New Camaro Brazil Commercial
Well, I have to hand it to the Brazilians: their marketing people are awesome. The first commercial filmed and released for the Camaro out of Brazil was the gorgeous and fun short I posted up here a few weeks ago about the son taking his parent's Camaro for a joyride. One of the most entertaining pieces of advertisement I've ever seen in any language, Camaro Brazil set the bar high for themselves. Apparently, they recognized that and came back strong for their second Camaro commercial. If the song sounds familiar, it's a modern, electric reworking of the classic 1970's Chevrolet jingle "In The Silence of my Chevrolet" just, you know, in Portuguese. A fun commercial that does a great job of high-lighting how much fun the Camaro can be in less than a minute's time. I wish GM would make commercials like the Camaro Brazil ones for our stateside TV audiences.
Camaro Convertible Video Round-Up
Well, the Camaro Convertible is here. You all know that much, of course. With all of the news of the Convertible coming out and inundating the internet over the last few weeks, I figured I'd do a visual round-up. So, here you go, a video round-up of some of the best footage of the Camaro Convertible that can be found online, all in one place for your viewing pleasure.
2011 Camaro Convertible Development
2011 Camaro Convertible Driving
2011 Camaro Convertible outside the NYSE
More 2011 Camaro Convertible Driving
There you have it: lots of footage of the gorgeous Camaro Convertible from all different stages and places. Hope you enjoyed watching and not reading this time around!
Lingenfelter Pushes the Camaro in to 8 Second Territory
It would be Lingenfelter, wouldn't it? With all of the buzz surrounding various Camaro modifications around the world, and as different manufacturers and modification teams fight to push the Camaro to new limits on a weekly basis, it would be Lingenfelter that steps in and blows its competition away. And blow it away, they did.
Hot on the heels of AMS and other shops pushing their Camaros through the 9 second range, Lingenfelter stepped in and delivered an 8 second 1/4 mile run. To be fair to everybody else, of course, their Camaro was outfitted with a 1200+ HP LS9, and their 8 second run was as borderline as they come: 8.99 seconds @ 158 mph. Lingenfelter achieved this feat through use of an Eaton Supercharger powered LS9 engine with fully ported heads loaded with titanium intake valves.
2011 Camaro Convertible Unveiled at the LA Auto Show
The new 2011 Camaro Convertible goes On sale in February 2011
LOS ANGELES – The segment-leading Chevrolet Camaro opens a new chapter as the 2011 Camaro convertible premieres at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new convertible begins production in January and goes on sale in February. It includes an enhanced body structure and well-tailored top mechanism – a combination designed to deliver sports coupe-like driving fun and precise quality.
"The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's a natural to now expand and elevate the product range in new directions."
The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.
Camaro seized leadership in U.S. sales in its segment with the original coupe model that launched in spring 2009 as a 2010 model. The right to purchase one of the first convertibles was recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction for $205,000, with all proceeds donated to charity. The 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro convertibles, a group of 100 exclusive cars with custom-designed elements and priced at $75,000 each, sold out in only three minutes.
The Camaro convertible delivers great refinement, along with uncompromising, coupe-like driving dynamics. Its enhanced body structure helps prevent cowl or steering wheel shake, for a strong, confident feel in all driving conditions. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.
Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan. Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models.
Strong structure
The Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible model, which means customers enjoy the fun of top-down cruising with coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to eliminate common convertible maladies of cowl and steering wheel shake. They include:
A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
A transmission support reinforcement brace
Underbody tunnel brace
Front and rear underbody "V" braces.
"Our goal in development was to make the convertible match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.
A telling example of the Camaro convertible's strength is evidenced in its suspension tuning – specifically, the lack of changes between the convertible and coupe models.
"To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser," said Oppenheiser. "Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe."
The result is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.
Additional safety structural reinforcements are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also contributing to the elimination of cowl/steering wheel shake. They include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers. The structural changes to the Camaro convertible body give it superior bending and torsional stiffness than its closest competitor, and better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.
Exceptional top refinement
At the outset, designers and engineers sought to eliminate the common appearance of convertible top support ribs and they succeeded, using composite knuckles rather than aluminum ones, as well as extending the top material below the belt line and revising the top's stitch lines. The result is a top that has a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that also retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.
The power-folding top retracts in about 20 seconds. It is built in partnership with the same manufacturer as the Corvette convertible top, and operates in a similar manner. That means it folds in a simple "Z" pattern and latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.
Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top. The car doesn't have to be parked for the top to be activated, allowing for spur-of-the-moment lowering while stopped at a stoplight.
The top is made of thick, durable canvas and it features acoustical headliner material that provides a quiet, coupe-like ride when the top is up. It also incorporates a glass rear window and rear window defogger.
A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS. It covers the folded top for a finished appearance. An accessory windscreen is available from Chevrolet dealers. It installs behind the front seats to limit wind buffeting when driving with the top down.
Additional details
A myriad of fine details distinguish Camaro convertible models, including:
The OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna moves to the deck lid on LT models without the RS package
The radio antenna is embedded in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models
The trunk lock cylinder is moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner exterior appearance
A new subwoofer design is located in the trunk between the rear seats.
Because the combined OnStar/XM/AM-FM radio antenna is mounted on the roof of coupe models, it had to be relocated on the convertible. On RS-equipped LT models and SS models, which include a rear spoiler, a small "shark fin" OnStar/XM antenna is mounted on the deck lid, while the AM/FM radio antenna is hidden inside the rear spoiler. This patent-pending design creates a sleeker appearance. For LT models without a rear spoiler (without the RS package), the combined antenna is located in the center of the deck lid.
The relocation of the trunk lock cylinder also cleans up the Camaro convertible's appearance, moving from the panel between the taillamps to a discreet area between the rear seat back cushion and driver's side interior panel. The change retains full, lockable access to the trunk, with the keyless remote fob also offering easy trunk access.
Finally, the subwoofer – either an eight-inch unit with the base sound system or a 10-inch subwoofer with the available Boston Acoustics system – is relocated from the trunk to an area between the rear seat cushions.
Performance
Camaro LT convertible models are offered with a 3.6L direct injection (DI) V-6 that delivers more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It is rated at 312 horsepower (232 kW) and 278 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). Peak fuel economy with the direct injection V-6 is 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).
The L99 features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management System, which saves fuel by shutting down half of the engine's cylinders during certain light-load driving conditions, such as highway cruising.
All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional. A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional.
-Well-tailored fabric top
-Acoustical headliner for quietness and easy-to-use single latch
-Robust, reinforced structure supports a sports coupe-like driving experience
-Better torsional stiffness than BMW 3-Series convertible
Camaro SSX
Yesterday I wrote a long update pertaining to the Camaro at SEMA, in which I high-lighted a few different Camaro Models presented by Chevrolet. At the time, though, I purposefully left out the Camaro SSX, because I felt that a vehicle as impressive as it deserved its own post. Since the fifth generation Camaro was released, it has captivated the hearts and minds of consumers, and has seen a number of people drooling over its pure racing potential. Chevrolet has seemingly tapped in to that track-racing soul as well, now, and they've brought the world the Camaro SSX.
Built from a bare-bones Camaro SS, the SSX does everything it can to move past the weekend-warrior Camaro image in to the realm of the track racer darling. With purposeful, gorgeous, styling choices that provide a greater track performance, the SSX is still as beautiful as any Camaro before it, but with a very precise stylistic look. This thing is minimal, of course. When I say minimal, I mean completely and totally minimal. In order to reduce the weight as much as possible, the Chevrolet team installed a number of Carbon Fiber exterior body parts on to the SSX. In addition to this, they also cleared out the interior, and removed the sound-deadening material, the carpeting, and the entire rear seat section. The windshield and rear-window were then replaced with extremely light-weight Polycarbonate.
Making the vehicle lighter wouldn't be enough for these guys, though, and they then went to lengths to ensure that the Camaro SSX was not only lighter, but also more powerful and more precise. To get more HP for a greater performance they modified their LS3 engine with new heads, a new light-weight camshaft, high-flow racing headers, and a complete exhaust system. For handling performance, they also installed the complete Pfadt Performance package, to ensure a more responsive vehicle handling. All of this, in addition to the down-force improving Rear Wing Spoiler and Front Lip Spoiler mean that this Camaro is one of the lightest, quickest, most powerful, and precise vehicle's there is.
Of course, everything I've written about this Camaro SSX track car only begins to scratch the surface as well. In order to do the vehicle justice, GM's own John Fitzpatrick put together a video with the vehicle's performance modification team high-lighting all of its fantastic features. I'll also include a list of features, and a set of GM released images, so that you can get a really great idea of everything this vehicle has going on. Sadly, at the time, GM has no plans on releasing this Camaro SSZ model build to the public. I'd love to see it, but completely understand their decision not to. What the creation of the vehicle does do, though, is provide Camaro lovers with a groundwork basis upon which they can modify their Camaro if they're looking to optimize their vehicle's track performance.
Exterior:
* Icy White Metallic color with red accents and door graphics
* Carbon fiber hood, fenders, door and deck lid
* Exposed carbon fiber front splitter, rockers and adjustable rear wing
* Unique lower grille and brake ducts
Interior:
* Carpeting, sound deadener and rear seat deleted
* Ace suede-covered racing steering wheel and shifter
* SCCA-approved roll cage and window net
* Racing driver’s seat with five-point harness
* Racing pedals
* Fire suppression system
* Fuel cell
* Video camera system mounted on the roll cage
Performance:
* LS3 6.2L V-8 enhanced with Chevrolet Performance Parts’ camshaft, cylinder heads and dry-sump oiling system
* Production six-speed manual transmission
with Corvette ZR1 twin-disc clutch
* Low-restriction air induction and exhaust systems
* Four-wheel disc racing brake system with six-piston front/four-piston rear calipers and drilled and slotted rotors
* Modified production suspension with Pfadt licensed components
* 20-inch racing wheels and tires (Take note of these gorgeous wheels!)
Camaro SEMA Wrap-Up and SEMA Hottest Car Award
This year's SEMA was a great time for the Chevrolet Camaro, as the vehicle saw a number of interesting models get public release, tons of support from every modification company imaginable, and won the SEMA Hottest Car Award. I'll try and give a brief wrap-up (and avoid a 300+ picture entry, as a lot of places have been giving), and touch on the biggest and brightest high-lights for the Camaro here.
SEMA Hottest Car Award
First off, we have to begin with a congratulations to the Camaro for being given this award. This latest feather in the hat of America's hottest car confirms what we've been saying for quiet some time: the Camaro is, by far, the hottest car on the road today. Of course, they don't just mean hotness in the simple visual aesthetic sense, but also in the sense that this vehicle has the most buzz and support from modification companies. There's no denying the Camaro this one, either. This year has been a fantastic year for the Camaro, as we've seen companies like Borla, Edelbrock, AMS, Pfadt, and others all release incredible new lines of high-end Camaro modification pieces (especially considering that a number of these products, like the Borla ATAK and the Edelbrock E-Force were made first and foremost for the Camaro, before being retooled/ported to work on various other vehicles as well).
Well, the year has come to a head as of late with all of the Z28 news leaking, and now, with the SEMA Convention and the SEMA Hottest Car Award. Coming second and third, respectively, were the Mustang and Challenger, and that just speaks to the popularity of the recent Pony Car revival, and the incredible job that Chevrolet has done with their Camaro. So, congratulations Camaro, on winning the SEMA Hottest Car Award. In addition to the Camaro, the Jeep Wrangler won the SEMA Hottest 4x4 Award, and the Ford F150 won the SEMA Hottest Truck Award. Congratulations to those vehicles as well.
Red Flash Camaro
... and the picture above, of one of the hottest Camaros at SEMA, leads us directly to the Red Flash Camaro. A number of different Camaros were unveiled at SEMA, but none were as gorgeous or exciting (to me, at least) as the Red Flash Camaro. With the focus being to stay pretty true to form to the stock Camaro SS, the Red Flash doesn't fall in to the common tuner trap of doing too much and sullying the look of the vehicle. In fact, Chevrolet does more with less with the Red Flash, and the touches they've installed look absolutely fantastic. With the Red Flash, though, looks were not the only focus: they also wanted to make the Camaro SS perform and sound a lot better as well.
With a well-done high-wing spoiler (something I never thought I'd say about the Camaro), a beautiful two-tone interior, and a fantastic style, the Red Flash Camaro is meant to be showy and sound loud enough to be the Camaro that alerts everyone else of your presence, while still being a Camaro that can be driven on a daily basis.
Features of the vehicle include:
Exterior:
- Red Jewel color
- Heritage hood stripes in gray
- Chevrolet Accessory high-wing rear spoiler (body color with black stanchions)
- Chevrolet Accessory ground effects (body color)
- Chevrolet Accessory 21-inch wheels with gray inserts
- Camaro badges with chrome edges and gray inserts
- Body-color antenna
Interior:
- Ebony leather with titanium stitching and red accents on the seats
- Prototype Chevrolet Accessory racing-style steering wheel with flat bottom
- Red LED lighting in door trim
- Red footwell and cupholder lighting
- Chevrolet Accessory racing pedal kit
- Chevrolet Accessory floor mats and cargo mat
Performance:
- LS3 6.2L V-8 with Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission
- Chevrolet Accessory air intake and exhaust systems
- Chevrolet Accessory engine cover in Red Jewel
- Chevrolet Accessory Hurst shifter with custom stone-color stitching on the boot and shift knob
Synergy Camaro and XM Camaro Packages
Two other interesting Camaro model packages were unveiled at SEMA this year: the Synergy Camaro (and not just Synergy Green this time), and the XM Camaro. They're both pretty neat Camaros, and, apparently will be coming to dealerships near you soon. The Dealership brochures for these two packages have hit the web now, and they offer a lot of insight in to everything that the vehicles will offer. From their custom leather interior options, down to the new dash lights, wheels, and exterior paint options as well.
The Synergy Camaro Package:
Synergy Series Camaro Brochure
XM Series Camaro Package:
Camaro XM Package Brochure
GM OnSTAR MyLink Mobile App Coming to 2010 Camaros
Ok, so, the heading there says it all. The super cool iPhone and Android MyLink App for OnStar outfitted GM vehicles is also being set-up to work with 2010 vehicles. I know a lot of Camaro owners were sad to hear that their 2010 Camaros would not work with the App, so fret no longer, Chevrolet's setting up to be compatible with your vehicle as well.
That's all I have for today. A big update covering a lot of ground from the SEMA 2010 Convention, and some other basic Camaro news. Hopefully I've left myself stuff to talk about tomorrow (considering the Camaro's popularity, I'm sure there will be!)
New Camaro Z28 Nurburgring Testing Video
This video, the most recent of the Camaro Z28 spy footage, shows a lot of what we've seen already, and some new bits too. Obviously taken by the same group of individuals who provided us all with the first two Camaro Z28 spy videos, this one also has some fantastic moments of the Camo-wrapped Z28 rounding wide bends at the Nurburgring. I'm starting to be less satisfied by these videos then I was at first, though, and really want some more official word from Chevrolet concerning the Z28's performance. Sadly, those numbers will be a little ways out, so until then my Z28 desire must be satiated by videos like this one. It's definitely worth a watch, as it's new footage of the Z28, and you really can't go wrong with that.
