Chevy Says New Camaro Convertible Is Tops in Class

Early next year General Motors Co. will launch a convertible version of its all-new Chevrolet Camaro with what it describes as the most-advanced power top in the segment.

GM took the wraps off the new 2016 model drop-top, which maintains the coupe's sleek silhouette, this morning at an event in Detroit.

The electro-hydraulic power roof system has a multilayer construction with acoustic and thermal barriers. Special features include:

• fully automatic operation with latches that automatically release and secure the top.
• capability of opening or closing at vehicle speeds as high as 30 mph.
• remote opening with the key fob.
• a hard tonneau cover that deploys automatically to stow the lowered roof.

Like the base coupe, the Camaro convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter body structure that helps reduce vehicle weight by more than 200 lbs compared with the model it replaces.

GM says the design also eliminates noise and vibration issues including "quivers" and cowl shake as well as under-damped chassis performance that plague other four-seat convertibles.

GM will build the sixth-generation Camaro coupe and convertible at its assembly plant in Lansing, Mich. The convertible is expected to account for about 40% of Camaro sales.