2014 Chevy Camaro Convertible brings 'Murica to the Messe
Tue, 10 Sep 2013
You might find it strange for Chevy to use its Frankfurt Motor Show stage to debut the droptop version of its very America-centric Camaro Convertible, but it's actually not that out of place. Remember when Chevy took the wraps off of its new C7 Corvette Stingray droptop, it did so in Geneva. Besides, it's nice to see a bit of 'Murican muscle storming the very Euro-centric stage.
You won't be surprised to learn that the 2014 Camaro Convertible gets all of the same upgrades as the refreshed hardtop variant, including updates to the front and rear fascias, as well as upgraded tech with Chevy MyLink inside. The new (optional) Recaro chairs, however, are not offered on the droptop.
Have a look at the refreshed Camaro Convertible in the gallery above, and click below for GM's presser.
New Chevrolet Camaro to make first appearance in Europe
2013-08-21
- New Camaro convertible to debut at IAA 2013
- Aero-optimized design with hood vent, new grille and horizontal tail lamps
- New Chevrolet MyLink connected radio
FRANKFURT – At the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show, Chevrolet will debut the new Camaro convertible and coupe. Featuring a fast, low-slung silhouette and Chevrolet's new MyLink connected radio, the latest edition of the famed American muscle car represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept vehicle in 2006.
"Camaro has always been associated with iconic design, high performance and driving fun, and we are particularly proud of the new coupe and convertible models," said Dr. Thomas Sedran, President and Managing Director, Chevrolet Europe. "They incorporate new high-tech features that add extra convenience and give customers even more value for their money," Sedran added.
Enhanced aerodynamics
The new Camaro boasts improved high-performance aerodynamics that provide more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The front fascia has a wider lower grille and a narrower upper grille, while the functional hood vent helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. At the rear, a sculptural deck lid, horizontal lamps and a diffuser complete the new design. Both the coupe and the convertible sport a spoiler with integral antenna.
Power is supplied by the proven 6.2L V8 engine which is mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission model includes active fuel management and cam phasing (VVT). The manual transmission version churns out 432 hp (318 kW) at 5,900 rpm and delivers a torque of 569 Nm at 4,600 rpm. Zero to 100 acceleration is 5.2 seconds for the manual coupe and 5.4 seconds for the manual convertible.
Interior offers modern convenience and connectivity
Entering the new Camaro is straightforward and comfortable, thanks to standard remote keyless entry; on the automatic variant, customers can opt for a remote engine start functionality. Leather-appointed power adjustable Recaro sport bucket seats can be selected in the front for the coupe variant.
Further interior highlights include a new color heads-up display and the new Chevrolet MyLink connected radio that is located in the center stack. The radio is built around a seven-inch high resolution full-color touch screen and has a clean, icon-based display menu.
The new Chevrolet MyLink connected radio allows users to open phone books, personal playlists, and photo galleries from compatible smartphones. Connectivity will be provided through USB, Bluetooth and aux-in. In addition to voice recognition, the system offers text-to-speech capability*, which allows users to listen to text messages from their smartphone. A rearview camera is standard.
In addition, customers can opt to purchase an integrated navigation system with coverage of all of Europe. As is the case with all Chevrolet MyLink radios, owners will be able to upgrade the new system with dedicated apps once they become available.
Competitive price tag for a true muscle car
The new Camaro will arrive at select Chevrolet dealerships across Europe toward the end of the year. With prices starting from €39,990 for the coupe and €44,990 for the convertible in Germany, it is a compelling choice for performance-oriented drivers.
There is, however, much more to the Camaro than great value and affordability. Its rugged strength, iconic design and unique muscle car attributes have stolen the hearts and imaginations of countless people and have provided subject matter for wall posters, T-shirts, and songs for decades.
Famously described to journalists in summer 1966 as a "small vicious animal that eats Mustangs", the original Camaro was built around a unibody structure and a 3.9L straight six engine. Since then, five progressively more capable generations of the Camaro have thrilled car fans around the globe. Until 1968, Camaros were assembled from complete knock down (CKD) kits at two General Motors' European plants in Antwerp, Belgium, and Biel, Switzerland.
Performance has always been an essential ingredient of Camaro's DNA and consequently, it has seen action in many forms of auto racing, including the spectacular drag races, where specially prepared vehicles, usually two at a time, compete along a straight course to make it first across a set finish line.
As much a part of Americana as apple pie and baseball, Camaros have featured in several Hollywood movies, such as runaway bride (1999), a walk to remember (2003), and, of course, Transformers (2007, 2009, 2011), in which the Chevrolet Camaro sports car had a starring role as Bumblebee.
In March 2013, the latest edition of the Camaro Z28, considered by many to be the most iconic and exclusive model in Camaro history, was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. Powered by a 7.0L V8 engine developed in conjunction with Corvette Racing and capable of churning out an estimated 500 hp (373 kW) and 637 Nm of torque, the new Camaro Z28 is suitably equipped to live up to the nameplate's proud heritage.
Technical data preliminary
* Availability of voice recognition and text-to-speech in local language will vary across markets.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is the world's fourth largest car brand with annual sales of almost 5 million cars and trucks in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, high quality and Chevrolet MyLink intelligent connectivity. Its European line-up includes the Spark and Aveo city cars, the Trax small SUV, the compact Cruze, the Orlando family van, the Captiva compact SUV, the Malibu mid-size sedan, the legendary Camaro and Corvette sports cars and the extended-range Volt electric car. For more information visit chevroleteurope.com.
By Steven J. Ewing