The sixth-gen Camaro’s crisp new nose and sharp surface creases look even better in convertible form. Check out the razor-sharp slice of the rear fenders into the doors, and the deep scallop cutout of the sills!
The 2016 Camaro Convertible debuted this week with some swanky tech for the entire droptop operation.
— A hard-shell tonneau cover in back is painted bodycolor for its totally flat compartment behind the back seats. (Wish the ribbon of black plastic would match, but not a big deal…)
— New electrohydraulic top mechanism is fully powered, with no clasp or physical effort needed from in the cabin to raise or lower it.
— Remote roof operation is now possible, making the Camaro the first non-premium cabrio to offer an open or closed top via keyfob
— Rolling up/down functionality is also new. The Camaro’s top can power up or down at speeds up to 30mph.
All great improvements to the Camaro Convertible in day-to-day life, and a big set of practical advantages over the Mustang Convertible right off the bat. All four of the roof innovations above are segment-exclusives. The Mustang requires manual unclasping, has a black tonneau cover, must be at under 5-mph to complete the top drop or lift, and does not offer keyfob operation.
An all-new cabin and subframe also promise to reward convertible drivers even more than they will for hardtop owners. Greatly increased chassis rigidity and NVH suppression will make this the most sophisitcated Camaro ragtop of all time.
Will it be the quickest?
Time will tell! The 2016 Camaro Convertible is set for first arrival in early calendar 2016, with pricing likely to carry a $4k premium over the Coupes for all three engines (turbo four, V6 and V8).
2016 Chevrolet
CAMARO Convertible
Chevrolet Lifts Lid on 2016 Camaro Convertible
Segment’s most advanced top is fully automatic, with refined appearance
DETROIT – Let the sun shine in. Chevrolet will offer a convertible model of the all-new 2016 Camaro, featuring the segment’s most advanced top.
The 2016 Camaro is the only convertible in the segment to offer all of the following:
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Fully automatic operation with latches that automatically release and secure the top
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Capability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph
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Remote opening with the key fob
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A hard tonneau cover that deploys automatically, providing a more refined, finished appearance when the top is lowered and stowed.
The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable, quiet driving experience in all seasons. The top emulates the sleek silhouette of the Camaro coupe.
“The 2016 Camaro coupe will set the benchmark for the segment in terms of technology, performance and design,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. “Adding the most sophisticated top in the segment brings another level of refinement – and driving enjoyment – to the Camaro convertible.”
The new Camaro convertible arrives in early 2016.
Like the Camaro coupe, the convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter structure that helps reduce total vehicle weight by at least 200 pounds compared to the model it replaces. Consequently, the Camaro convertible retains the coupe’s sharp chassis tuning and nimble reflexes.
“From the beginning, the Camaro’s architecture was developed to incorporate a convertible with uncompromised driving dynamics,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Customers will appreciate what they don’t feel: quivers, cowl shake or an under-damped chassis typically found in a four-seat convertible.”
The architecture also enables the Camaro convertible’s sleek design, allowing the top to fold down completely beneath the belt line. The hard tonneau cover automatically covers the folded top, creating a finished appearance.
“With many convertibles, you have to affix a tonneau cover manually – if it’s done at all,” said Tom Peters, design director. “The Camaro convertible’s automatically deploying hard tonneau not only makes it easier to enjoy convertible driving when the inspiration hits, it ensures the car always looks its best.”
About the 2016 Camaro
The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement and is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years.
Offered in LT and SS models, it provides a faster, more nimble driving experience and a broader powertrain range.
Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower, an all-new 3.6L V-6 producing and SAE-certified 335 horsepower, and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque – the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling, while enhancing highway fuel efficiency.
Inside, the driver-focused cabin integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature.
The 2016 Camaro coupe and convertible will be produced at General Motors’ Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Lansing, Mich.
For more information on Chevrolet, please visit http://www.chevrolet.com
FAST FACT: In 1967 – Camaro’s first model year – the available convertible model came with a manually operated top. A power-operated top was a $52.70 option selected by 47 percent of buyers.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.