By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos GM Media
For 2017 the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible provides a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by a lighter architecture, broader powertrain range, and a driver-focused interior that integrates class-leading control technologies, including a Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature.
Exterior
The front is defined by a cross-car grille headlamp aperture, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. The expressive execution gives the Camaro a stronger, more determined face. It also displays a nearly fastback profile that flows into the pronounced haunches of the rear fenders, enhancing the wider, more aggressive stance.
Standard lighting includes halogen projector beam headlamps and taillamps. RS and SS models add high-intensity discharge, or HID, projector-beam headlamps and LED signature lighting daytime running lights including a sweeping LED light-pipe integrated in the headlamp and an LED light pipe integrated into the front fascia.
Like the Camaro coupe, the convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter structure that helps reduce total vehicle weight. The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction including acoustic and thermal barriers designed for a comfortable, quiet driving experience in all seasons. The top emulates the sleek silhouette of the Camaro coupe.
The architecture also enables the Camaro convertible’s sleek design, allowing the top to fold down completely beneath the belt line. The hard tonneau cover automatically covers the folded top, creating a finished appearance.
Interior
Like the exterior, the interior is instantly recognizable. The instrument cluster features analog instruments to provide the driver with essential performance information, as well as an available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that can be configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features.
The center console and center stack are designed with high performance driving in mind. For example, the heating and cooling controls are integrated into rings surrounding the air ducts. Eliminating the associated buttons makes the cabin feel more spacious, and makes adjusting the temperature easy while keeping your eyes on the road.
An available, LED ambient lighting system, integrated in the dash, door panels and center console, offers 24 different colors, as well as fade and transition effects that spread across the interior. The ambient lighting is one of eight attributes the driver can adjust using the Driver Mode Selector accessed via a switch on the center console. The system enables the driver to tailor the look, sound and feel of the 2017 Camaro Convertible to their preferences and driving conditions.
Performance
The Camaro LT’s standard engine is a 2.0L Turbo, rated at 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For power on demand, it offers a wide torque band with 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,100 rpm to 3,000 rpm, and maximum torque from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. The 2.0L turbo will deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds.
A 3.6L V-6 engine is available in the Camaro 2LT Convertible, producing 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, for the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment. The engine incorporates a trio of technologies for uncompromised efficiency and performance, including direct injection, variable valve timing and, for the first time, Active Fuel Management, which disables two cylinders under light throttle applications to enhance efficiency.
The 2.0L turbo and 3.6L V-6 engines are offered with a six-speed manual transmission or the Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s based on the Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed, but scaled for the performance envelope of the smaller engines and offering an estimated 5-percent efficiency improvement over a comparable six-speed automatic.
Summary
For Camaro enthusiasts, it retains iconic design cues and offers even more performance. As a result, the 2017 Camaro 2LT Convertible builds on what made the current Camaro such a success with more power, more agile handling and more technology. The driving experience is significantly different. Immediately, you will notice how much lighter and nimbler the Camaro feels. That feeling increases when you drive the Camaro harder it brakes more powerfully, dives into corners quicker, and accelerates faster than ever.
The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg City and 28 mpg Highway with the 3.6L V6 Engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $35,605.00, for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT Convertible, the one I drove included the Convenience and Lighting Package ($2,800.00), 50TH Anniversary Edition Package ($2,595.00), 3.6L V6 Engine ($1,495.00), 8 Speed Automatic Transmission ($1,495.00), Chevrolet MYLINK Sound System (495.00), and it came in at $45,480.00 including destination charge ($995.00).
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
