Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models, which is a good thing because rearward visibility is usually quite limited in a convertible.
“The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet's marketing vice president. Of course, no one ever expected Chevy not to produce a convertible version of the Camaro. It competes directly with the Ford Mustang, which also has coupe and convertible versions. The other big competitor is the Nissan 370Z, which also comes in coupe and convertible models.
In taking the top off the Camaro coupe, GM engineers had to strengthen the car's body, so the convertible model has an “enhanced body structure” designed to keep it rigid even when hitting bumps in the road.
The reinforced structure gives the Camaro convertible the feel of driving the coupe, GM says. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe.”
The result, GM insists, “is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.”
Engine choices are the same as those in the coupe models.
Base models will have a 3.6-liter, direct-injection V-6 with 312 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of torque. With the manual, the V-6 model is EPA rated at 17 mpg city/29 highway; with the automatic, it's 18 city/29 highway.
The SS (Super Sport) models come with V-8 engines. The automatic SS models come with automatic cylinder deactivation, which cuts out four of the cylinders during level highway cruising to help boost fuel economy.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, of course, on all Camaro models.
“Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.”
There is a folding, one-piece hard tonneau cover on the uplevel V-6 2LT and V-8 2SS models, which completely covers the lowered top and dresses up the car's appearance. Coupe models come with four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes (with four-piston Brembo calipers on the SS models), GM's electronic stability control, OnStar and XM satellite radio.
Other safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side air bags and side-curtain air bags for both rows.
Chevrolet has unveiled a drop-top version of its best-selling Camaro coupe at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The European version of the Camaro Convertible will get a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing a stonking 426 horsepower. What’s more, the power-folding fabric top should retract in an uber-fast time of just 20 seconds. Speaking at the car’s unveiling ceremony, Chris Perry, Vice President of Chevrolet marketing, said: "The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers.
See pictures of the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible in the gallery below.
The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible was among the most exciting cars to be unveiled at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's only natural to expand and elevate the product range in new directions."
