Corvette Z06 Makes History As First Hardtop Convertible Pace Car At 107th Indy 500

10May 2023 by controllers

History will be made at the Indy 500 this year as the Corvette Z06, the world’s first hardtop convertible, makes its debut as the Indy Pace Car. This innovative design is sure to turn heads both on the track and off.

For the first time in the renowned history of this symbol of automotive excellence, a hardtop convertible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be the pace car at the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The convertible’s stunning exterior and interior design will be in full view during its time, both on and off the track.

This generation of the Corvette Z06 is the first to feature a hardtop convertible, drastically increasing the convertible’s performance on the track and the comfortability of the open roof for leisure driving.

We have the press release from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway below, as well as some stunning photos. Read on to learn more.

For the first time ever the celebrated Corvette Z06 Hardtop Convertible will serve as the official pace car for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday May 28 The exterior and interior of the car will be on full display as it carries out its track and off track duties This particular model is the first of its kind to boast a hardtop convertible meaning it's well-equipped to meet the demands of the track and provide its occupants with open roof comfort when travelling on the street. Photo Credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For the first time ever the celebrated Corvette Z06 Hardtop Convertible will serve as the official pace car for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday May 28 The exterior and interior of the car will be on full display as it carries out its track and off track duties This particular model is the first of its kind to boast a hardtop convertible meaning its well equipped to meet the demands of the track and provide its occupants with open roof comfort when traveling on the street Photo Credit Indianapolis Motor Speedway
2023 Corvette Z06 Hardtop Indy Pace Car Photo Credit IMS
2023 Corvette Z06 Hardtop Indy Pace Car Photo Credit IMS
On Sunday a groundbreaking moment awaits at the Indy 500 as the very first hardtop convertible Corvette Z06 takes center stage Its iconic silhouette and captivating power is sure to make a lasting impression both on and off the track Photo Credit IMS
On Sunday a groundbreaking moment awaits at the Indy 500 as the very first hardtop convertible Corvette Z06 takes center stage Its iconic silhouette and captivating power is sure to make a lasting impression both on and off the track Photo Credit IMS
2023 Corvette Z06 Hardtop Indy Pace Car Photo Credit IMS
2023 Corvette Z06 Hardtop Indy Pace Car Photo Credit IMS
History will be made at the Indy 500 this year as the Corvette Z06 the world's first hardtop convertible, makes its debut. This innovative design is sure to turn heads both on the track and off.
History will be made at the Indy 500 this year as the Corvette Z06 the worlds first hardtop convertible makes its debut This innovative design is sure to turn heads both on the track and off Photo Credit IMS

CORVETTE Z06 HARDTOP CONVERTIBLE TO PACE 107TH INDIANAPOLIS 500

May 09, 2023 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway

For the first time in the storied history of this iconic car model, a hardtop convertible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will lead the field to the green flag for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The exterior and interior of the Corvette Z06 convertible will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.

This is the first generation of Corvette Z06 to offer a hardtop convertible, greatly expanding the convertible’s ability to serve on track at any speed and provide open roof comfort on the street.

Corvette is the longest-running car nameplate in automotive industry history, so it’s no surprise Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace, dating back to 1948, and the 20th time overall and since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

“As we celebrate the rich history of the Corvette Pace Car at IMS, it’s amazing to see the evolution of these cars on and off the track,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The hardtop convertible on the 2023 Corvette Z06 is just another example of the Chevrolet innovation that translates from track to street.”

Red Mist Metallic exterior paint and two-tone Jet Black and Sky Cool Gray with Torch Red accents on the interior pair nicely with the Indianapolis 500 logos. Spider-design forged aluminum wheels finished in Tech Bronze complete the car’s iconic, race-ready look.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 is set apart by its beating heart, the 5.5L LT6, which creates 670 horsepower, making it the highest-horsepower naturally aspirated V-8 ever to ever hit the market in any production car. All that power will be held to the track with the Carbon Aero package, providing 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any other Corvette.

In its 70-year history, Corvette has become synonymous with American sports cars, and the Z06 is the definition of America’s supercar. It’s authentic, optimistic, proud, young at heart, and ingenious – values synonymous with both the Indy 500 and Chevrolet.

“We are honored to be pacing the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with the Corvette Z06 convertible,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “Chevrolet and INDYCAR share the same spirit of competition, and we are proud Z06 will lead the pack across the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

Visit IMS.com for tickets and more information on all Month of May events and activities at IMS.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 80 countries, with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, a design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features, and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Travel back in time and relive the iconic history of the partnership the Indianapolis 500 and @Chevrolet Corvette have created, from the first time a Corvette paced the field in 1978 to its most recent time, in 2022.

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