Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 convertible unveiled at LA

Chevrolet has lopped the top off the Corvette ZR1 to unveil the convertible iteration of its two-seater sports car at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2017.

The Corvette ZR1 convertible, the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model-year ZR1, will go on sale globally around April next year alongside the coupe.

Using the coupe's same aluminium chassis, the only structural changes that the convertible sees are accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts, according to the carmaker.

The folding top hardware results in a weight gain of 27kg over the ZR1 Coupe. The roof mechanism can be operated while at speeds of up to 48kph.

The Corvette ZR1 convertible is powered by the same 6.2-litre supercharged V8 putting out a mammoth 765hp, with a torque rating of 969Nm.

Aided by the ZTK Performance Package, which includes an adjustable rear spoiler, front splitter and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the drop-top can edge over 321kph. The coupe boasts a higher top whack of 341kph.

Chevrolet will offer the option of a seven-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic. When fitted with the automatic gearbox, the company says the ZR1 convertible can complete a quarter mile in the "high 10-second range".