Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Convertibles, Chevrolet
Spy Stuff: Camaro ragtop
UPDATE: Image removed at request of AutoWeek
UPDATE 2: No speculation here, Camaro Convertible will be at Detroit according to our sources
It seems only natural that a ponycar like the Camaro Concept would ultimately spawn a ragtop version eventually. Now, as we wait for the coupe to go into production, AutoWeek is speculating that GM might have one up its sleeves for Detroit this year. The magazine has even procured some renderings by Motor Forecast to show us what it might look like (Follow the Read link to view). GM has promised a new unnamed concept for the NAIAS, so it might not be too much of a leap to assume AW is onto something. The lucky few hundred with invites to the pre-party along the Detroit River will probably be the first to know for sure.
The Camaro Concept captured plenty of accolades and fan interest when it was first shown in January, but with production of the 2009 car still a long way off, the concepts are starting to lose a little luster. Still exciting, but the novelty begins to wear off when you've seen them at SEMA and OC and LA and just about anywhere cool cars have been gathering. So showing off a drop top version might keep the interest level high enough to keep customers champing at the bit for the next couple of years.
Aside from the photos, AutoWeek is offering a few insights into what the Camaro mechanicals might be like. AW seems to think the trend towards hardtop convertibles won't register with Chevy. Strictly cloth here. And they also speculate that we will see a range of Camaros that might mirror the Ford Mustang lineup. Base models with V6 engines, mid-level V8s and a top-of-the-line SS with a possible Z06 V8 as well. No word on whether or not we'll see sedan and wagon versions to go head to head with the rumored new 'Stangs.
[Source: AutoWeek]
UPDATE 2: No speculation here, Camaro Convertible will be at Detroit according to our sources
It seems only natural that a ponycar like the Camaro Concept would ultimately spawn a ragtop version eventually. Now, as we wait for the coupe to go into production, AutoWeek is speculating that GM might have one up its sleeves for Detroit this year. The magazine has even procured some renderings by Motor Forecast to show us what it might look like (Follow the Read link to view). GM has promised a new unnamed concept for the NAIAS, so it might not be too much of a leap to assume AW is onto something. The lucky few hundred with invites to the pre-party along the Detroit River will probably be the first to know for sure.
The Camaro Concept captured plenty of accolades and fan interest when it was first shown in January, but with production of the 2009 car still a long way off, the concepts are starting to lose a little luster. Still exciting, but the novelty begins to wear off when you've seen them at SEMA and OC and LA and just about anywhere cool cars have been gathering. So showing off a drop top version might keep the interest level high enough to keep customers champing at the bit for the next couple of years.
Aside from the photos, AutoWeek is offering a few insights into what the Camaro mechanicals might be like. AW seems to think the trend towards hardtop convertibles won't register with Chevy. Strictly cloth here. And they also speculate that we will see a range of Camaros that might mirror the Ford Mustang lineup. Base models with V6 engines, mid-level V8s and a top-of-the-line SS with a possible Z06 V8 as well. No word on whether or not we'll see sedan and wagon versions to go head to head with the rumored new 'Stangs.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Milos 4:07PM (12/13/2006)
why does it take GM, almost 3 whole years to start the production of Camaro? Don't you think it's totally unproductive, from the standpoint of novelty and WOW factor when it eventually comes out. When in comes out in 2008 or even in the late 2007, it won't be so much "a new car on the market" at all. If, i know I ain't but still if, I was a GM executive I would either speed it up, or keep it as much as possible, as a secret project up to a year or less before the market launch.
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Blooooooooooooood 4:07PM (12/13/2006)
Now Camaro will be a COOOOOOL car. So say you are a guy who is into such cars, and you own a Corvette. Don't you guys think that some of these Corvette owners will swich to Camaro. Yes i know they are in different classes, but never the less i think some Corvette guys will buy Camaro simply for its looks.
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Blooooooooooooood 4:16PM (12/13/2006)
#1 Wagoner needs something to justify his salary.
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Ron 4:30PM (12/13/2006)
#1 - Exactly
They ought to work on getting the hardtop out before even thinkign about this ragtop.
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Craig 4:30PM (12/13/2006)
Now if they would only come out with a four door and station wagon version. No wait, that's being done by Ford in their next generation mustang in Camaro's clothing. I just can't stop laughing at how stupid Ford is, I'm sorry I'm sure stang-a-wagon makes sense to someone. Just not anyone sober!!
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KT 4:35PM (12/13/2006)
I presume they'll make the vert available within months of the couple debut. Ford created the current Mustang and it's vert brethern at the same time (instead the vert as an afterthought). So, I'm GM is building/designing it with a vert in mind too.
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Blooooooooooooood 6:12PM (12/13/2006)
Can someone put a Photoshoped picture of Mustang Wagon and later add this picture of a Soccer mom right next to that "car"
http://www.wr1windshieldrepair.com/images/soccer_mom_stock_photo.jpg
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smokeydog 7:05PM (12/13/2006)
How about something with lots of bling and maybe even FINS?
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Billy C. 8:36PM (12/13/2006)
Will this Camaro be a rattletrap bucket of bolts like the last Camaro?
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Sett 10:41PM (12/13/2006)
Ugh. #9 i know what you mean. The build quality on the last camaro was atrocious,even by GM standard.
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Andy 1:05AM (12/14/2006)
The fifth-gen Camaro is the only car coming out to have me dropping my pants in excitement. I am fond of a lot of cars on the market, but the Camaro takes a refined approach to the American muscle car compared to what came out in the 1960s. I am a west coast resident, so the ragtop would do well for me.
And, yes, the fourth-gen Camaro wasn't the best-built car. I was appalled by the '02 Camaro SS's interior. But the ride was firm and the speed impressive for the price. The late-model Z28 SS was a bang-for-the-buck deal. I expect the driving experience and build of this Camaro to be two steps ahead of what was out before.
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