Motor Show: Detroit preview: Chevrolet Camaro convertible
Friday, January 5, 2007
General Motors is to unveil its Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept at a celebrity-infested preview event prior to the opening of the Detroit Motor Show.
Following on from last year's Camaro coupe concept - slated for production in 2009 - the convertible is very similar design-wise. With key Camaro styling cues, it recalls the classic Camaros of the late 60s and 70s without being too much of a retro pastiche - a trick Ford has pulled off successfully with its latest Mustang, the Camaro's closest rival. The prototype on show in Detroit is finished in a bright 'Hugger Orange' tri-coat pearlescent paint with grey side stripes, with 21" orange/grey wheels up front and 22" on the rear. Details such as gill-like air intakes in the rear bumpers, a race-type fuel filler and a bonnet air scoop have been carried over from the coupe, but there have been minor changes to the windscreen and rear seating area to allow for the folding canvas roof and tonneau cover, and a different rear spoiler added.
The concept's cabin reflects the same orange shade, but toned down by black and silver Alcantara/leather seats and aluminium detailing. GM hasn't given away much about the Camaro's tech spec as yet, but this concept does feature a new V8 - thought to be a 400bhp-plus version of the latest Corvette engine. Like the coupe, this convertible will be rear-wheel drive, however, with all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.
