The 2014 Camaro ->ke248 lineup is slowly coming into focus with the debut of the 2014 Camaro Convertible at the Frankfurt Auto Show->ke235.
Following up on the 2014 Camaro SS, Chevrolet took the reigns of the new-look muscle car and adapted it quite nicely to the convertible variant There’s something to be said for the improved looks, which we laud Chevy for doing considering that the previous styling was getting up there in age.
But the new Camaro Convertible is more than just its new looks. As its name suggests, the drop-top feature is always a plus, especially in its market. Power wasn’t also compromised in favor of its aesthetics, which should bode well for anybody who wants a muscle car that offers plenty in the styling department too.
Overall, the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro delivers on Chevy’s promise to give the muscle car the "most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept vehicle in 2006".
Click past the jump to read about the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 432 @ 5900
- Torque: 420 @ 4600
- Transmission: six-speed manual/automatic transmission
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
Just like the recently-unveiled 2014 Camaro SS, the new Camaro Convertible makes good use of all the changes Chevrolet did to the American muscle. Notice that a louvered heat extractor now sits on the center section of the hood, a clear change from the single nostril that dominated the Camaro’s looks in the part and, at least in this case, helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift.
More noticeable is the wider lower grille and the narrower upper grille, a clear departure from the "fat" grille Chevrolet used on the 2013 model. The change in function and appearance shouldn’t go unstated, especially for a muscle car that now looks more, well, muscular, than ever before.
And of course, don’t forget about the soft-top roof that raises its hand as the clear distinction between the coupe and convertible models. Chevrolet didn’t go into details on the roof mechanism, but we expect it to be akin to what it did on the 2013 model. What that means is it could the same three-layer top that stows flat with the trunk lid, a process that could take up to 20 seconds. There should also be a tonneau cover - maybe an option on the 2014 Camaro Convertible? - somewhere in there.
Interior
Just like in the coupe model, the Camaro Convertible makes way for some modest interior changes.
Remote keyless entry has been a standard feature on the muscle car, a subtle improvement but one that not too many people will care about in the long run.
There is a new color heads-up display, which is a plus. Add that to the new Chevrolet MyLink connected radio and the 7-inch, high-resolution full-color touch screen right in the middle of the center stack and you can also call that a slight improvement. Functionally speaking, the MyLink system is a boon for owners of the Camaro Convertible. It’s got a multitude of cool features and upgrading the system with dedicated apps, including an integrated navigation system with coverage of all of Europe, isn’t all that difficult to do.
One of the drawbacks on the drop-top Camaro is the apparent absence of those Recaro sport bucket seats, something Chevrolet apparently left to the faculties of the coupe model. Can’t say we’re surprised but we’re definitely disappointed.
Performance
The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will be powered by the same 6.2-liter V-8 engine you will find in the coupe version. The engine is capable of hitting 432 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm while mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed VVT automatic transmission. Taking those number into the equation, the Camaro Convertible is capable of covering 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds to go with a top speed of about 155 mph.
We're sure a V-6 engine will find its way in there, but there are no details on it just yet.
Pricing
Deliveries of the 2014 Camaro Convertible is expected to begin later this year at select Chevy dealerships across Europe. Anybody interested should probably start saving up on the €44,990 price tag its going to come in. That’s about $60,000 based on current exchange rates. There are no details yet on the U.S. model pricing.
Competition
Ford Mustang Convertible
A Camaro or a Mustang? That’s been one of the most asked questions in the history of the auto industry and rightfully so.
Enter in the 2014 Mustang Convertible, which you can have in V-6 or V-8 flavors. The base Mustang Convertible comes with a 305-horsepower V-6 engine, which is plenty to keep the average driver entertained.For those that want a little extra oomph, there is the Mustang GT Convertible and its 420-horsepower V-8 powerplant.
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with a convertible that packs that much punch in its engine like the 2014 Camaro Convertible. Sure, there are some drawbacks - the ’blah’ interior, for one - to the overall package, but for the most part, it’s a car that should be high up on your list if you’re looking for one with power and style in spades.