New Chevrolet Camaro convertible unveiled

The new convertible variant of the recently revealed, sixth-gen 2016 Chevrolet Camaro has been unveiled, right after the images of the new car appeared on the internet.

The new soft-top Camaro will rival the Ford Mustang in both coupé and convertible forms. Based on GM’s Alpha platform, the car loses 60kg from the previous car's weight. The Camaro convertible is 57mm shorter, 20mm narrower and 28mm lower than the outgoing fifth-generation car. Kerb weight has also been reduced by 90kg in both forms, a considerable reduction from the fifth-generation's 1,687kg.

Chevrolet has said that the loss of weight comes from replacing the instrument panel frame with an aluminum unit and introducing a new five-link suspension system.

The new Camaro’s engine line-up features a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that produces 271bhp and 40.7kgm of torque, with maximum torque arriving between 3000 and 4500rpm. The Camaro can scramble from 0-100kph in under six seconds, and is expected to be the most efficient Camaro ever made. It will also get a 3.6-litre V6 petrol, which produces 330bhp and 39.2kgm, and will feature the cylinder deactivation technology for the first time. Both engines are available with a six-speed manual transmission and also with a new eight-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The most powerful version is the Camaro SS which features a 6.2-litre small block V8 making 449bhp and 62.9kgm, like the one used in the Corvette Stingray. The Camaro SS also gets cylinder deactivation along with direct injection and variable valve timing.

The high-performance SS now gets the option of Magnetic Ride Control for the first time, where the car’s damper settings automatically adjust for maximum comfort. This feature was previously limited to the Camaro ZL1.  Brembo brakes are standard on the SS.

The company is said to have spent 350 hours testing the shape of the new Camaro in a wind tunnel to optimise its aerodynamic performance. The new ‘air curtain’ on the front fascia is designed to reduce drag. The bonnet also gets air vents. The car keeps its signature cross-shaped grille but takes on an accentuated fastback profile towards the rear, with wider wheel arches for a more aggressive appearance.

On the inside, the Camaro’s centre console gets revamped, but retains its signature instrument cluster with analogue dials and an 8-inch information screen. There's a second  8-inch screen that displays infotainment functions and is the interface for GM’s MyLink system. The Camaro also gets an electronic parking brake for the first time.

The new Chevrolet Camaro will be available for sale internationally early next year.