PLUSES: Fun machine. The much appreciated top down, open air version of the sports coupe. Excellent power from the 6.2 liter V-8. Ample trunk capacity for small luggage and some groceries.
MINUSES: V-8 power not as essential when cruising in an open top machine.
Mileage.
The family is complete.
The Camaro sport coupe now has a convertible companion, a power drop top version offered with a choice of a 3.6 liter, 312 h.p. V-6 or a 6.2 liter, 426 h.p. V-8. Either engine offers a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic. The V-6 is available in LT1 or LT2 trim levels, the V-8 in 1SS or 2SS trim.
We tested the Camaro 2SS drop top with the 426 h.p. V-8 and 6-speed manual.
In addition to rounding out the Camaro lineup, it gives the Ford Mustang a convertible rival from the Bowtie folks.
Have to confess that the V-8 with 6-speed manual is the most desirable for the performance enthusiast who logs 0 to 60 m.p.h. times on a regular basis and vehicle nimbleness into and out of twisties and sharp corners, but the V-6 with automatic is the more sensible combination for those who enjoy top down motoring on a more casual basis and at a less frantic pace while admiring the scenery.
And the 6-speed automatic is only an $895 option.
It's not so much the ability to boast having the fastest convertible on the block as it simply is the ability to boast having an open top car to show off to neighbors as you travel around the block.
The V-8 with manual is blistering quick (400 h.p. with automatic versus 426 h.p.
manual), but speed isn't the top priority when it comes to a convertible. And enjoying the scenery is more pleasant when you don't have to press the clutch and shift gears. The high performance V-8 and 6-speed manual felt out of character with a car in which the speed of getting the top up or down (20
seconds) is more important than the speed of getting from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in under 10 seconds.
Chevy says two of every three Camaros sold leave the floor with the V-6 and automatic and while 426 h.p. is potent (400 h.p. with automatic), 312 h.p.
doesn't mean you're going to gather dust on the sheetmetal when pulling from the light or pulling out to pass.
Chevy also says for the 2012 model year starting soon, the V-6 gets tweaked so that it delivers an even more energetic 323 h.p. More than enough power now and even more coming.
That's one more reason to put the V-6 on the shopping list when it comes to the convertible. Another is that the V-8 with manual is rated at 16 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway, versus 18 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway with the V-6 and automatic, another reason for favoring that combo in an open top car.
When the convertible top is a retractable metal roof, there's no problem with wind noise in the cabin with top up and windows open. No flapping top. Either.
With soft top noise and flapping in the wind can be an annoyance, but the Camaro convertible experiences none of these shortcomings. Solid construction and quiet cabin.
The convertible features a folding soft top that powers down and out of sight in a compartment directly behind the rear seat, a location that means you still have ample trunk space for a couple small suitcases or a few bags of groceries without having to sacrifice the majority of the cargo hold to hiding the top.
The rear window is glass and comes with a defroster to keep it clean.
The SS2 version means that a tonneau cover is standard that you can slip over the softtop compartment to keep it out of view. The SS2 also means the seats are covered in leather.
While cargo carrying space isn't sacrificed, the Camaro convertible suffers a problem with people space. With top down, of course, head room is no problem in back, but the ability to hold two adults while still providing enough room for feet and legs is tough.
Ironically the front bucket seats secure the body comfortably in place and offer enough cushioning as well as side bolster support for comfortable long distance cruising the straightaways or security in maneuvering into out of corners or turns.
The 20 inch radials, performance tuned suspension, and stability control contribute to keeping Camaro secure with the road.
Nice touches include a head up display low in the windshield in front of the driver where you can see a large digital readout of vehicle speed as well as the direction you are traveling without having to take unnecessary time with eyes off the road.
Base price of the V-8 SS2 with manual is $39,650. The V-6 with manual starts at $29,275, with automatic at $30,270. With options such as an RS décor package at $1,200, the V-8 sticker tips $40,000.
What sets Camaro apart from other cars is the sizzling styling.
A convertible version simply adds to the attraction.
2011 Camaro SS convertible
Wheelbase: 112.3 inches
Length: 190.4 inches
Engine: 6.2 liter, 426 h.p., V-8.
Transmission: 6-speed manual.
Mileage: 16 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway.
Base price: $39,650.
Price as equipped: Add $1,200 RS décor package with painted aluminum
wheels, high intensity headlamps, RS taillamps, $500 interior trim
package with orange aqccents on seats, accent stitching on steering
wheel, shift knob, armrest, console and seats, $470 black body stripes,
and $850 freight.
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