Chevrolet showed off its Corvette Convertible, which returns in the new body style with a power folding top. The structure around the windshield and the door pillar have been redesigned for improved rigidity in such a way that the ragtop C6 would meet the federal crash test standard for cars with a fixed roof. Some 15 pounds of acoustic damping material has been applied in the cockpit to reduce noise, but at the same time the engine lost some weight, so in the end the Convertible is not heavier than the coupe. The soft top disappears completely under the tonneau cover behind the seats. Underneath the cover are two small luggage compartments. The power top will be an option: with a push on a button the top can be lowered or raised in 18 seconds. The new 400-hp lightweight LS2 V-8 of the coupe, in combination with the six-speed stick shift, also serves as the roadster's powerplant, whereas the four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The open Vette should be able to do 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and should reach a top of 180 mph. It can be expected to go on sale in the fall for a price between $51,000 and $52,000.