The thrill of open-air motoring was a part of the original allure when the Chevrolet Corvette was born in 1953. The Advanced Corvette Convertible arrives, bringing serious performance and thoughtful refinement to the fun of driving a roadster.

The sixth-generation Corvette Convertible features an optional power-operated soft top, a feature that last appeared on the car in 1962. The power top features a single-button control and completes its cycle in 18 seconds. The top is designed and manufactured in partnership between GM and Car Top Systems, Gmbh, experts who’ve contributed to some of the world’s most celebrated open cars. An easy-to-operate manual top remains standard.

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.