CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE

Overview

The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible brings the C8 mid-engine layout to a power-retractable hardtop body style, offered in New Zealand in a single 3LT trim through GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV). It shares its 6.2-litre LT2 V8 and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with the Stingray Coupe, and carries the fuller equipment list and wider seven-colour palette applied to 3LT/3LZ derivatives across the 2026 range. The retractable hardtop stows behind the seats and can be operated at low speed, preserving the coupe's mid-engine proportions with the roof either raised or lowered.

Variants

GMSV's confirmed New Zealand pricing structure lists the Convertible in 3LT trim only; a separate 2LT Convertible is not part of the confirmed 2026 NZ trim table used for this document.

Engine & Performance

The Convertible uses the same LT2 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 as the Stingray Coupe, producing 369kW (495hp) at 6,450rpm and 637Nm (470lb-ft) at 5,150rpm, through the same 8-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the rear wheels only. GMSV has not published a separate acceleration or top-speed figure specific to the Convertible body style; the Coupe's published 0-100km/h of approximately 3.4 seconds and 296km/h top speed are commonly cited as broadly representative, with the Convertible marginally heavier due to its retractable roof mechanism.

Dimensions & Weights

The retractable hardtop stows in the rear trunk area, so usable rear cargo space is reduced with the roof lowered compared with the Coupe's combined front/rear figure of approximately 357L; GMSV has not published a separate roof-down cargo figure.

Exterior Colours

The 3LT Convertible is offered in the wider seven-colour palette confirmed for the Australia/New Zealand 2026 line-up:

Features & Technology

Safety & ADAS: automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, HD front and rear cameras.

Infotainment & Connectivity: three-screen digital cockpit — 12.7in centre touchscreen, 14in reconfigurable driver display, 6.6in front-passenger auxiliary display — head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual wireless phone charging, Bose premium audio, Chevrolet Connected Services with an 8-year complimentary trial (built-in Google Maps and Google Assistant, over-the-air updates).

Comfort & Interior: GT2 leather-trimmed performance seats with heating and ventilation, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, additional interior trim and colour choices over 2LT-level cars.

Exterior: power-retractable hardtop with one-touch operation at low speed, LED headlights and tail lights, wind deflector, Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

Performance: Performance Traction Management with PTM Pro Mode, Performance Data Recorder with side-by-side video analysis, launch control, electronic limited-slip differential (availability depends on order configuration).

Shipping Considerations

This car's right-hand-drive configuration is genuinely factory-built, not an aftermarket conversion — GM Specialty Vehicles remanufactures each Corvette to factory-standard RHD as part of a programme that supplies both the Australian and New Zealand markets. IPAS sources this vehicle ex-works from New Zealand, with export shipments departing the Port of Tauranga. The retractable hardtop mechanism should be secured in the closed position for transit per standard GMSV/GM transport guidance, and the car ships in an enclosed container rather than open RoRo given its low ground clearance and value. Allocation under GMSV's ANZ programme is limited, so lead times can extend beyond standard passenger-vehicle shipments.

Warranty & Service

This vehicle is sourced from New Zealand, with export shipments departing the Port of Tauranga. While registered new in New Zealand under GMSV's retail programme, the Corvette Stingray Convertible carries GMSV's voluntary bumper-to-bumper warranty of 3 years or 100,000km (whichever occurs first), covering engine, transmission, interior/exterior components and corrosion, serviced through GMSV-authorised New Zealand dealers. This manufacturer warranty is tied to the original New Zealand retail purchase and ownership record — it is not transferable to a vehicle that is exported and re-registered in another country, and IPAS does not represent or claim any continuation of GMSV's factory warranty coverage for exported units. Buyers should budget for warranty and servicing arrangements in the destination market after import.