LA 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible drops its top in sunny SoCal

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this morning, Chevrolet let loose with official details, pictures and even a few videos of the 2011 Camaro Convertible just ahead of the car’s official debut at the LA Auto Show. The droptop pony car hasn’t been a secret for some time now, but this is our first real look at a standard production model.

Perhaps it’s because the concept version debuted nearly four years ago in Detroit or because we’ve seen dozens of spy photos, but for some reason, the Camaro Convertible hardly seems like a new car. The front end is essentially unchanged from the coupe, so if you like the hardtop then you’ll likely enjoy the looks of the convertible, as well. Even so, the folks at General Motors are excited about having a second model to help improve their sales lead over the Mustang, and we’re sure that they’ll soon be popping up all over the place in warmer states and rental car fleets across the country.

It was a typically warm Southern California day without a cloud in the sky, and we would have loved to take the Camaro Convertible out for a spin. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to get behind the wheel just yet, but we did take plenty of photos that can be found in the high-res gallery below. You can also hit the jump for the official press release from GM in case you missed it this morning.

Gallery: LA 2010: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

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LA 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible drops its top in sunny SoCal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HPP teases Firebird, Camaro customs for SEMA

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Design/Style

HPP Trans-Am SEMA Car

HPP Trans-Am – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve seen companies attempt to turn the Chevrolet Camaro into a Pontiac Trans-Am, but the results are often mixed at best. Heide Performance Products, a customizing company out of Madison Heights, MI, is looking to change that. Is it successful? Well, let’s just say we’re looking forward to seeing HPP’s pointy-nosed ’69 Trans Am knock-off with our own eyes at SEMA next week.

The company has detailed the build process on its Facebook page, and there’s also a second Camaro with T-Tops the company is bringing to SEMA. Finally, we have modern versions of the Dodge Daytona and Plymouth Superbird based off the current Challenger. See for yourself in our high-res photo gallery below.

Gallery: HPP Trans-Am and Camaro

HPP Trans-AmHPP Trans-AmHPP Trans-AmHPP CamaroHPP Trans-Am

[Source: Heide Performance Products]

HPP teases Firebird, Camaro customs for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Dodge Challenger SE

Dodge has big things headed our way for the 2011 model year, not the least of which is a thoroughly updated Challenger that seems to be much better equipped to go up against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Up to this point, even those who loved the last generation’s styling and optional Hemi engine had to admit that lower level models powered by the old 3.5-liter V6 engine were simply unable to match up against its lifelong mortal enemies from Chevrolet and Ford.

As we’ve come to find out straight from the horse’s pony’s mouth, Dodge intends to bring its base-model muscle car up to modern specifications courtesy of a brand spankin’ new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. As a reminder, here’s how the new V6 engine compares to the competitors’ options:

Base Price Engine Size Horsepower Torque MPG Weight
Dodge Challenger $23,245* 3.6 liters 305 @ 6350 268 @ 4800 N/A*** 3819 lb*
Chevy Camaro $22,680** 3.6 liters 312 @ 6400 278 @ 5200 17 / 28 3741 lb
Ford Mustang $22,145** 3.7 liters 305 @ 6500 280 @ 4250 19 / 31 3453 lb

* 2010 model ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

As you can see, the Dodge very nearly matches up with its main rivals on paper, with slight deficiencies in torque and overall weight, though we don’t quite know what the 2011 model’s final poundage figure will be. We’re also unsure of the Challenger’s pricing for the new model year, but we can’t imagine it will go up too much from its current spot as it’s already the priciest of the three competitors, albeit barely.

In any case, we have ourselves one obvious burning question to consider: Does the new V6 engine improve the Challenger enough in your eyes to go head-to-head with the best six-pot pony cars from The Blue Oval and the Golden Bowtie? Or, to put it another way for you Mopar fans, is the 2011 Challenger V6 Sublime or is Chrysler just plain Plum Crazy? Make your voice heard in our completely unscientific, informal poll below.

View Poll

Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drop Top Customs creates Chevrolet Camaro T-Top

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Etc., Chevrolet, GM

Drop Top T-Top Camaro

Drop Top Customs, an aftermarket customizer which typically creates convertibles, has created a T-Top kit for the Chevrolet Camaro. The Drop Top T-Top Camaro will make its debut at SEMA show this November and the company says most of its creations will come equipped with a supercharger, but Drop Top assures us that chassis flex isn’t an issue. Sales begin shortly after its debut in Vegas next month and carry a sticker of $6,500.

[Source: Drop Top Customs via Inside Line]

Drop Top Customs creates Chevrolet Camaro T-Top originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neiman Marcus Camaro convertible sells out in 3 minutes

Filed under: Convertible, Chevrolet, GM

Neiman Marcus Edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is chock full of high-end products that most of us either couldn’t or shouldn’t afford. But when it comes to a hot-looking, limited edition Camaro Convertible, even a $75,000 price tag isn’t enough to scare some of us off. Neiman Marcus and General Motors sold all 100 copies of the exclusive drop-top in a mere three minutes. That’s about $2.5 million worth of metal every minute; a sizable amount of dough even for a company the size and shape of GM.

The 100 of a kind Camaro features special Deep Bordeaux paint with like-colored convertible top, plus leather trim that isn’t available in any other Bow Tie pony car. Power comes from the same 426 horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 that motivates the Camaro SS.

So if you were hoping to get your hands on a Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible, you’d better know one of the 100 people who actually bought one. We’re sure you’re not too heartbroken, though. After all, the rest of us can score a topless Camaro starting at about $30,000. Hit the jump for the GM press release.

Gallery: Neiman Marcus Edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

[Source: GM]

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Neiman Marcus Camaro convertible sells out in 3 minutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chevy designers talk about Neiman Marcus edition Camaro Convertible

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style

Neimen Marcus edition Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet designers discuss the Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible – Click above to watch video after the jump

The annual Neiman Marcus Christmas book is typically filled with ultra-expensive high-end luxury items and limited-edition vehicles. This year, the Camaro Convertible gets to grace the catalog’s glossy pages. One hundred examples of the Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible will be offered at the wallet-wilting cost of $75,000 each. The cars all wear a model-exclusive Deep Bordeaux paint scheme and feature the 426-horsepower SS V8 powertrain underneath. The interior features also features special leather trim only available with this low-run droptop. Two of the designers on this project share their motivation in a less-than-two minute clip we have for you after the jump.

If you’re interested in purchasing one of your very own, you had better be ready to pick up your phone at noon on October 19, 2010. If you do happen to be one of the lucky few, your car will be delivered in the spring of 2011.

Gallery: Neiman Marcus Edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

[Source: General Motors via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Chevy designers talk about Neiman Marcus edition Camaro Convertible

Video: Chevy designers talk about Neiman Marcus edition Camaro Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Watch the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 flogged on the ‘Ring

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – Click above to view the video after the jump

We’ve seen the Camaro Z28 from nearly every angle, but we haven’t seen it driven in anger. That’s rectified today with the release of a new spy video showing Chevrolet’s 500+ horsepower pony car being flogged at the Nürburgring in preparation for its debut within the next few months. More impressive than the supercharger whine emanating from the 6.2-liter LSA V8, is the surprising lack of squat, dive and body roll as the Z28 launches out of the starting gate, tackles a few high speed turns and comes flying out of the Carousel. See for yourself in the video after the jump.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at the Nurburgring

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Video: Watch the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 flogged on the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Chevy Camaro spotted with polarizing lights, mirrors

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Camaro spy shotThe big news for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro is indeed the highly anticipated Z28, but that doesn’t mean the base cars are moving forward without a few small tweaks. Our friends at Camaro5.com landed a set of spy shots that depict the Chevrolet muscle car sporting a new and improved set of taillamps and mirrors.

Out back, the revised lamps use a full-LED design that mimic the shape of sunglasses. And if we’re honest, we much prefer the standard bulb-lit units found on the current car, though we’re sure that the LED setup will be a hit amongst the gee-whiz crowd. As for the side mirrors, they’ve grown quite substantially and now include turn indicators. At first glance they look a bit awkward, though this should help remedy one of the largest complaints we have about the Camaro: outward visibility.

We’re still scratching our heads to decide if we’ll put our stamp of approval on these design tweaks, though we’ll have to wait until the finished product shows up before making any final judgments, as these could just be early prototype parts. Expect to see the slightly restyled Camaro debut sometime next year as a 2012 model. Hat tip to Luke!

[Source: Camaro5]

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevy Camaro spotted with polarizing lights, mirrors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible

2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is getting ready to take the stage at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, but John Hennessey and his band of tuners can’t wait that long. Hennessey Performance has announced plans and specs for its upcoming, limited-edition 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

HPE had a hit on its hands when it announced the 2010 HPE700 Camaro. That 725-horsepower coupe was limited to just 24 examples and they were all quickly spoken for. Since Chevrolet is bringing out the droptop Camaro, Hennessey has decided to produce another 24-car limited-edition run with the 2011 model. The 2011 Hennessey HPE700 will be available in both coupe and convertible form, and the cars stats are staggering.

The HPE700 ditches the LS3 mill found in the standard Camaro SS and in its place sticks the supercharged LS9 from the Corvette ZR1. Hennessey says the motor has been tweaked to produce 755 hp and 763 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 is able to hit those numbers thanks to revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system. Thanks to all that power, Hennessey has listed a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. A trip down the quarter-mile happens in 10.9 seconds at 130 miles per hour. Those figures are for the hardtop version when fitted with optional Nitto drag radials.

It’s not just a straight-line shooter though, as Hennessey adds more than power to its HPE700. The car is fitted with lightweight HPE wheels, 15-inch brakes with six-piston front calipers, larger sway bars and an adjustable coilover suspension setup. The exterior is fitted with numerous carbon fiber trim pieces. Inside, the HPE700 Camaro receives Hennessey logos on the headrests and floor mats, an HPE race shift knob and upgraded shifter, a numbered dash and hood plaque and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Currently, there is no set allocation plan for the coupe and convertible in the 24-car run. Pricing has been set at a stout $132,500, but that includes the cost of the base vehicle. It also includes a one-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. The quarter-mile dragstrip, which has been featured in many of Hennessey’s videos, is located next door to the company’s production facility and showroom.

Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hennessey HPE700 LS9 Camaro Convertible

[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus edition commands $75,000

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus edition

Neiman Marcus Edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s a big day for the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible. General Motors has pulled back the curtains on a low-volume special edition version of the drop-top muscle car set to go on sale next year. The vehicle is slated to be featured in the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book – a catalog of high-end goodies for the ruling class. Only 100 examples of the Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible will be sold through the catalog, each wearing special Deep Bordeaux paint and boasting drivetrain components borrowed from the mighty Camaro SS. That means there’s a full 426 horsepower on tap. Inside, GM has slathered the cockpit in leather touches only available on this special edition.

Want one? You better have been one very, very good boy or girl this year. The price tag for the beast you see above is a heady $75,000.

The General also showed off a handful of additional photos of the standard Camaro Convertible on Facebook. This time, we get a closer look at the vehicle’s interior as well as a view from the front of the car. It looks good, sure, but we don’t know if its $75,000 good. Fortunately, the base Camaro drop head should come at a more tolerable $30,000. Hit the jump for the press release. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Gallery: Neiman Marcus Edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus edition commands $75,000

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus edition commands $75,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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