I was lucky enough to get a week in the long-awaited Chevrolet Camaro convertible. And not just any model, but the stunning, SS version. In this case, with a 6.2-litre V8 with six-speed automatic transmission. It offers 400 horse power and 410lb/ft of torque! However, opt for the   manual version and you can get more with 426hp and 420lb/ft of torque. 

If you thought the standard two-door Camaro coupe looked amazing, the convertible looks insanely good. Especially the bright yellow tester which had the SS package including black tape stripes on the hood and trunk and the SS badges.

It looks sleek, low and menacing sitting on its big 20- inch alloy wheels and tires. The power top is an equally sleek black-fabric affair which is power operated.

Interior wise, the SS is decked out with extra center console gauges and the neat, functional dash board dials and simple trim. I really love the front seats in our SS model; big comfortable and cushy.

The power top is operated by pulling and releasing a center latch and then pushing a button. It takes about 20 seconds to fully retract.

On the road with the top up, it is amazing how smooth and quiet the Camaro is. Combine this with generous seats and the spacious front cabin and this is easily one of the most comfortable muscle cars on the market to drive. With the top down, wind and engine noise is not too intrusive and it is possible to have a conversation without shouting.

The only issues I think are the low roof line and rear visibility is a bit of a pain and perhaps this car needs a backup camera?

The Canadian built Camaro convertible is in fact fully equipped for a very snug fitting, well insulated top, and heated seats, ABS, traction control and stability control. Also on the goodie list are a full complement of airbags, seven-speaker stereo system, power windows, steering, brakes and of course the power operated roof.  The trunk is smaller than the coupe due to the roof mechanism. 

With the top down, visibility is great and really changes the ambience of this car from mean and moody to fun and vibrant. With 400hp on tap, you would think the Camaro would be a wild snorting beast of a car…not so and it’s a good thing. It feels more refined and relaxed and delivers power in a nice controlled flow rather than in the high-strung fashion of its ancestors. Wind it up and you can still hear the V8 exhaust growl like thunder, but the weight of the car and size means it feels more like a big luxurious Grand Touring car than a lightweight car with a big engine.

Note, this is a V8 engine car, so don’t expect great gas mileage. The Camaro SS averaged around 14- 15L/100km in my urban driving and on the highway, I averaged between 11- 12L/100km.  Good news is there’s also a V6 engine version of the Camaro ragtop.

Fuel thirst aside, the Camaro is in fact a grown- up, refined muscle car that has traded some visceral thrills for a more comfortable, everyday kind of driving experience. One thing that has not changed is the sheer visual impact of the Camaro. With the top up or down it looks stunning. I would in fact consider it in my dream car garage!

There is something special about this vehicle and even looking at it on the driveway, the Camaro will put a smile on a buyer’s face. Love it!

2011 Chevrolet Camaro: Base priced from $43,255 – $52,725

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