'Vette raises roof

02nd April 2007

For the first time, the car will be available as a convertible - making it one of the world's fastest soft-tops.

Under the long bonnet lies the same blown 6.0-litre V8 as in the coupé. This delivers 616bhp through a six-speed manual or paddleshift auto box. The 0-60mph sprint takes only 3.5 seconds, while the top speed is just over 200mph. Drive gently, though, and the C16 can return 28mpg.

Brakes and suspension have been upgraded to cope with the performance. And to further aid handling, the car gets magnesium and carbon fibre wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear. These are shod in special Yokohama tyres.

Inside, the Callaway is finished in German leather with Alcantara inserts, while driver and passenger sit in bespoke Recaro sports seats.

Each car will be hand-built to order and completed with a special plaque. Expect to pay at least £100,000 to bring one to the UK - but if this seems too much, you can buy most of the parts individually to fit to your standard 'Vette.

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