DETROIT, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Chevrolet announced a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $38,777 (including destination charge) for its all-new 1999 Corvette hardtop -- the first fixed-roof Corvette since the legendary second generation Sting Rays of 1963-67.

"The new Corvette hardtop completes the fifth-generation Corvette lineup," said John G. Middlebrook, Chevrolet general manager. "Some Corvette customers have asked for a lighter, stiffer and slightly more agile high-performance model -- and our new hardtop gives them that car."

Standard equipment on all three 1999 Corvettes includes: 5.7-liter V8 engine, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Goodyear Eagle F1 Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) (17" front, 18" rear), aluminum wheels, tire pressure monitor, air conditioning, power windows with express down feature, power door locks, passive remote keyless entry, PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system, cruise control, power heated outside rear view mirrors and rear window defogger.

The hardtop MSRP compares to already-announced '99 MSRPs of $39,171 for the Corvette coupe and $45,579 for the Corvette convertible.

Special standard features on the hardtop model include:

* Z51 suspension, designed for sanctioned racing competition or for drivers who demand the ultimate Corvette handling package. The suspension features stiff springs, large stabilizer bars and large monotube shock absorbers.

* Six-speed manual transmission (automatic transmission not available).

* Limited-slip rear axle with 3.42 ratio.

"The transmission and Z51 suspension, if added to the base price of coupe or convertible models, would carry a $1,165 price tag," says Jim Campbell, Corvette brand manager. "So the price spread between the hardtop and coupe is a bit broader than their base prices might make it appear at first glance. We anticipate most customers will order popular options so that most hardtops will be $1,400 less than a regular Corvette coupe with popular options."

The only options that can be added to the hardtop are a power driver seat, the JL4 active handling system, a custom-designed Bose audio system, a CD changer and bodyside moldings. The hardtop is available with one interior -- black leather -- and five exterior colors: Torch Red, Arctic White, Black, Pewter and Nassau Blue.

"As you can see by the standard features, and the restricted option list, we've tailored the hardtop to appeal to those buyers who are primarily interested in performance," Campbell adds. "We expect to see it popping up at gymkhana and autocross events across the country in coming months."

"The '99 hardtop is most certainly 'legend' material," Middlebrook said. "The hardtop's historical significance is rare among its competitors. I think the '99 hardtop could be one of the classic 'Vettes in an already legendary lineage. Early press reports on the car are uniformly enthusiastic and that just backs up my conviction that we're on the right track here."

Corvette is already the undisputed leader in the high-sport market segment with 34% of total high-sport sales for the 1998 calendar year through July. During that period Chevy has delivered 16,369 '98 Corvettes, a 70% increase over the same year-ago period. SOURCE Chevrolet Motor Division

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