Skip to main content

Callaway confirms production of the Corvette Stingray Aerowagon conversion

callaway confirms production of the corvette stingray aerowagon conversion aeroewagon 1
Callaway has yet to confirm whether its $15,000 Aerowagon upgrade will fit a set of golfing sticks. Image used with permission by copyright holder

While Chevrolet is pulling the top off the new C7 Corvette Stingray to create Stingray Convertible, aftermarket Corvette tuner Callaway is putting extra roof back onto the already iconic American sports car.

Callaway confirmed today that it will be sending the contentious Aerowagon Concept shooting brake, based upon the standard hardtop Stingray, into a limited production.

Recommended Videos

Originally debuted as a concept last March, we had long been hoping this thing would come to fruition. And, thankfully, it will.

Callaway Aeroewagon 2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The exceptionally stylish addition to the backend of the all-new ‘Vette will cost $15,000 – not including the purchase price of the Stingray – plus an additional $1,500 for matching body color, according to CarBuzz.

Smartly, the Callaway canopy bolted to the back isn’t a shoddy afterthought. Instead, it’s a rather intricately designed carbon structure formed in the one-step Krämer Resin Transfer Molding (KRTM) process. Callaway claims the long top won’t affect the curb weight much so you don’t have to skimp on the cheeseburgers.

The result is a Stingray with an openable rear hatch that we can only hope is long or wide enough to support at least one satchel of golf sticks. If it doesn’t, what’s the point?

We know some of you will balk at the design. You’ll have to forgive us, though, because we really like it.

It stands to reason few people will opt for the upgrade, so the Aerowagon should be awfully rare a few years down the line. If you’re looking for a Stingray worth investing in as, well, an investment. We suggest the Callaway Aerowagon conversion.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Kia America COO says ending EV tax credit would be dumb
kia coo ending ev incentive dumb zeta evs

With Kia just getting started with the expansion of its U.S.-made electric-vehicle (EV) lineup, the automaker may have a good perspective on what losing tax incentives on EVs could mean for the industry and the economy.

The transition team of the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning to end the federal $7,500 tax credit on the purchase or lease of an EV. Under the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), an EV made in North America is eligible for the incentive.

Read more
Mercedes bets solar paint is part of EV-charging future
mercedes solar paint evs benz electric camper

It’s been said that Albert Einstein’s genius came from his ability to freely wonder and ask child-like questions way before he even tried applying science-based solutions.
It seems some within the R&D department at Mercedes-Benz might be similarly inspired. The German automaker is currently developing a special solar paint that, when applied on the surface of vehicles, can harness enough energy from the sun to power up EVs.
The energy generated by the paint’s solar cells can be used for driving or fed directly into a high-voltage battery.
“The photovoltaic system is permanently active and also generates energy when the vehicle is switched off,” Mercedes says. “In the future, this could be a highly effective solution for increased electric range and fewer charging stops.”
The layer of paste to be applied on EVs is significantly thinner than a human hair, yet its photovoltaic cells are packed full of energy. Covering the surface of a mid-size SUV with the paint could produce enough energy for up to 7,456 miles per year under ideal conditions, Mercedes says.
This does imply being in geographic locations with plenty of sun hours during the day.
But even with less-than-ideal sun hours, the energy yielded can make a significant difference to EV charging. Mercedes says the solar-paint charge could provide 100% of needed energy for an average daily drive of 32 miles in sun-drenched Los Angeles. In much less sunny conditions -- such as around Mercedes’ headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany -- it would still yield enough energy for 62% of the distance.
An added bonus for environmentally-conscious drivers: Unlike some solar panels, the solar paint contains no rare earth or silicon – only non-toxic, readily available raw materials. It’s also easy to recycle and considerably cheaper to produce than conventional solar modules, Mercedes says.
The likes of Aptera, Sono Motors, Lightyear, and Hyundai have also been researching how to best harness solar energy to power up EVs.
But that’s been mostly through solar panels yielding enough energy for small and light vehicles, such as Aptera’s three-wheel solar EV. Solar paint could bring solar charging for bigger vehicles, such as electric SUVs, Mercedes says.

Read more
Volkswagen’s affordable ID.2 EV remains on track
vw id2 volkswagen affordable ev 1

It’s no secret that Volkswagen has been facing a huge slump in sales in Europe and China, forcing it to close plants in Germany.

But unlike other European automakers who have stuck to producing high-end electric vehicles (EVs), the German automaker keeps on reaffirming its commitment to bringing affordable EVs to market, including in the U.S.

Read more