The 755bhp Corvette ZR1 convertible is here

Just two weeks after the quite mad coupe comes this, the Corvette ZR1 convertible. Yep, no special name or confusing spelling of the word spider. Just ‘convertible’ with a lower-case C. Simple.

It uses the same 755bhp supercharged 6.2-litre V8 as the coupe, with the option of seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes. With the auto, the hard top has a top speed of 212mph and does 0-60mph in sub-3.0secs, but that’s with a special aero package.

Chevrolet says the convertible will still have a top speed ‘over 200mph’, though, which is probably more than enough. And all that unholy supercharger whine and V8 roar – unencumbered by a roof – should make up for any performance deficit.

Chevy also says the says the rigidity of the Corvette’s aluminium chassis means no extra strengthening has been required, and that the convertible’s only structural mods over the coupe are to fit the folding roof and reposition the seatbelt mounts. So their suspension tune is the same and the convertible weighs just 27kg more than the coupe. That's a couple of extravagant drive-thru orders.

It also costs just $4,000 more, at $123,995. Or about £92,000 ar current exchange rates, which is startling value for a car so quick and powerful. But then value has always been the Corvette way. A 215bhp-lighter Audi R8 Spyder is over $50,000 more in the States…

Does the hardest-cored Corvette make sense with its roof opened up? It’s the first ZR1 convertible since the Seventies, which might suggest not. And you wouldn’t expect Porsche to trot out a 911 GT2 RS with a soft top. But then that noise really ought to shout over any our doubts.

Let us know your thoughts below, and recap on the coupe at this link. Both will be on display at the LA motor show from the end of the week.