GM unveils concept of Canadian-made Camaro convertible
Chevrolet knew that in order to top the overwhelming acceptance of the Camaro concept at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it would have to blow the top off at the 2007 show.
So, that's what it did.
Behold the Camaro convertible concept, wrapped in Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal grey sport stripes. The car is based on the previous year's Camaro concept, with only minor changes.
The exterior colour is a contemporary update of the classic hue originally offered in 1969. It is complemented with twin gunmetal grey sport stripes. Other classic cues include a hood scoop and rear fender gills.
The original Camaro was introduced to the Baby Boomer generation, a large, young, individualistic and mobile group that drove fundamental changes in the auto industry. The Camaro was personal, sporty and powerful – attributes typically found on more expensive, smaller and, often, foreign sports cars. Camaro represented a real life-sized sporty car that was attainable for just about everyone.
The new Camaro concepts draw on their namesakes’ heritage, but also the global, youthful influences of the 21st century. It’s a design that resonates with a generation of younger car buyers influenced by highly stylized "tuner" cars and imported sports cars.
"Youthful buyers want a car that makes a statement in its design as much as its performance," said Brian Smith, exterior designer. "The new Camaro concepts bridge heritage with contemporary style, with a design that is simultaneously admired among import-influenced youth and traditional enthusiasts."
"For some of us, an emotional bond was formed when we introduced the Camaro coupe last year," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "It is magnificent. But now this year, if this Camaro convertible doesn’t make your heart beat faster, you should see either your optometrist or your cardiologist, because you have a problem."
Chevrolet already has announced production plans for the Camaro, which will go on sale in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year, built alongside the coupe in Oshawa, Ontario.
Like the coupe, the Camaro convertible concept is mindful of the brand’s storied heritage with classic long hood/short deck proportions and a wide, wheels-at-the-corners stance that gives the vehicle the look of hugging corners even when stationary.
The Camaro convertible concept is motivated by a torquey V8 powering the rear wheels via a manual transmission. It also features a 4-wheel independent suspension system and 4-wheel disc brakes.
It rides on 21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rears. The wheels have a deep-dish, five-spoke design and feature charcoal center sections with bright outer edges and a red outline on the wheel edge, in complement with the body colours.
The Camaro convertible concept shares exterior dimensions with the Camaro concept, although the convertible concept’s windshield surround, which features a bright anodized finish, is changed slightly to accommodate the convertible top.
Inside, the Camaro convertible is simple yet purposeful with design elements inspired by the muscle car era, including the first-generation Camaro. A new, light-and-dark color scheme enhances the airy feel.
The seats feature platinum-tone leather surrounding suede-like Alcantara inserts, with black, sculpted seatbacks. A matching, tri-coat platinum paint is used to accent the door panels and instrument panel, giving a modern, bold feel to the classically-styled interior.
"The light-on-dark interior coloring makes a strong statement that conveys the spirit of freedom and fun that is embodied by a Camaro convertible," said Micah Jones, interior designer.
As with the Camaro coupe concept, the convertible concept features an instrument panel inspired by the first-generation Camaro, including an intricate "round-gauges-in-square-holes" design. The gauges have a deep, three-dimensional appearance, with white faces and red pointers.
Craftsmanship and attention to detail are evidenced throughout the interior, including the smoke satin aluminum finish on trim plates, vents, seat handles and seatbelt buckles. The shifter and pedals are made of billet aluminum. The steering wheel has a detailed, deep-dish three-spoke design and the front seats are hinged at the center – rather than the sides – for an integrated appearance. A separate ignition button is used to start the engine and the speedometer and tachometer needles complete full-sweep indexing when the engine rumbles to life.
A "spine" runs through the center of the vehicle and on the seatbacks, including a prominent center console that stretches to the rear seat to create the Chevrolet signature dual-cockpit motif.
Along with style and performance, the timeless spirit of fun is woven into the new Camaro concepts.
"Camaro has always represented the American ethic that style and performance don’t belong exclusively to the wealthy," said Smith. "Camaro has always been everybody’s sports car, and these new concepts demonstrate its spirit is relevant for a new generation."
Camaro convertible concept specs
Length: 4730 mm
Wheelbase: 2806 mm
Width: 2022 mm
Track (front/rear): 1620 / 1607 mm
Height: 1344 mm
Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut front, independent multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, gas-pressurized dampers
Brakes: 4-wheel disc, 14-inch rotors with four-piston callipers
Wheels: cast aluminum; 21-inch front, 22-inch rear
Tires (front/rear): 275/30R21 / 305/30R22
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