Review: 2011 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible

An American icon, the Chevrolet Camaro has been reincarnated in a chopped top variant that is set to bring the classic Chevy experience back to driving enthusiasts. Coming a year after the launch of the redone version of the Chevrolet’s iconic Camaro coupe, the drop top model looks to capitalize on the fact that this is first time since ’85 that the Camaro has the lead in sales over its arch nemesis in its class, the Ford Mustang. The Mustang has dominated the drop top scene for almost a decade since Chevrolet temporarily retired the Camaro jersey in 2002. However, the fifth-generation Camaro has made a stunning comeback taking the drop top rear-wheel-drive scene by storm and emerging victorious in the end selling the most pony cars in ’10. The 2011 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible is something of a Chevy Coupe clone only it looks way better than the classic-yet-a-little-cramped-for-space-inside Coupe.

2011 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible

What does it offer?

The lust-inspiring concept-car bodywork has got to be the most appealing aspect of the new Camaro SS Convertible. The power-operated canvas roof raises and lowers in under 20 seconds on all models of the drop top Camaro and is easily operable via a button mounted just above the windshield. Made from black vinyl, the soft tonneau cover does take a bit out of boot space bringing the space in the trunk down 11.3 cubic feet to 7.9 cubic feet.

Though critics find nothing too groundbreaking in the convertible dubbing it “just a Camaro with a power-folding top”, but the topless Chevy has one great improvement over the coupe- having the top down makes it easier to view the traffic behind which the infamously tall C pillars of the hard top made near impossible.

An ultra high-strength steel safety cage is the first line of defense in the Camaro’s improved safety set with traction–controlled StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Chevy’s unique OnStar lifesaving technology with Automatic Crash Response completing the unmatched protection package included in all the new models.

The Beauty

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible features a low-slung roof line, a high waist and lots of crisp creases defining its silhouette. The long, arching soft cover does not take away from the body that is almost identical to its hardtop sibling though the choice of black or tan canvas for the top makes the convertible almost too dreamy to be passed for its rivals. Auto show lights and protruding bows add to the precise ride dynamics of the convertible with deep-bolstered seats making the experience truly thrilling.

The Beast

The Camaro Convertible is fitted with the same 6.2L V8 LS3 engine as GM’s SS-standard powerhouse. Available with a 6-speed automatic transmission geared with fancy TAPshift controls, the engine displaces 420 lb-ft of torque outputting 426 hp. Ultra-high performance Pirelli PZero tires wrapped around 20-inch wheels give the performance-geared suspension a distinct aggressive edge when accelerating and the stability control and multi-mode traction give the plus size Camaro an effortless handling.

The Thrill

The standard Camaro has never been known to be a great muscle car though the Camaro SS Convertible (with 4,116 lbs on it) does pretty good going from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds though that is a full two-tenths of a second slower than the hardtop.

Interiors

The 2010 Camaro was honored with the "Interior of the Year" award in the Sports Car category by WardsAuto.com and the new convertible retains most of the award-winning interior set. a retro-style three-spoke steering wheel combines with a bunch of retro-styled gauges set on the wide dashboard with white piping fronting the scheme on the inside giving it a distinct classic look. The unique climate control and audio switchgear are set just behind the gear lever.

The Chevrolet interiors lineup is offered in many trims and packages though the most popular ones remain the perforated leather-wrapped two-tone seats. The two-door drop top features a rather roomy bucket-style backseat which makes the top-down motoring experience even better for passengers.

Picture Gallery

Chevrolet Camaro SS

2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Exteriors

Though the Camaro Convertible bears an uncanny resemblance to the Coupe, at least in profile, it’s the soft top that makes all the difference. The convertible was designed to retain the freshness of a concept car in its exterior styling and the clean, sweeping lines of its shell with an arching rear fender, beefy hips and steeply angled windshield make the 75.5 inches wide and 190.4 inches long convertible larger than life.

Should I buy one?

A great open road machine, the Camaro SS Convertible is much more appealing with its top peeled back which floods the cool cruiser with all the summer warmth though experts who have test driven the topless beauty observe that the ragtop Camaro is a little too beefy weighing in at nearly two tonnes.

Price and availability

Starting around $30,000, the Camaro Convertible upholds the performance specs of the now-class-leading coupe which makes the deal sweet indeed. Available with a range of trims and options, the 2011 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible is currently available in showrooms.

Industry buzz:

Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, says:

Everything that went into this car, from the concepting to the first one to roll off the assembly line, was an incredible experience. We wanted that same exhilaration to translate to the driver as well.

There’s something undeniably cool and authentically American about the Camaro SS Convertible.