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The folks at Callaway figured that if their customers were willing to plunk down the cash for a fixed-roof bespoke coupe, they'd be even more smitten with a drop top version. So at next month's New York Auto Show, they'll be debuting the C16 convertible, another supercharged super-Vette creating either 560 or 616 HP from its blown V8.

Much like the hardtop version that debuted in Montreal, the open-air version will be able to reach 60 in three and half seconds and on to a top speed over 200 MPH. All that, while still leaving the factory with a five-year, 100k-mile warranty. If you've got the $128,765 entry fee, go on and read the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Wired's Autopia, Callaway]

PRESS RELEASE

CALLAWAY C16 CONVERTIBLE MAKES WORLD DEBUT
AT 2007 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

World-Class Supercar Performance, Now Available in a Paddle Shifted Convertible

OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT (March 16, 2007) – Callaway Cars today announced it will unveil the C16 Convertible – the company's latest variant in an impressive lineup of exclusive, hand-built ultra-high-performance automobiles – at the New York International Auto Show.

Based on the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, the C16 convertible takes performance, style and open-air motoring to the next level, giving buyers an opportunity to experience premium supercar performance in a convertible, complete with the ease of a 6-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission.

"Customers who want the exhilaration of a convertible and the daily driver convenience of a paddle-shift automatic without sacrificing the performance capabilities of a Z06 and beyond, can only get it here," says company founder Reeves Callaway. "With this car we have maintained the C16's class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous convertible version, based on one of the best sports car platforms ever made. In true Callaway tradition it incorporates our race-proven technologies and superlative craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style."

The C16 Convertible, like the C16 Coupe, was drawn and modeled by designer Paul Deutschman, who has a twenty-year portfolio of Callaway designs. Architect of the Callaway look – from its 254 mph Sledgehammer and Corvette-based Le Mans race cars to the current C16 versions – he has masterfully remodeled the original design, redrawing every panel of the standard body to achieve the C16 Convertible's integrated look while retaining the Corvette's easy-to-operate power top.

Equipped with Callaway's 560-hp supercharged 6.0-liter V8, the C16 Convertible is also available with an optional Performance Package that delivers 616 supercharged horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 582 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The Callaway C16 Convertible does 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds. Top speed of the paddle shifted convertible is estimated at just over 200 mph. Equally impressive is its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway. It is emissions compliant and backed by a 5 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

There are three transmission options on the Callaway C16 Convertible: two 6-speed manual transmissions (one incorporating the Z51 Performance Package's shorter ratios in the first four gears), or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shift. The Callaway C16 Convertible, like C16 Coupe, delivers the feeling of a fully integrated driver's car, maintaining the company's legendary hallmark of easy-to-drive, super high-performance road cars, now available with the added pleasure of top-down motoring.

Inside, the C16 convertible's cockpit is completely retooled in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats with a choice of harnessing styles manufactured for Callaway by Recaro. Door sill panels, steering wheel and passenger dash area also carry signature Callaway badging. Each automobile is serialized and identified by its build plaque. Each C16 convertible is built to order. Clients choose body and top color and interior appointments to individual taste.

The car's razor-sharp handling and comfortable ride are courtesy of newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension. This advanced spring/damper system features ride height, corner weight, and pitch angle adjustability. The aluminum-bodied dampers feature 10-click-position compression and rebound adjustability and have remote mounted reservoirs, allowing the driver to customize settings for track or road conditions.

To bring the Callaway C16 Convertible from 200+ mph to rest, the C16 utilizes a Stoptech brake system developed exclusively for Callaway using 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm diameter rotors. Super-lightweight Callaway Dymag wheels - the lightest road wheel in the industry - measure 19" x 10" front and 20" x 12" rear. The Dymag wheel features forged magnesium centers surrounded by carbon fiber rims - another example of Callaway bringing their race experience to their road cars. Yokohama "AdvanSport" 285/30ZR19 (front) and 325/25ZR20 (rear) tires complete the package.

Pricing for a fully loaded C16 Convertible is $128,765 USD. All Callaway C16 Convertible components are available individually, for both new and currently owned Corvettes, through Callaway authorized retailers and installers.

Callaway C16 automobiles are built by Callaway facilities in California, Connecticut, and Germany. The Callaway C16 Convertible is available exclusively through Callaway Cars' authorized dealer network. For additional information on Callaway Cars, its automobiles and dealer locations, call 860-434-9002 or visit www.callawaycars.com