celebrate Corvette’s 60th Anniversary, and the final model run for the C6 Corvette, Chevrolet will be introducing a 2013 Chevrolet 427 Convertible Collector Edition model, and a 60th Anniversary Appearance Package that will be available on all Corvette models.

Attached for your reference is the release being provided to media and public today announcing this special model and exciting appearance package. Also attached for your reference is a “pdf” file that can be reproduced locally that not only provides a description of the model and package, but images of the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible with the 60th Anniversary package.

It is important to note that the 427 Convertible is a unique Corvette model that will be offered in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels in all 2013 exterior and interior colors. In addition, the 60th Anniversary is not only available with the 427 Convertible model, but it is also available in Corvette coupe and convertible; Grand Sport coupe and convertible, the Z06 and the ZR1 models.

The first 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible with the 60th Anniversary package will be offered to the highest bidder at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auction on Saturday, January 21, 2012, between 4 – 5PM, EST. The auction will be covered live on SPEED TV (check local listening for channel).

To assist you in answering questions regarding this week’s announcements, a set of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers have been posted under the Corvette channel on GMLaunch.com.

Today’s announcement is further proof that the 2012 calendar year promises to be a very special and memorable year in Corvette’s long legacy.

***

For Release: Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, 9 a.m. EST
Corvette Marks 60 Years of Performance with 427 Convertible
DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the
fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package
that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.
“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final
year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Marketing and
Strategy for Chevrolet. “We couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones
than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette
convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.”
The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible will make their public debut at the Barrett
Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet
dealers early this summer.
Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest
and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history.
Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505
horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever
installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only
available with a six-speed manual transmission.
The LS7 was co-developed with the Corvette Le Mans-winning GT1 engine and features
lightweight titanium connecting rods and intake valves, as well as racing-inspired high-flow
cylinder heads and a dry-sump oiling system. It is assembled by hand at GM’s Performance
Build Center, where customers who purchase the 427 Convertible Collector Edition can
purchase the Corvette Build Experience option and assemble the engine that will power their
new car.
Supporting performance elements in the Corvette 427 Convertible include the driveline and rear
axle system from the Corvette Z06, a rear-mounted battery and standard Magnetic Selective
Ride Control. The standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are wrapped in ZR1-style
Michelin PS2 tires. Lightweight machine-face Cup wheels – introduced on the 2012 Corvette
Z06 with Z07 and Corvette ZR1 with PDE performance packages – come standard and include
unique gray-painted pockets. Black Cup wheels or chrome ZR1-style wheels are also available.
The 427 Convertible also 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.
Charity Auction at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
The first Corvette 427 Convertible offered to the public will go to the highest bidder at the
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Chevrolet and Hendrick
Motorsports are teaming up for the auction, including four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion
Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick. Proceeds from the sale will benefit AARP’s Drive to
End Hunger initiative.
Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet which
aims to address the growing problem of hunger among older Americans.
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.
Below is a list of the Collector Edition and Anniversary Edition models, as well as production
numbers and their distinguishing features.
YEAR MODEL FEATURES PRODUCTION
1978 25th Anniversary Two-tone silver exterior with gray leather interior 15,283 produced
1982 Collector Edition 6,759 produced
Silver-beige exterior color with lower graphic accent;
silver-beige leather interior; bronze-tinted roof panels;
cast aluminum “fin” wheels and unique VIN
identification
1988 35th Anniversary 2,050 produced
White lower body with white 17-in. wheels, with black
roof and dark removable roof panel; special badging
and embroidered seat logos; all-white leather interior
1993 40th Anniversary 6,749 produced
First anniversary model offered in coupe and
convertible body styles; Ruby Red exterior with
special badging; Ruby Red leather-covered seats
1996 Collector Edition 5,412 produced
Sebring Silver exterior with special badging;
silver 17-inch ZR-1-style wheels;
“Collector Edition”-embroidered seats; optional LT4
5.7L engine with 330 hp
2003 50th Anniversary 11,632 produced
Special 50th Anniversary Red exterior; specific
badging and champagne-color five-spoke wheels;
Shale leather-trimmed interior
2004 Commemorative Edition 4,829 Coupe/Convertible produced, 2,025 Z06 produced
Coupe and convertible models in LeMans Blue with
Shale leather-trimmed interior; Z06 model in LeMans
Blue with silver stripe graphics and carbon fiber hood
2013
60th Anniversary Production TBD
427 Convertible Collector Production TBD
Edition
Arctic White with Blue Diamond leather-wrapped
interior and blue top (convertibles); special badging;
optional stripe package; 60th logo gauge cluster and
sill plates
427 Convertible Collector Edition with LS7 engine;
carbon fiber hood, fenders and floor panels; 19-in./20-
in. wheels with Michelin PS2 tires; std. Magnetic
Selective Ride Control; 427 hood badges

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in
more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides
customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high
quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
# # #

2013 CHEVROLET COREVETTE 427 CONVERTIBLE COLLECTOR EDITION –
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model: Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition
Body styles / driveline: two-door convertible; rear-wheel drive
Construction: composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with
aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis
components
Manufacturing location: Bowling Green, Ky.
Engines 7.0L V-8 LS7 (Z06)
Displacement (cu in / cc): 427 / 7008
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.125 x 4 / 104.8 x 101.6
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: SFI (sequential fuel injection)
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower
(hp / kW @ rpm):
505 / 377 @ 6300*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 470 / 637 @ 4800*
Recommended fuel: premium required
Estimated fuel economy (city /
hwy):
15 / 24 (no guzzler tax)
Transmission six-speed manual
Application: std.
Gear ratios (:1):
First: 2.66
Second: 1.78
Third: 1.30
Fourth: 1.00
Fifth: 0.74
Sixth: 0.50
Reverse: 2.90
Final drive ratio: 3.42
Chassis / Suspension
Front: short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum
upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted
composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber; Magnetic
Selective Ride Control
Rear: short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum
upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted
composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber; Magnetic
Selective Ride Control
Traction control: electronic traction control; Active Handling
Brakes
Type: front and rear power-assisted disc with ABS with six-piston
front and four-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors;
Rotor diameter x thickness (in /
mm):
front: 14 x 1.3 / 355 x 32
rear: 13.4 x 1 / 340 x 26
Brake swept area (sq in / mm): front: 309 / 1994
rear: 269 / 1735
Wheels & Tires
Wheel size: front: 19-inch x 10-inch aluminum
rear: 20-inch x 12-inch aluminum
Tires: front: 285/30ZR19
rear: 335/25ZR20
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm): 105.7 / 2685
Overall length (in / mm): 175.6 / 4460
Overall width (in / mm): 75.9 / 1928
Overall height (in / mm): 48.7 / 1236
Curb weight (lb / kg): 3355/ 1522
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 50 / 50
Interior
Seating capacity 2
Interior volume (cu ft / L): 52 / 1475
Headroom (in / mm): 38 / 962
Legroom (in / mm): 43 / 1092
Shoulder room (in / mm): 55 / 1397
Hip room (in / mm): 54 / 1371
Capacities
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 11 / 295 (top up); 7.5 / 212 (top down)
Fuel tank (gal / L): 18 / 68.1
Engine oil (qt / L): 10.5 / 9.9
* SAE certified.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Ken Fichtner

Photos posted correctly!

SupremeDeluxe

I'm extremely impressed and surprised by this offering. This will be the first (and possibly last) Corvette I purchase brand new.

R23HTC

That's going to be one impressive Convertible, I'm only surprised they didn't try and get a few more HP out of the LS7 for the last year. It's been at 505hp since it was interduced. They could have at least tried to get 525hp out of it or something.

Ken Fichtner

I am glad that you are all as excited about this offering as I am!

NOTE: We will be aggressively pricing the 2013 models just as we are the 2012 models!

I haven't any pricing yet so I can't give you a quote at this time, but rest assured our pricing will be BELOW Dealer Invoice, BELOW GM Employee and Supplier Prices!

Ken

ldimm

I didn't see any reference to it so I'm assuming the frame is steel and not aluminum?

Ken Fichtner

"hydroformed steel frame with
aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis
components"

I Bin Therbefor

GS Coupe version????

SupremeDeluxe

If GM/HSBC extends the same GM current GM Card redemption offer at this time next year, that will be the motivation I need to buy

I think I will want the white/blue 60th package, unless there will be any other new interior color options on the 4LT that pique my interest.

Nick

raysk

love my 2012 GS vert, but if i knew an vert Z06 was soon to come, i might have waited?

C5-2003

Ken

Am I reading this correctly..........you can order the 427 on all 2013 convertibles including "Plain Jane" corvettes with the basic colors. Thanks in advance.

Ken Fichtner

C5-2003,
Per Chevrolet:
"It is important to note that the 427 Convertible is a unique Corvette model that will be offered in 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim levels in all 2013 exterior and interior colors."
I hope that helps!
Ken

C5-2003

Thanks Ken. A 2013 GS Convertible with a 427 and mag ride would be outstanding!

tsoob

I wonder if they went with 427 due to the HSV W427 which also has a 427 LS7?

killain

At first I'd like the look, yet I had wished they would do something better. But being a 50th. 1SC coupe owner I've taken another look and I like what I see. I was remembering my first reaction to the 35th Anniversary model. White on white on white on white, the thing was horrible! But this is something someone in design spent some time refining. Being a 1SC owner from the beginning after spending the extra $5000 and getting paint and a different interior, but nothing more than the LS1 under the hood I knew a few months after picking it up that this in most instances wasn't worth the money just for some paint and badges and an impossible interior.

But this I like, it goes back to it's roots and shows them off and under the hood is everything you could of as for. Very Very nice.

Vettlldo

I am very interested in ordering a black 4lt convertible.

Ken Fichtner

As soon as the order guide is released I will let you all know!

That will be followed by the pricing which I will also announce when I know.

Have a great day,
Ken

smokenjo

check out the 3 new videos chevy just released,on corvette blogger

kwik ws6

thanks for the info.

Parrish416

Today’s announcement is further proof that the 2012 calendar year promises to be a very special and memorable year in Corvette’s long legacy.