Inevitably, this is the new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, sporting a slew of changes that do not include improved visibility over the current model.
Unfortunately, this is the only manufacturer-provided image of the new Camaro Convertible showing its top in the closed position, making it difficult to judge if Chevrolet has improved the number one complaint of every owner and automotive journalist to jump behind the wheel of their pony car. However, there are a number of changes to note.
Firstly, the top is now fully automatic, lacking a manual locking latch. You can also open and close the top at speeds up to 30 mph and remotely operate the top with the provided key fob (while stationary, of course). It drops 200 lbs versus the outgoing ‘vert, which should make it a better handler like the coupe we covered previously.
GM says it’ll begin deliveries in early 2016.
So I guess there’s gonna be another Transformer’s movie?
Damn, that’s perfect.
There are some nice cues – the rear haunches look muscular in the 3/4 front overhead shot but I cannot get past those tiny windows, the proportions and over all balance doesn’t work for me. It’s like someone mashed the top down leaving the bottom looking soooo heavy.
Also the detail above the sill from the front fender through the door looks unnecessary and over done, maybe the silver makes it too pronounced?
To clarify: BTSR’s comment is perfect. The car, not so much.
Mustang looks better and probably is better.
Looks are subjective but I find much to like with both cars. From what many test videos have reported I think the 2016 Camaro is going to be the better driving car.
I’m just glad they both exist and push each other to get better. The Mustang and Camaro are like Magic and Bird.
Where does the Challenger sit within this trio? Too big and fat? Slow?
The Challenger is, for all intents and purposes, a 2-door sedan. It is bigger, heavier, and softer than the Mustang and Camaro. It’s sort of a personal luxury coupe with a Dodge badge. Throw a Chrysler Badge on it, add the 300’s interior, and it could be a New Yorker I suppose.
That is what I WANT! Except call it Imperial 300C. :)
Do you want the fender skirt option as well?
I think the Zeta Camaro would have looked nice with fender skirts.
A Buick Zeta coupe would have looked even better with fender skirts.
Yas, I do. It makes the car look longer.
> Where does the Challenger sit within this trio?
In a distant third place, with no funds to even consider a convertible version.
Subjective yes, but still important. I do look forward to a review/comparison test.
Notice that the press release does NOT say how long the top takes to open/close. The new Mustang’s convertible top is quick, although it is hobbled by a manual latch.
edit: Found a video of Camaro top in operation. Took about 13 sec! That’s much slower than the Mustang.
The Camaro’s top might be slower, but I’d still go with the Chevy over the Ford for the sole reason it’s quite likely that the Mustang’s top cannot be operated while the car is in motion. That’s my number one complaint with many of today’s convertibles, and Ford had previously made it so that the emergency brake had to be engaged before the top could be raised/lowered. Now, they probably have a speed-sensor to prevent it, as well.
Yes, the Mustang top is limited to operation under 3 mph. It only takes 7 seconds to open and 9 seconds to close though.
I can’t wait to rent one of these when I visit Florida or California!
is bangle back?
Every time I see the front I think 2016 Toyota. Maybe this is what the 2016 Solara would have looked like.
Almost looks like they had the same front-end designer:
http://d1r57ja1amoclf.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Toyota_FCV_002.jpg
This is what it reminds me of…
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tMk1kpJfFdo/TOiQxTOEfII/AAAAAAAAAEI/N5lZjvNkoVo/s1600/IM000335.JPG
Note the spoiler, and almost complete lack of windshield.
Oh, and the mostly random creases down the side.
They’ll leave the traditional R/W/B Camaro badge, but Buick must be all silver? Hmm.
For when a Camaro coupe isn’t heavy and creaky enough.
Oddly, it seems that the new ‘vert will be lighter than the coupe.
Which is actually kinda scary.
Having rented a Camaro convertible for a week recently in sunny So Cal, I will give it credit that I don’t thing the visibility top up is any worse than the coupe. And top down not many complaints at all. Of course the coupe is horrific…
See, and all you people were worried about visibility out of the new Camaro. Just remove the roof! Problem solved
Scary mean face.
I think the Camaro is striking – better looking than the mishmash Corvette and the Fusion-faced Mustang.
At least in pictures.
Looks are subjective. I think it looks great.
They should come with side and rear view cameras as standard equipment though.
And FFS add $2.00 to the BOM and include little blind spot sections to side mirrors already!
I have a 2013 DUSK convertible. Visibility with the top up is almost non-existent. The C pillar area on a vert is much larger than the coupe and the rear window is much smaller as well. It’s a beautiful car, but it makes a better stationary piece of art than as a car.
What’s with that snout?