2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Officially Lifts Its Lid

Save for a premature leak of photos exposing the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro convertible in low-res form, Chevrolet had stayed fairly quiet on the drop-top front with this sixth-generation Camaro. But, the bowtie brand is ready to let the light in today, as Chevrolet unveils the 2016 Camaro convertible officially in Detroit, Michigan.

Chevrolet says the convertible top featured with the 2016 Camaro is the segment’s most advanced piece of technology. The 2016 Camaro inches away from others with three exclusive features found on the soft-top convertible, unlike any other cabriolet.

The top is completely, and fully, automatic. The latches release and secure automatically, and the soft-top may be operated at speeds up 30 mph. As seen in the leaked photos, a hard tonneau cover deploys once the roof is stored beneath the car’s belt line, preserving the finished appearance of the 2016 Camaro. And, if you want to feel like a sort of secret agent, the top is also capable of opening via the key fob.

Designers took great care in ensuring the shape and silhouette of the 2016 Camaro coupe was preserved with the soft-top roof up. Therefore, the roof emulates the coupe’s roofline is the closest way possible, but incorporates plenty of engineering wizardry to ensure livability, including acoustic and thermal barriers within the multilayer construction.  The barriers represent merely one piece making the 2016 Camaro convertible drivable in any season, maximizing driver comfort.

“The 2016 Camaro coupe will set the benchmark for the segment in terms of technology, performance, and design,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. “Adding the most sophisticated top in the segment brings another level of refinement, and driving enjoyment, to the Camaro convertible.”

Speaking of engineering, the 2016 Camaro convertible still benefits from the increased structural stiffness found in its coupe cousin. Weight decreases by at least 200 pounds compared to the outgoing Zeta-based convertible. Thanks, Alpha.

“From the beginning, the Camaro’s architecture was developed to incorporate a convertible with uncompromised driving dynamics,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Customers will appreciate what they don’t feel: quivers, cowl shake or an under-damped chassis typically found in a four-seat convertible.”

The same engines and transmissions offered in the 2016 Camaro coupe may be had should you opt for the drop-top, including the incredible 6.2-liter LT1 V8. We can’t imagine the soundtrack playing behind us with no roof in our way.

Chevrolet says the 2016 Camaro convertible will arrive in early 2016, ready to soak up the sunshine, and serve up smiles.