(continued from above)
"The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a
new set of potential customers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet
marketing. "The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's
a natural to now expand and elevate the product range in new directions."
The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the
Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6
engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine
producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with
an optional six-speed automatic.
Camaro seized leadership in U.S. sales
in its segment with the original coupe model that launched in spring 2009 as a
2010 model. The right to purchase one of the first convertibles was recently
sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to
charity. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro convertibles, a group of 100
exclusive cars with custom-designed elements and priced at $75,000 each, sold
out in only three minutes.
The Camaro Convertible delivers great
refinement, along with uncompromising, coupe-like driving dynamics. Its enhanced
body structure helps prevent cowl or steering wheel shake, for a strong,
confident feel in all driving conditions. The top has a smooth, tailored fit,
with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the
top up.
Camaro Convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8)
trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine
production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan.
Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models.
Strong
Structure
The Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a
convertible model, which means customers enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with
coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the
already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl
and steering wheel shake.
A telling example of the Camaro Convertible's
strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning - specifically, the lack of
changes between the convertible and coupe models.
The result is a
convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and
performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.
Additional safety
structural reinforcements are designed to improve noise and vibration
characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering
wheel shake. They include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner
reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar
and reinforcements inside the rockers.
Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible: Review (2/2)