Camaro Convertible concept

Following from the highly acclaimed Camaro coupe concept unveiled in Detroit last year, Chevrolet will unveil a convertible variant of the car at the 2007 NAIAS. Like the coupe concept, the convertible evokes retro styling of the original car from the late 1960s, a design which - alongside the Ford Mustang - was the quintessential definition of the muscle car.

The Camaro convertible concept mimics the coupe’s exterior proportions but features a bright windshield surround, modified to accommodate the cloth roof. The classic long hood/short deck proportions and a wide track riding on 21/22 inch wheels front and rear accentuate the car’s muscular stance. The ‘halo’ style headlamps and LED taillights are contemporary details, while the rear fender gills and ‘Hugger Orange’ paint pays homage to the classic car offered in 1969.

The interior features a light-and-dark colour scheme with platinum-tone leather and suede-like Alcantara inserts on the seats with black, sculpted seatbacks. The instrument panel, inspired by first-generation Camaros, includes a deep, three-dimensional gauge cluster with white faces and red pointers. The classic design theme is also carried over to the recessed three-spoke steering wheel.

A ‘spine’ motif runs through the centre of the vehicle and on the seatbacks, including a prominent centre console that stretches to the rear seat. The car’s interior trim plates, vents and seat handles are all finished in smoke satin aluminium and a tri-coat platinum paint accents the door and instrument panels to give the car a modern appearance. The billet aluminium shifter and pedals and separate ignition button complete the classic to modern transition.

True to muscle car form, the Camaro convertible concept is powered by a version of GM’s small-block V8 engine, sending power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission. A contemporary four-wheel independent suspension system and four-wheel disc brakes are an evolutionary addition and a contrast to the car’s forbears.

Chevrolet expects to begin selling production versions of the Camaro convertible in the US following the launch of the coupe in 2009.