New Chevrolet Camaro 426 Hp Convertible Goes On Sale February 2011

The segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter as the 2011 Camaro convertible premieres at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new convertible begins production in January and goes on sale in February. It includes an enhanced body structure and well-tailored top mechanism – a combination designed to deliver sports coupe-like driving fun and precise quality.

“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. They include:

A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
A transmission support reinforcement brace
Underbody tunnel brace
Front and rear underbody “V” braces.

“Our goal in development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

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.

“To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser,” said Oppenheiser. “Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn’t change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe.”

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.

The structural changes to the Camaro convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.

Exceptional top refinement

At the outset, designers and engineers sought to eliminate the common appearance of convertible top support ribs and they succeeded, using composite knuckles rather than aluminum ones, as well as extending the top material below the belt line and revising the top’s stitch lines. The result is a top that has a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that also retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.

The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple “Z” pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.

Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top. The car doesn’t have to be parked for the top to be activated, allowing for spur-of-the-moment lowering while stopped at a stoplight.

The top is made of thick, durable canvas and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.

A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS. It covers the folded top for a finished appearance. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers. It installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting when driving with the top down.

Additional details

A myriad of fine details distinguish Camaro convertible models, including:

The OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna moves to the deck lid on LT models without the RS package
The radio antenna is embedded in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models
The trunk lock cylinder is moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner exterior appearance
A new subwoofer design is located in the trunk between the rear seats.

Because the combined OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna is mounted on the roof of coupe models, it had to be relocated on the convertible. On RS-equipped LT models and SS models, which include a rear spoiler, a small “shark fin” OnStar/XM antenna is mounted on the deck lid, while the AM/FM radio antenna is hidden inside the rear spoiler. This patent-pending design creates a sleeker appearance. For LT models without a rear spoiler (without the RS package), the combined antenna is located in the center of the deck lid.

The relocation of the trunk lock cylinder also cleans up the Camaro convertible’s appearance, moving from the panel between the taillamps to a discreet area between the rear seat back cushion and driver’s side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the trunk, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy trunk access.

Finally, the subwoofer – either an eight-inch unit with the base sound system or a 10-inch subwoofer with the available Boston Acoustics system – is relocated from the trunk to an area between the rear seat cushions.

Performance

Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 that delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It is rated at 312 horsepower (232 kW) and 278 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). Peak fuel economy with the direct injection V-6 is 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).

The L99 features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine’s cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.

All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional. A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly” solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver an estimated 42 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer up to 25-50 miles of electric driving and an additional 310 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
 
Models: Chevrolet Camaro coupe and convertible  
Body style / driveline: four-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe and convertible  
Construction: unitized body frame, one- and two-sided galvanized steel  
EPA vehicle class: coupe  
Manufacturing location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada  
Key competitors: Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z  
 
   
Engines  
3.6L V-6 DI VVT (LLT) 6.2L V-8 (LS3, L99)  
Application: LS, LT SS  
Type: 3.6L V-6 6.2L V-8  
Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564 376 / 6162  
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92  
Block material: cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place

iron bore liners

cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place

iron bore liners

 
Cylinder head material: aluminum aluminum  
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder,

continuously variable valve timing

overhead valve; two valves per cylinder;

roller lifters; Active Fuel Management

(L99)

 
Ignition system: electronic individual coil-on-plug;

individual cylinder knock control and

extended-life platinum-tipped spark

plugs

coil near plug ignition  
Fuel delivery: direct fuel injection sequential fuel injection  
Compression ratio: 11.3:1 10.7:1 (LS3); 10.4:1 (L99)  
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 312 / 232 @ 6400* 426 / 318 @ 5900 (LS3)*

400 / 298 @ 5900 (L99)*

 
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 278 / 370 @ 5200* 420 / 569 @ 4600 (LS3)*

410 / 556 @ 4300 (L99)*

 
Recommended fuel: regular unleaded premium recommended not required  
Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6700 6200 (L99)

6600 (LS3)

 
Emissions controls: evaporative system, close-coupled

catalytic converter, equal-length

exhaust, single underfloor catalytic

converter, positive crankcase

ventilation, intake and exhaust cam

phasers, electronic throttle

control

evaporative system, close-coupled

catalytic converters, positive crankcase

ventilation, electronic throttle control

 
EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): 18 / 29 (auto)

17 / 29 (man)

16 / 25 (auto)

16 / 24 (man)

 
 
     
Transmissions  
Hydra-Matic

6L50 six-speed

automatic (LS, LT)

w/ TAPshift

Hydra-Matic

6L80 six-speed

automatic (SS)

w/ TAPshift

Aisin AY6

six-speed manual

(LS, LT)

Tremec TR6060

six-speed

manual (SS)

 
Gear ratios (:1):  
First: 4.06 4.03 4.48 3.01  
Second: 2.37 2.36 2.58 2.07  
Third: 1.55 1.53 1.63 1.43  
Fourth: 1.16 1.15 1.19 1.00  
Fifth: 0.85 0.85 1.00 0.84  
Sixth: 0.67 0.67 0.75 0.57  
Reverse: 3.20 3.06 3.67 3.28  
Final drive ratio: 3.27 3.27 3.27 3.45  
 
         
Chassis / Suspension  
Front: double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe  
Rear: 4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe  
Steering type: variable-ratio rack-and-pinion  
Steering ratio: 16.1:1  
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.5  
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 37.7/11.5  
 
   
Brakes  
Type: four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors; single-piston front calipers and single-piston alloy rear calipers (LS, LT); four-piston fixed Brembo aluminum front and rear calipers (SS)  
Rotor diameter, front (in / mm): LS, LT: 12.64 / 321

SS: 14 / 355

 
Rotor diameter, rear (in / mm): LS, LT: 12.4 / 315

SS: 14.4 / 365

 
Rotor thickness, front (in / mm): LS, LT: 1.18 / 30

SS: 1.26 / 32

 
Rotor thickness, rear (in / mm): LS, LT: 0.9 / 23

SS: 1.1 / 28

 
 
   
Wheels / Tires  
LS LT SS  
Wheel size and type: 18 x 7.5-inch steel 18 x 7.5-inch aluminum

19 x 8-inch aluminum

20 x 8-inch aluminum (front)

20 x 9-inch aluminum (rear)

 
Tires: P245/55R18 all-season P245/55R18 all-season

P245/50R19 all-season

P245/45ZR20 summer (front)

P275/40ZR20 summer (rear)

 
 
       
Dimensions

Exterior

 
Coupe Convertible  
Wheelbase (in / mm): 112.3 / 2852 112.3 / 2852  
Overall length (in / mm): 190.4 / 4836 190.4 / 4836  
Overall width (in / mm): 75.5 / 1918 75.5 / 1918  
Overall height (in / mm): 54.2 / 1376 54.7 / 1389  
Track, front (in / mm): 63.7 / 1618 63.7 / 1618  
Track, rear (in / mm): 64.1 / 1628 (LS, LT)

63.7 / 1618 (SS)

64.1 / 1628 (LT)

63.7 / 1618 (SS)

 
Curb weight (lb / kg): 3769 / 1713 – LS w/ automatic

3780 / 1718 – LS w/ manual

3719 / 1687 – LT w/ automatic

3728 / 1691 – LT w/ manual

3902 / 1770 – SS w/ automatic

3849 / 1746 – SS w/ manual

3986 /  1808 – LT w/ automatic

3995 /  1812 – LT w/ manual

4168 /  1891 – SS w/ automatic

4116 /  1867 – SS w/ manual

 
Weight balance (% front / rear): 52 / 48 52 / 48  
 
     
Interior  
Coupe Convertible  
Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 2 2 / 2  
Headroom (in / mm): front: 37.4 / 950

rear: 35.3 / 897

front: 37.8 / 960

rear: 35.7/ 908

 
Legroom (in / mm): front: 42.4 / 1077

rear: 29.9 / 757

front: 42.4 / 1077

rear: 30 / 760

 
Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 56.9 / 1444

rear: 42.5 / 1080

front: 56.8 / 1444

rear: 42.4 / 1079

 
 
     
Capacities  
Coupe Convertible  
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 11.3 / 320 10.24 / 290 (top up)

7.85 /  222 (top down)

 
Fuel tank (gal / L): 19 / 71.9 18.8 / 71.7  
Engine oil (qt / L): 3.6L: 7.6 / 7.2

6.2L: 8.9 / 8.5

3.6L: 7.6 / 7.2

6.2L: 8.9 / 8.5

 
 
     

*SAE certified.

Note:  Information shown is current at time of publication.