The Chevy Corvette Convertible

Chevrolet Corvette was born in 1953. The sixth-generation of the Corvette legacy began with the 2005 edition, available in Coupe and Convertible models.

Featuring dramatic upgrades throughout, a new 400-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 engine, and dynamic new styling, the sixth-generation Corvette brings more power, passion and precision. Production of the 2005 Corvette Convertible began in fall 2004, and will be available for sale in the US in late summer, with sales in Europe scheduled to begin in October.

In both its manual and power versions, the canvas soft top is available in three colors: black, beige and grey. In its closed position, the canvas top has a smoother, more contoured appearance that conceals the underlying structure better than traditional soft tops.

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.

The Convertible has a base curb weight of 1,451 kg.

Some of the features include:

• 400-hp LS2 6.0L V8 engine
• Lighter than the fifth generation's manual top and tonneau cover with heated glass rear window
• Available power top
• Completely enclosed trunk
• Sport seats with lumbar/side bolster adjustment and perforated leather seating surfaces
• Six-way power driver and passenger seat
• Side-impact air bags(1)
• Active Handling System
• Xenon HID headlamps

The starting price is estimated to be around  $52,000.

A model poses with Chevrolet's Corvette Convertible on the occassion of Chevy's second anniversary in India.

Photograph : Dijeswar Singh/Saab Press