The Camaro convertible concept, wrapped in Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal grey sport stripes, is based on the original Camaro concept, with only minor changes required to accommodate the convertible body style.

“The best follow-up to last year’s award-winning Camaro concept is a Camaro convertible,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response – it’s a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage.”

The Camaro convertible concept embodies strong heritage while appealing to a new generation of customers who seek a distinctive statement in a new car.

“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.

Fun spirit
Like the Camaro concept vehicle, the Camaro convertible concept blends a dramatic, forward-looking design that is mindful of the brand’s storied heritage. That design includes classic long bonnet/short boot proportions and a wide, wheels-at-the-corners stance.

The Camaro convertible concept is motivated by a torquey V-8 engine that rightly sends power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. It also features a four-wheel independent suspension system and four-wheel disc brakes.

“There is an undeniably fun spirit with the Camaro convertible concept,” said Peper. “The promise of fun made by the convertible top is reinforced with the Camaro’s ‘let’s go’ stance – it’s a car that begs to be driven.”

The Camaro convertible concept shares exterior dimensions with the Camaro concept, although the convertible concept’s windscreen surround, which features a bright anodised finish, is changed slightly to accommodate the convertible top.

Additional design details include:

• Tonneau cover over the folded top
• “Halo” headlamps
• LED taillamps
• Rear spoiler with LED-lit CHMSL
• Racing-inspired fuel filler door
• Front-inlet hood scoop, inspired by the Corvette Z06
• Heritage-inspired rear guard “gills”
• Anodised aluminium door handles
• Bold 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels, with accent colour

The Camaro convertible concept’s Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat colour is a contemporary update of the classic hue, which was originally offered in 1969. It is complemented with twin gunmetal grey sport stripes. The modern interpretation of the classic colour and its dark accent stripes simultaneously reflect the Camaro’s heritage and deliver a deep, lustrous and thoroughly contemporary appearance.

The Camaro convertible concept rides on 21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rear wheels. The wheels have a deep-dish, five-spoke design and feature charcoal centre sections with bright outer edges and a red outline on the wheel edge. The charcoal wheels complement the gunmetal grey stripes on the body.

Inspired cockpit
Inside, the Camaro convertible features a simple yet purposeful interior that reflects design elements inspired by the muscle car era, including the first-generation Camaro. A new, light-and-dark colour scheme enhances the airy feel of the convertible, particularly when the top is lowered.