Camaro Convertible Green-lighted!

[Rogue Ssv]

Camaro Convertible is go!
Droptop version of GM ponycar given green light.

GM Brass reportedly has approved a convertible version of the forthcoming Camaro coupe. Like the Ford Mustang convertible,the opentop Camaro will probably make its debut some months after the coupe goes on sale In 2006. And like the Mustang, it will feature a power operated folding cloth roof to save weight and cost.
Weight is fast becoming a key issue for engineers working on the new Camaro, wich will roll on a modified version of the Australian-developed Zeta platform. The Zeta-platformmed Holden Commodore sedanm which will go on sale in Australia shortly, will tip the scales at about 4000 pounds, according to insiders, mainly because of tough local crash-test regulations.
Excess weight will not only blunt the Camaro's performance potential, but impact fuel economy numbers. GM's internal weight target for the Camaro V8 coupe is rumoured to be 35--3600 pounds, in line with the Mustang GT. With the extra bracing needed to compensate for the lack of a steel roof and the additional mechanical hardware required for the softtop, a Camaro convertible would weigh 150--200 pounds more than that.
Acheiving these targets will be a difficult task given the mass of the baseline Zeta platform and the complexitry of an independent rear suspension, which the Mustang doesnt have, Thats why the mainstream v8 Camaros will likiely be powered by a version of the 403 horse, 6.2 liter aluminum block fitted to the Cadillac Escalade. This engine features gas saving displacement on demand, and will deliver the power and torque to ensure that the Camaro delivers competitive performance against the Mustang GT.
With Ford having launched the Shelkby GT500 with 500 horses, however, and DaimlerChrysler almost certain to build a 425horse srt8 version of the forthcoming Challenger coupe, a top of the range Camaro powered by the 505 horse ls7 seems a nobrainer. The GT500 weighs 3990 lbs, but here Chevy might have an advantage. Unlike the supercharged 5.4 liter v8 in the Shelby, the LS7 has a lightweight aluminum block.

2006? Might they mean... 2009?
Version of the Escalade v8? Sweeet
Ragtop? I could roll with that.
Camaro LS7? mmmm.....
I never realized just how long these articles were!

 

[Jay]

I thought Camaro hardtop hadn't even been officially green lighted yet?

Holden Commodore sedanm which will go on sale in Australia shortly, will tip the scales at about 4000 pounds

Whoa! Thats crazy heavy, over 200kg's more than current Commodore and the current Commodore is too heavy. I am having trouble believing this especially now the larger car sales are dropping badly in Australia.

will tip the scales at about 4000 pounds, according to insiders, mainly because of tough local crash-test regulations.

Hmm, news to me, something else I am having trouble believing, we don't have tough regulations like other country's. If this is true its odd that Holden is the only one so far having problems.

 

[McLaren]

Doesn't look as good as the coupe, imo.
It looks almost out of place.

 

[DuckRacer]

At first look I thought it was cool, but a second look changed my mind. The ragtop doesn't go with the Camaro as good as the hardtop.

And I didn't know the hardtop was green-lighted too.

 

[Rogue Ssv]

Yeah, I think its... ugly.

 

[YSSMAN]

???

1) The Camaro is NOT comming out in 2006. I think we are looking at fall 2007 at the earliest as 2008 models, but no later than the spring of callendar year 2008.

2) The possibility of a convertable is quite high, but I think they are shooting themselves in the foot to be thinking about it right now. They need to worry about getting the coupe right, keeping the weight down, and keeping the costs down.

3) I doubt they will be using the L92 V8 from the Escalade in the Camaro, as it is just a tad bit too expensive if they are planning to keep costs down. Chances are, they are going with the L76 version, which is a 6.0L unit allready seeing duty in the Suburban and Avalanche, as well as the entire VZ lineup at Holden.

4) Youve have to be an idiot not to see an LS7-powered "COPO" Camaro on the way at some point, as the Z06 will be overshadowed by the now titled "Sting Ray" (see "Blue Devil" thread) with 600+ BHP.

 

[McLaren]

Now in that drawing, it looks good.
The one in the mag just chopped the top.

 

[Onikaze]

While it would be nice if GM pulled a fast one on us and got it to the market in '06...I'm betting that is a misprint until I hear it from like, 4 more reputable sources, fast.

I really hope they can get it down to 3500 or less though.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Would anyone like to hear the new Camaro?

CLICK HERE!

It looks as though the video was done at a Camaro rally somewhere down south. Even on DSL my computer had a few problems with it, but it isnt too bad.

...But this is still the best video, ever

Yes, shes a fourth gen. But, they build the cars only a few miles from where I live, and I've met the guy who owns that Camaro.

 

[importfan1]

The video above is fricking awesome. If that is going to be the sound of the exhaust without flowmaster, magnaflow or even monza exhaust, sign me up for one.

 

[McLaren]

NOW, that's a MUSCLE car.

That baby is loud, major good job to Chevrolet.
If that thing sits under the $40,000 mark, sign me up Chevrolet.

 

[Rogue Ssv]

Did anyone notice that I wrote '2006? Might they mean... 2009?' Under the article? Or are you all perfectly aware of that?
Anyway, nice videos.
Too bad they wont use the Escalade V8... I was getting my hopes up...

 

[McLaren]

Did anyone notice that I wrote '2006? Might they mean... 2009?' Under the article? Or are you all perfectly aware of that?
Anyway, nice videos.
Too bad they wont use the Escalade V8... I was getting my hopes up...

Don't need it. That current V8 is enough.

You don't hear too many stock muscle cars like that.
Mustang GT owners, beware!

 

[Sting]

...Would anyone like to hear the new Camaro?

CLICK HERE!

christ i think i soiled myself, that thing sounds SWEEET!!!! As soon as it started idling it reminded me of CAMAROBOY'S Camaro. lol

The new Camaro is such a sexy car and if made into Convertible it should look good.

 

[Ev0]

...Would anyone like to hear the new Camaro?

CLICK HERE!

If GM makes that the stock V8 exhaust note, good god they're gonna sell a lot of Camaros.

 

[IMADreamer]

Honestly, the sound of that makes me want to hold off a year or so on buying a new car and go with the Camaro. I have to go change my pants now.