2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible 3.6L V6 6MT RWD (315 HP)

Vehicle Overview

While GM launched the coupe version of the fifth generation of the Camaro in late 2009, it unveiled the convertible version of this car a year later, in November 2010.

Chevrolet knew that it had to offer the Camaro as a coupe and as a convertible. Besides the second generation of this nameplate, all the others had it. However, the economic situation from 2010 was difficult. Due to the world financial crisis, GM faced the dilemma of selling its European brands (Opel and Vauxhall), and its Australian brand, Holden, was not trouble-free either. In addition, further challenges regarding the vehicle’s engineering and chassis reinforcements delayed the launch of the Camaro Convertible until November 2010, with deliveries starting in February 2011 as a 2012 model year. Changes made to the vehicle included a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, an underbody tunnel brace, front and rear suspension V-braces, and others. However, the automaker stated that it “didn’t change a strut, a bushing or a spring rate from the Camaro coupe.” As a result, the car had nearly the same acceleration and handling behavior as its closed-top brother. At the sales start, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible was available in two trims: 1LT/2LT and 1SS/2SS.

The front fascia was carried over from the coupe version. It featured round headlights integrated into a recessed black grille, which was emphasized by the V-shaped hood and bumper. In addition, the crate-like grille reminded customers about the second generation of this nameplate. On the air dam, the automaker added a second air intake with a trapezoidal shape, improving. A set of round fog lamps flanked it, depending on the trim and options.

When SangYup Lee made the design concept, it penned it with retro-design styling, so the open-top version of the fifth generation of the Camaro followed in the same footsteps. The long hood was followed by a raked windshield, which was supported by thick A-pillars that served as rollover protections as well. The creased waistline that adorned the sides of the vehicle went slightly downward on the rear side of the doors and met the coke-bottle styling of the rear quarter panels. To create a sportier look for the vehicle, the design team added a sculptured section on the lower side of the doors and a set of fake vents in front of the rear wheels. When covered, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible had a similar shape as its coupe sibling, with a wide fabric panel behind the rear windows that limited visibility. Finally, at the back, Chevrolet installed dual rectangular taillights on the rear fascia that flanked the bow-tie badge. Under the bumper, the Camaro convertible sported a dual exhaust system, like the rest of the range.

For the 2012 model year, Chevrolet added a set of styling updates. The automaker installed a new, three-spoke steering wheel that sported the buttons for the cruise control and those for the media system. Fronting the driver was an instrument panel where the Camaro showed the speedometer and tachometer in wide rectangular clusters and flanking an LCD. On the center stack, the standard AM/FM cassette player was standard. However, better sound systems provided by Boston Acoustics featuring a CD or a CD changer were available. The front bucket seats could slide and recline to ease access to the rear seats, while those seated in the back could share a two-seat bench.

Under the hood, the automaker ditched the 3.4-liter V6 offered initially on the Camaro and left just the 3.6-liter one as a base version for the 1LT/2LT, paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. In addition, a 6.2-liter V8 was available for those looking for more performance.