BMW i8 and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 go topless at the 2017 LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Amid the onslaught of production SUVs launched at this year’s LA Auto Show, there were a couple supercars that also made their debut. BMW and Chevrolet launched drop-top versions of their halo cars: an i8 Roadster and a Corvette ZR1 Convertible.

In a battle reminiscent of two celebrities wearing the same dress to an award show, both the i8 Roaster and Corvette ZR1 Convertible are being shown in copper-hued paint in display areas that are virtually next door. So, who wore it best?

2019 BMW i8 Roadster

The coupe version of the i8 entered the scene in 2014 as a beacon of the future. With a slick curvaceous design and out-of-this-world interior gauges, the i8 looks like something out of the movie “Minority Report” and drives like a supercharged supercar, except that it’s a plug-in hybrid.

For 2019, BMW adds a convertible top that opens in less than 16 seconds, more range and more power. Total power output increases by 12 to 369 horsepower, and the new i8 can go up to 18 miles in all-electric range.

Top speed is 155 mph and zero-to-60-mph rings in at 4.4 seconds for the Roadster.

The i8 Roadster and an updated version of its coupe counterpart are expected to hit dealers in the spring of 2018. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the current generation i8 coupe starts at $143,400.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible

Who would be crazy enough to make a convertible capable of driving faster than 200 mph? That would be Corvette.

This newest iteration of the ZR1 comes in both coupe and convertible formats, and is equipped with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine.

Pushing the limit of fast, the ZR1 hits the sweet spot between the Dodge Hellcat and Demon delivering 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque – no red key needed.

The ZR1 will come equipped with a 7-speed manual or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, marking the first time a ZR1 will have an automatic available.

Everything in this sports car is designed for speed, including the new front fascia, four new radiators, a carbon fiber “halo” hood and aero package with stanchion-mounted wings.

The ZR1 will hit dealers this spring with a base price of $119,995 for the coupe and $123,995 for the convertible.