Auto Extreme

Founder of Callaway Cars, Reeves Callaway, has given already-capable Corvettes the Barry Bonds treatment for decades, making some of the fastest exotics in the world. The C16, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles show, was the newest of these steroid-injected beasts. 2008 Callaway C16 can go from 0-to-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph.

Same with the C16 coupe, the convertible obtains its power from a 560-hp supercharged 6.0-liter V-8 engine, with an elective performance package that increases its output to 616 hp. There is no convertible version of the Corvette Z06, so that package is good for a jump of over 200 hp over next-most-powerful Corvette convertible. Three transmissions will be obtainable: two six-speed manual boxes (one with shorter ratios for first through fourth gear) or a six-speed, paddle-shifted automatic. Since convertible-car owners traditionally cruise more boulevards than race tracks, the latter is expected to be more popular for this made-to-order supercharged beast.

Alterations from the original Corvette platform aren’t limited to just exterior styling and engine performance. A coil-over suspension system has been co-developed with Eibach, and features ride height, corner weight, and pitch angle adjustability. Since the car is capable of 200-plus mph, the brakes have been customized, too. Stoptech developed the C16’s 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, all of which bite down on 355 mm diameter rotors. Magnesium and carbon fiber wheels (the lightest roadgoing wheels in the industry) help lower the car’s unsprung heaviness.

Although lots of things are changed, the Callaway C16 does preserve some of the Chevy’s best qualities. C16’s fuel efficiency rating in the city is 18 mpg and 28 on the highway, it is emissions compliant, and it’s even backed by GM’s 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Sorry folks, sad to say that the C16 doesn’t keep the Corvette’s base price. A completely loaded C16 convertible will cost $128,765.

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