LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
Detroit, MI — Today at the Sound Board at the famous Motor City Hotel, Chevrolet Global Brand Chief Alan Batey revealed the drop-top version of the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, the second of five all-new Chevys coming in 2016.
Rumours about the Camaro Convertible have been swirling online and elsewhere for quite some time now, but nothing beats seeing one “in the metal”, as it were.
A big issue with coupe to convertible transitions like this is always weight; when you lose an integral part of the structure, that structure has to be replaced, so weight is added in the form of extra chassis bracing and the like, which adds weight, if not dynamics.
For 2016, however, Chevrolet has taken this to heart
“From the beginning, the Camaro’s architecture was developed to incorporate a convertible with uncompromised driving dynamics,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. Like born-to-be convertibles like the Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4, then, the Camaro convertible should feel like a natural on the road.
In that light, the top is of the hard folding variety for 2016 (and can be deployed with the keyfob, and operated up to 48 km/h), which is a boon for structure as well as styling. No prices have been announced, but it was noted that it will be the most affordable hard-top convertible available in North America.
“Adding the most sophisiticated top in the segment bring another level of refinement—and driving enjoyment—to the Camaro convertible,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager.
All three engine choices from the Coupe will be available for the convertible: a 275 horsepower turbocharged four-banger, a 335 hp 3.6-litre V6 and the Big Daddy, a 445 hp V8 in the SS. All engines are available with either an 8-speed automatic or six-speed manual. This being a convertible, however, I’m willing to bet 99 per cent of cars sold are going to have the auto.
One thing that’s the same for both manual and auto-equipped cars, however, is the styling, which is very good. Where the last Camaro convertible was a little overly chunky and slab-sided, the new car is a little more angular, with nice creases and folds here and there. It helps it appear as if it sits a little closer to the ground, and gives it a more Corvette Stingray-like profile. The design and engineering teams spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel during development, so the shape not only looks good, but is more aerodynamic, as well.
Expect pricing to be revealed nearer to the 2016 Camaro Convertible’s release later this summer.
