As it was then, so it is now. The Camaro, born 40 years ago as Chevrolet’s reply to the pioneering Ford Mustang, is coming out of retirement (since 2002) for a new fight with the namesake ponycar. It’s set to bow for 2009 in at least two coupe models-V-6 and V-8, perhaps called RS and SS, respectively. Convertible versions join up for 2010. Chevrolet confirmed these plans after splashy concept previews at the 2006 and ‘07 Detroit Auto Shows. Recalling the days when the Big Three were still big players, Dodge is reviving its Nixon-era Challenger (1970-74) for 2008.
General Motors decided to bring back Camaro when the redesigned 2005 Mustang fast proved a hot seller. But Mustang sales have lately cooled, despite the addition of potent pump-primers like the Shelby GT500. Blame record gas prices and renewed public concern over what thirsty vehicles do to the environment. Ford Motor Company’s many well-publicized travails are another factor. All this leads some industry-watchers to think the new Camaro could end up chasing a vanishing market, especially as GM still has troubles of its own.
Convertible or coupe, the reborn Camaros will be much like the concepts, only less exaggerated. Wheels, for instance, will probably be no larger than 20 inches max, versus the show cars’ 21s and 22s. Trim and paint will be toned down too. Otherwise, styling will be the concept blend of today’s Chevy Corvette and cues from the 1969 Camaro, resulting in a more-modern look than either the current Mustang or upcoming Dodge Challenger. The new Camaros should also hew closely to concept dimensions. That means about 7.5 inches more wheelbase than the 2002 models, a similar amount trimmed from overall length, and about 5.5 inches more width. These changes should produce a roomier four-seat cockpit, though space in back (and in the trunks) will remain tight.
A Notable Feature of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Like last-generation Camaros and the new-era 2009 coupes, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro convertibles will be built at GM’s St. Therese plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, which has long ranked high in independent audits of vehicle quality, among the best in North America. Let’s hope that record continues with the new Camaros.
Buying Advice for the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Convertibles never sell as well as sister coupes, and the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro convertible should be no exception. Even so, it’s no more likely to be a future collectible than the fixed-top Camaro, especially if demand comes close to GM’s projected 100,000-unit yearly total. And even if that proves optimistic, resale values of all new Camaros will probably depreciate like those of any volume-production new car. Buy one to drive and enjoy, but don’t expect to make money on it in the foreseeable future.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Release Date: Dealers should have new Camaro coupes by spring 2009. Convertibles are due a year after that, possibly a bit sooner.
First Test Drive: We think media previews will be staged in late fall or early winter of 2008, doubtless in the sunbelt to allow a top-down assessment.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro convertible Prices: They’re a bit hard to predict, what with an on-sale date some two years away. But however Ford prices its 2010 Mustang convertibles, you can bet GM will try to beat it, even if only by a few dollars. Our guesstimate: The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro convertible will start at around $28,000 for a bare-bones V-6 model and range up $35,000 for a loaded V-8.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Preliminary Specifications
The Basics
Vehicle Type: sporty/performance car
Drivetrain
Drive wheels: rear
Engine: 3.9-liter V-6, 6.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 250 (V-6), 400 (V-8)
Torque: 260 pound-feet (V-6), 400 (V-8)
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 110.5 inches
Length: 186.2 inches
Width: 79.6 inches
Height: 53.0 inches
Base curb weight: 3550 pounds (CG estimate)
