2011 Camaro Convertible: The Ford Mustang’s Nemesis

Highlight: Last year, the Camaro outsold the Mustang without having a convertible in its line up. It's been about 25 years, since the Camaro last led the Mustang in the new-vehicle sales race.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $36,185 (Base price starts at $30,000)

Major Standard Features: GM’s Onstar Roadside Assistance/Concierge Service; a 6-speed manual transmission; power top; 19-inch wheels; dual exhaust pipes; rear-view parking assist sensors; an 8-speaker audio system w/10 subwoofers; an auto dimming rearview mirror; leather seats; heated front seats; fog lights; rear heated glass window

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, V6/312

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/29-hwy

Competitor: BMW 3-Series convertible and Ford Mustang convertible

What’s New:

The much anticiapted Camaro has finally arrived. This sporty Camaro convertible is an all new addition to the line up for the 2011 model year.

Pros:

Having a canvas drop top in a 312-horsepower Camaro just heightens the cool factor in this muscle car. In fact, the four-seater looks just as hot with the top up, as it does top less. For a price point in the $30,000 range, this is definitely in reach for most car buyers.

With Chevy’s new addition, the convertible top on the Camaro can be easily raised or lowered by pushing a button and twisting a latch to lock-in the top. In fact, 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. And while the top is down, an optional dealer-installed windscreen can be installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting.

Also unlike convertibles of the past, the body doesn’t twist or turn, when driving over bumps. The folks at GM were able to do this by bolstering the structure of the suspension rather than softening it. Thus, this results in a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities we found in the Camaro coupe.

Added to that, GM engineers reinforced the structure of the vehicle by improving the noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake, which was a common problem of past convertibles.

Furthermore, the overall appearance and ride our convertible was enhanced by adding the RS Package, which consisted of 20-inch painted wheels, high-intensity headlights and a rear spoiler. Chevy’s engineers also gave the Camaro convertible a clean appearance by locating the AM/FM radio antenna inside the rear spoiler. According to the folks at GM, 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.

Cons:

Ironically, due to the frigid temperatures and the ATL's stormy weather, we spent more time with the canvas top up than down. While ‘Hot Atlanta’ didn’t live up to its name, we managed to squeeze a few snapshots with the top down.

And like most convertibles, the trunk space is limited when the top is down. Now while the relocation of the trunk lock switch cylinder cleans up the Camaro convertible’s appearance, it seems quite unusual to find the trunk release switch to be located between the rear seat back cushion. (As a side note, the keyless remote fob also offers easy trunk access without looking for the trunk switch).

The Verdict:

With additions like this smooth looking drop top being added to the Camaro's line up, the cool looking sports car will continue to give the Mustang convertible a run for its money. The all-new convertible Camaro fresh, eye-catching appeal is sure to win over a number of Ford buyers and we bet some import converts too. With the top up or down, the well-built Camaro convertible is a winner in our books. Both young and old will be saving up their coins to relive what it meant to own a Camaro back in the day.