Camaro ComebackCamaro ComebackCamaro concept enters production for 2009Newer Camaro convertible concept arrives later in 2009

24 • November-December 2007 • ARIZONADRIVER

CONCEPT VEHICLE : 2009 CAMARO CONVERTIBLE

ARIZONADRIVER • November-December 2007 • 25

T he Chevrolet Camaro concept was the celebrated starof last year’s auto show season. GM set out to top thatby literally and figuratively blowing the top off in the

2007 shows, and that’s exactly what their designers andengineers did to create the Camaro convertible concept.The introduction of the Camaro convertible concept was onthe eve of the North American International Auto Show inDetroit earlier this year.

The Camaro convertible concept, wrapped in HuggerOrange pearl tri-coat paint with twin gunmetal gray sportstripes, is based on the original Camaro concept, withonly minor changes required to accommodate the

convertible body style.As with the original Camaro concept, the Camaro

convertible concept is intended to embody strong heritage,while appealing to a new generation of customers. It is notas direct a descendant of its forebears as the new Mustang;the essence is brought forward, but with a morecomprehensive restyling.

“For some of us, an emotional bond was formed whenwe introduced the Camaro coupe last year,” said Ed Peper,Chevrolet general manager. “It is magnificent. But now this

KEEP RIGHT >>

ARIZONADRIVER • November-December 2007 • 27

year, if this Camaro convertible doesn’tmake your heart beat faster, you shouldsee either your optometrist or yourcardiologist, because you have aproblem.”

Chevrolet has announced productionplans for the Camaro, which will go onsale in 2009. A production convertiblemodel will be added later that year.

Fun spirit Like the Camaro concept coupe, theCamaro convertible concept brings adramatic, forward-looking design, stillmindful of the brand’s storied heritage.This includes classic long hood/shortdeck pony car proportions and a wide,wheels-at-the-corners stance that givesthe vehicle the look of hugging cornerseven when stationary.

The Camaro convertible concept ismotivated by a torquey V-8 engine thatrightly sends power to the rear wheelsvia a manual transmission. It alsofeatures a four-wheel independentsuspension system and four-wheel discbrakes. Despite persistent questionsfrom enthusiasts and potential buyers,GM has yet to confirm that theproduction car will indeed be powered

by a V-8, though if not, they promise itwill equal or outperform the V-8enthusiast’s expectations.

The Camaro convertible conceptshares exterior dimensions with theCamaro concept, although theconvertible concept’s windshieldsurround, which features a brightanodized finish, is changed slightly toaccommodate the convertible top.

Additional design details include:• Tonneau cover over the folded top• “Halo” headlamps• LED taillamps• Rear spoiler with LED-lit CHMSL• Racing-inspired fuel filler door• Front-inlet hood scoop, inspired by the

Corvette Z06• Heritage-inspired rear fender gills• Anodized aluminum door handles• Bold 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear)

wheels, with accent colorThe Camaro convertible concept’s

Hugger Orange pearl tri-coat color is acontemporary update of the classic hue,which was originally offered in 1969. It iscomplemented with twin gunmetal graysport stripes. As with the design overall,this new interpretation of a classic colorand stripes seek to reflect the Camaro’s

heritage while delivering a contemporaryappearance.

The Camaro convertible concept rideson 21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rearwheels. The wheels have a deep-dish,five-spoke design and feature charcoalcenter sections with bright outer edgesand a red outline on the wheel edge. Thecharcoal wheels complement thegunmetal gray stripes on the body.

Inspired cockpit The Camaro convertible features asimple yet purposeful interior thatreflects design elements inspired by themuscle car era, including the first-generation Camaro. A new, light-and-dark color scheme enhances the airyfeel of the convertible, particularly whenthe top is lowered.

The seats’ fronts feature platinum-tone leather surrounding suede-likeAlcantara® inserts, with black, sculptedseatbacks. The use of light color only onthe seating surface is reminiscent ofvintage houndstooth interiors, while amatching, tri-coat platinum paint is usedto accent the door panels and instru-

26 • November-December 2007 • ARIZONADRIVER

KEEP RIGHT >>

ment panel, giving a modern, bold feelto the interior.

As with the Camaro coupe concept,the convertible concept features aninstrument panel inspired by first-generation Camaros, including anintricate “round-gauges-in-square-holes”design. The gauges have a deep, three-dimensional appearance, with whitefaces and red pointers.

“The instrument panel – including thefour auxiliary gauges mounted in front ofthe shifter – pays homage to first-generation Camaros, while achieving amodern appearance through its refinedintegration of components,” said MicahJones, Chevrolet interior designer.

Attention to detail includes a smokesatin aluminum finish on trim plates,vents, seat handles and seatbeltbuckles. The shifter and pedals are billetaluminum. The steering wheel has adetailed, deep-dish three-spoke design,and the front seats are hinged at thecenter—rather than the sides—for anintegrated appearance. A separateignition button is used to start theengine, and the speedometer andtachometer needles complete full-sweep indexing when the engine

rumbles to life.A “spine” motif runs through the

center of the vehicle and on theseatbacks, including a prominent centerconsole that stretches to the rear seat.The spine reinforces the symmetry ofthe Camaro convertible, as well ascommunicating an image of engineeringprecision.

An attainable icon The original Camaro was introduced tothe Baby Boomer generation, a largegroup of young, individualistic andmobile Americans who drovefundamental changes in the autoindustry. The Camaro was personal,sporty and powerful—attributes thatwere typically found on more expensive,smaller (and often foreign) sports cars.The Camaro represented a real, life-sized, sporty car that was attainable forjust about everyone. An almost endlesslist of optional features, colors and trimcombinations ensured owners couldtailor their Camaro to their exact taste.

As Boomers transitioned into largervehicles to accommodate growingfamilies, younger drivers embraced usedCamaros as their first cars; third- and

fourth-generation Camaros continued todeliver affordable fun and performanceto a new generation of enthusiasts.Indeed, hundreds of thousands ofowners of all walks of life have founddriving fun in a Camaro during the past40 years.

The new Camaro concepts draw ontheir namesakes’ heritage, but also theglobal, youthful influences of the 21stcentury. These influences are seen inthe Camaro convertible concept’s strongproportions, tailored wheel-to-bodyrelationship and detailed interior—including the multi-dimensionalinstruments. It’s a design that is alreadyresonating with a generation of youngercar buyers influenced by highly stylizedtuner cars and imported sports cars.

Along with style and performance, atimeless spirit of fun is woven into thenew Camaro concepts.

“Camaro has always represented theAmerican ethic that style andperformance don’t belong exclusively tothe wealthy,” said Brian Smith, exteriordesigner. “Camaro has always beeneverybody’s sports car, and these newconcepts demonstrate its spirit isrelevant for a new generation.” ■

28 • November-December 2007 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • November-December 2007 • 29