Spied: Corvette Zora Convertible

Spy photographers captured shots of a camouflaged C8 Corvette that appears to be a convertible version of the top-tier Zora. It’s the first time an open-air version has been seen in the wild, and it makes clear the message that even the gnarliest of C8s—yes, somehow gnarlier than a 1064-hp ZR1—will still offer a removable top.

The mule was spotted leaving the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan, and the photographers caught up to it in traffic enough to discern a key detail that indicates this is a Zora, not a ZR1.

First, a few details reinforce the notion that the ZR1 is likely the basis for the Zora: Note the flow-through hood, with large openings that divert air through extra coolers and also aid downforce over the top of the bodywork. That hood design isn’t found on the second-rung Z06.

Along with the hood, we can see the additional side inlets aft of the large, angled primary inlets. These, too, are currently only found on the ZR1.

However, the presence of an additional cooler in the front end led photographers to think that this was something more. This same cooler was spotted on a development mule at the Nürburgring in September of last year, and it’s the same vertical cooler that we see in the snout of the Corvette E-Ray.

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Remember, the most likely path to the Zora’s powertrain madness is to marry the battery and front-axle electric motor from the Corvette E-Ray to the twin-turbo, 5.5-liter flat-plane-crank V-8 of the ZR1. So, at least on paper, all the components seem to be here on this mule.

This marks the first time a convertible configuration—delineated by the vertical rear glass and the sweeping bodywork behind the seats—has been caught with the tell-tale vertical cooler up front. Good news for bow tie faithful who want to enjoy their top-dog Vette alfresco.

We can’t wait to learn more details about the new Mack Daddy Corvette.