2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

The changes to the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette that seemed minor on the hardtop model introduced at the Detroit auto show in January seemed considerably more important on the convertible model introduced at the recent auto show here.

Specifically, when the roof is down on the droptop version of the sixth generation of the quintessential American sportscar, it looks a lot less like the classic two-seater than it has in years.

Partly this is the result of the headlights, which are no longer hidden when they're not on, but mostly it's the result of the markedly shorter body. In all, the new Corvette is about 13 mm shorter than the model it replaces and that all comes out of the front of the car.

This truncated hoodline significantly changes the attitude of the car in both models, but with the roof down it makes the car less Corvette-like than ever. It's still a stylish car, though it's more generic-looking than it used to be in the front. The rear end is still unmistakably a Corvette, however This may or may not be a problem for people considering a new Corvette, though it's likely that the fact that in all other ways the new model will be the best Corvette convertible

yet may smooth out some of their concerns. It's more powerful and in all other ways superior to the model it replaces.

''We designed the Corvette from the outset as an open car, so there's no compromise in ride, handling and performance for the convertible compared to the coupe,'' said Dave Hill, chief engineer for the Corvette and vehicle line executive for GM Performance Cars. ''This sixth-generation Convertible is a large step forward, featuring greatly improved function, appearance and quietness.''

The sixth-generation Corvette convertible features an optional power-operated soft top, a feature that last appeared on the car in 1962. The latest version works from a single button and completes its cycle in 18 seconds. An easy-to-operate manual top remains standard.

''We sweated the details to ensure that the convertible driver has all the performance of the coupe,'' Hill said, ''with surprising quietness and excellent storage capability for a roadster, top-up or top-down.''

Indexing side glass, a feature normally reserved for higher-priced luxury cars, helps better seal the cabin from wind noise. The Corvette's new structure, including a new aluminum windshield frame, was designed using extensive computer airflow models to improve top-down quietness -- especially for noise frequencies in the range of passenger conversations. The top material itself is made of a thick fabric called Twillfast, constructed in five layers for strong durability and insulation.

Hill said that, ''In addition to the new power top, several more details combine to make the convertible much more pleasing to drive, especially for long trips.''

A bulkhead has been added to better contain small items in the trunk and enable the addition of a new storage area behind each seat. The power top occupies no more space than the manual version, preserving maximum trunk space in both versions. Rear visibility is improved with a glass backlight that is 18.5 percent larger than the 2004 version, and the backlight has a standard rear defogger.

Hill also pointed out that the Corvette convertible got lighter ''in an era in which most vehicles seem to grow ever more bulky,'' even with the addition of numerous features new to the marque.

The convertible has a curbweight of 1,451 kg, which is 22 kg less than the 2004 model.

Every option available on the coupe can be had on the convertible, including features new to the Corvette such as OnStar and DVD-navigation. Likewise, all three suspension choices -- Corvette Standard Suspension, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, and the new Z51 Performance Package -- are available on the Convertible.

''The sixth-generation Corvette not only replaces the outgoing C5 Corvette,'' Hill said, ''but also creates a 21st century Corvette that thrills the legions of traditional loyalists and captures the imagination of a new generation of performance enthusiasts.''

The formula from the C5 era remains, Hill said -- extremely high performance capabilities in a car that offers great style, value and quality, with surprising comfort for daily driving.

''The new Corvette takes that foundation and reaches beyond with dramatic increases in performance and refinement,'' Hill said, ''wrapped in a passionate new design.''

Thanks to an all-new chassis, strong and lightweight body structure and the new 400-horsepower LS2 engine, Hill said, ''the 2005 Corvette again raises the bar for performance, with outstanding handling and surprising ride quality.''

Equipped with the new Z51 Performance Package, the 2005 Corvette (in both coupe and convertible body styles) nearly matches the track performance of today's widely respected Corvette Z06 model.

''The sixth-generation represents a comprehensive upgrade to the Corvette,'' said Hill. ''Our goal is to create a Corvette that does more things well than any performance car. We've thoroughly improved performance and developed new features and capabilities in many areas, while at the same time systematically searching out and destroying every imperfection we could find.''

The Corvette coupe will go into production this summer with the convertible to follow a couple of months after. Both models should be on sale in Canada by the end of the year.