Popular WindRestrictor Coming for Camaro Convertibles
Extremely Popular Corvette WindRestrictor Product Coming Soon for Camaro Convertibles
The etched acetate and LED lit Convertible WindRestrictor Product that has taken the Corvette world by storm will be available for Camaro Convertible owners as well. (1/21/2012)
The Corvette community has fallen in love with the WindRestrictor convertible wind screen by King Penn Industries, and with good reason. While browsing through their YouTube channel I stumbled across a video yesterday that shows, without question, that they're about to release a new version of their popular Camaro WindRestrictor for the Camaro Convertible as well.
The product sets itself apart from other wind screens--a common product for the Corvette line and one I'm sure to see begin picking up popularity in the Camaro line as well--by combining the incredible functionality and wind buffering of others, but with a gorgeous and stylistic visual design. The piece is made from high quality materials that are certain to retain their look and finish for quiet some time, and which are finished with your choice of GM official licensed engravings/etchings, and LED light options. The lights provide a fantastic look, and are able to be turned on and off. If you want even more show from them, also, there's also an option for a special LED package that includes remote control and availability of switching between all color options, with dimmer and fader functions.
Here's the video for you to check it out for yourself:
And their press release concerning the new product:
"Introducing the brand new, patent pending Windrestrictor for the Camaro Convertible from King Penn Industries Inc. No we do not own rights to this song but it is All American just like the Chevy Camaro so we hope you enjoy! This product is now available through our online shop at www.KingPennIndustries.com or simply give us a call at 972-487-5987. The all new Camaro Windrestrictor is an official licensed product of GM. Our product will fit the SS Super Sport, and all other models of the Camaro Convertible. Our patent pending design is the only product in the world that you can fully customize. You can choose from multiple color options. We offer Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple and Pink LED illumination systems. Or, if you prefer, we offer an "Extreme Lighting Kit" with remote control. This option allows you to choose whichever color you want at any given time. It also has a fading option that is HOT for car shows. Our product will be featured at the world of wheels show in the Grabiac Chevrolet Booth as make sure and stop by and check it out! Our windscreen for the Chevy Camaro is also customizable with different graphics options. You can choose from multiple GM licensed graphics or you can use your own and make it custom! Don't do another burn out without having one of these hot, head turning products on your Camaro. It's the best personalized accessory for the Camaro that is available today. Also, it's brand new so be the first in your city to have one! There is no comparrison between our version and others on the market. We also have this awesome product available for the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac XLR, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Crossfire, Mercedes SLK, Honda S2000 and the Porsche Boxster. If you were to do a side by side review ours would wind hands down every time! The Windrestrictor for the Camaro is already highly reviewed by owners! This is the only personalized Camaro Windscreen in the world! Windrestrictor is a registered trademark of King Penn Industries Inc. All GM Trademarks are used under licencse to King Penn Industries Inc. If anyone knows about GM coming out with a convertible model of the Camaro ZL1 please let us know! Don't wait another day to add this product to your wish list of Camaro Accessories!"
Reigning Champ Camaro Wins the Sales Battle Once Again
2010's Pony Car Sales Champion Camaro Moved the Most Units in 2011
88,249 Camaros sold in 2011 give it a decisive sales victory over direct muscle car competitors Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger
In sports, when a team or competitor dominates for the majority of the match and coasts to a decisive over-all victory by the very end, the term "blow-out" is typically used. In the case of the battle for most popular American muscle car in 2011, you might say that a "blow-out" victory was exactly the type that the Chevrolet Camaro enjoyed.
Following the vehicle's break-out success in 2010, 2011 saw the Camaro continue its dominance. For 11 of the 12 months the Camaro moved the most vehicles--and did so, in many of those months, with a considerable cushion of multiple thousand units. The only month that the Mustang took the sales crown was the month where Ford was moving all of its prior model year vehicles at a severely discounted price to make way for the new model year, and even in that month the Mustang only managed to move 400 more units than the Camaro.
In December alone 6754 Camaros were sold, which was good for a 20% increase over December of 2010, and a 1697 unit lead over the second place Mustang for that month. On the entire year, the Camaro's 88,249 units sold took a commanding victory over the Mustang at 70,438 and the Challenger at 39,534.
So, there you have it, the Camaro is the victor in its sector for a second straight year, and with the ZL1 hitting showroom floors--and the sales for both the coupe and convertible models of the Camaro continuing to climb--it looks like a safe bet to take home the crown on a threepeat.
A History of Greatness: GM Produces 100-Millionth Small Block Engine
GM Produces 100-Millionth Small Block Engine
A ZR1 LS9 Engine just produced by Chevrolet was the 100-Millionth manufactured by the company.
In the past 56 years, since Chevrolet began producing small block engines, the bowtie emblazoned automotive company and the small block engine has been synonymous with one another. In that time, every iconic car produced by Chevrolet has been known and linked to their famous small-block engine design in some manner. Most recently, the fifth generation Camaro has become a small block powered icon on both road and track, much like it's LS small block powered big brother, the Corvette.
The sheer number there--100,000,000 for those who like lots of zeroes--really highlights the durability, reputation, and potential of the small block and speaks to the iconic nature of the GM engine. It is fitting then to also consider that the first small block, introduced in 1955, was built for the first generation Corvette and the 100-millionth produced was a hand-crafted work of art LS9 made specifically for the sixth generation Corvette's special edition ZR1--the fastest Corvette ever produced.
Of course, the transition from the first small block to the modern pinnacle LS9 is a long one, filled with numerous exciting and memorable engines. In 1992 Chevrolet first introduced its second-generation Small Block, known as the LT1, in to its Corvette. This engine became an absolute staple on tracks across the globe, and adorned various vehicles from that Corvette, to the F-Body Camaro and Firebird, and the B-Body Impala SS and Caprice Police car. The LT1, which featured a newly developed reverse cooling, is still being used in races all across the globe today.
Following the second generation, Chevrolet then introduced their first LS Engine in 1997. This third generation small block, which was first placed in the C5 Corvette, was an even greater step forward. The LS engines are all-aluminum small blocks, and the first of them, the LS1, was rated a naturally aspirated 350HP and 365 lb ft of torque--numbers that, today, are still incredibly impressive for a naturally aspirated 5.7L engine. The LS engine was then featured, in some form, in numerous different vehicles and even had a more powerful, LS6 version introduced in the C5 Z06 Corvette in 2001. This LS6 featured the same 5.7L displacement as its LS1 brethren, but put out a stomach churning 405HP and 400 lb ft of torque.
Those numbers were fairly mind-shattering for a naturally aspirated engine of the LS6's size and weight, at least, until 2005 when the first of the fourth generation small block was released. In 2005 the Corvette went from its fifth generation vehicle to the now current sixth generation, and with the change in body also came the biggest change: the introduction of the Chevrolet LS2. The LS2 was almost identical to the LS6 engine in performance and displacement, but also featured a much more even Torque curve through-out the RPM range, and had the potential to be modified for incredible gains. It was from this base LS2 that the LS7--the now revered 505HP and 470 lb ft torque monster--was produced and introduced to the 2006 Corvette. Just one year after the update of the small block, this engine seemed to be where everything was building, and the Z06 became the undeniable greatest performance bang for the buck on the globe. Within the year, there were Z06's running against quarter-million dollar European exotics on racetracks all across the globe, and each one came with the distinctive sound and tone that only a Chevrolet small block V8 can deliver through the exhaust.
Of course, Chevrolet wasn't finished there (thankfully, they're dedicated to the production of envelope-pushing performance machines) and we saw such engines as the 430HP LS3 (now outfitting the base-level C6 Corvette and the Chevrolet Camaro SS), the LSA (a 556HP Supercharged monster that can be found in the world's fastest production sedan, the Cadillac CTS-V and will also hit the streets in the body of the new super-Camaro ZL1 this year), and the engine that would be made as number 100,000,000--the LS9.
The LS9 is an absolute marvel worth talking about as well, especially considering that everything before it brought us to this point. The LS9, which can only be found in the top of the line Corvette ZR1, produces an amazing supercharged 6.2L engine based on the LS3 block and putting out a ferocious 638bhp and 604 lb ft of torque. Those numbers, in combination with the Corvette's lightweight body and wide, aggressive stance, have produced a vehicle that runs track times that best it's $250,000+ competitors. Today, the ZR1 is the undeniable greatest bargain on wheels that exists for the performance minded consumer, and, as such, is the only engine fitting to be given the designation as number 100,000,000 of its kind.
Of course, Chevrolet's not stopping at 100,000,000 and the future of the small block engine holds a great deal of excitement. Already, official reports have come out that Chevrolet is updating their engine for the seventh-generation of their Corvette, and we may see the introduction of such features as direct injection and an upgraded combustion chamber design, as well as the improved performance and efficiency numbers to match. GM enthusiasts should expect to see the next small block engine first hit the streets in the C7 Corvette, scheduled for release some time in 2014.
Video: The Camaro Convertible explained by Chevrolet Engineers
It's a short video, but a great one worth watching. So interesting to me, in fact, that I decided to give it its own blog entry today (instead of making it an afterthought to the Camaro in India news). The video gives a quick glimpse in to the durability testing and design that went in to the Camaro, and some discussion from the Camaro engineers themselves in relation to it. If you're a Camaro nut like I am, it will be a very worthwhile two minutes.
GM to Focus on Chevrolet, and the Camaro, for Superbowl Marketing
Typically GM buys a few Superbowl ad spots and distributes them amongst their various vehicle lines(even though they took a 2-year hiatus during the economic recession while they rebuilt their company's economic standings), but this year the Chevrolet will be their only focus. Chevrolet has purchased five 30-second commercial spots during the big game (and an additional 30 second post-game spot), and will use that time to advertise their Cruze, Volt, Silverado HD pick-up truck, and their new Camaro Convertible. As for what these commercials will be is still a mystery, as Chevrolet has not followed the suit of some competitors who have begun sharing their Super Bowl ads on websites like Youtube. Being the biggest marketing stage in the country (and, arguably, the globe), you can be certain that new advertisements are being made for each of the vehicles to highlight their most desirable aspects. In addition to these commercials, Chevrolet has also put together a deal with the Super Bowl itself, and will be handing over the keys to a brand new Camaro Convertible to the MVP of the big game.
This specific advertisement spot, the Super Bowl MVP gift, may be an even bigger deal than the commercials, honestly. The commercials have to be fantastic to really stand out from the Super Bowl crowd--which will be littered with other vehicles, as well snack foods, paper products, website services, and other items--but by giving the keys to the Super Bowl MVP, Chevrolet is allowing the Camaro Convertible to stand alone, separate from the crowd, and be judged less on the commercial and more on the beauty of the vehicle. Also, knowing that the Super Bowl MVP will be driving a Camaro will certainly raise interest towards it among that team's fanbase, who will undoubtedly view either that Steeler or Packer as a bit of a hero.
Of course, the decision to advertise Chevy products only (and ignore Cadillac, Buick, and GM) is the most interesting aspect of this entire deal. It makes business sense, as Chevrolet makes up over 70% of GM sales, but also leaves some of the company's most desirable vehicles (most notably, for me at least, the Cadillac CTS-V) out of the lurch. While the majority of the Cadillac, Buick, and GM line-up lacks the press and popularity that really necessitate a Super Bowl ad spot, a few of their vehicles could really benefit from such, especially again the CTS-V which has gotten lots of press for its style, luxury, and incredible performance. Whatever the case, GM is approaching the Super Bowl with a renewed excitement after their hiatus away from it (a hiatus that broke up a 15-year run of Super Bowl advertisement), and you should expect the Camaro Convertible to compete against the Budweiser Clydesdales, Doritos snack explosions, Hyundai sheep, GoDaddy's half naked women, and others for being amongst the big events most memorable commercials.
Camaro Convertible Named Indy 500 Pace Car
Continuing the tradition that has been founded since the Camaro returned for its 5th generation iteration, the Indy 500 pace car will once again be a Camaro. Only, this year, there's a bit of a difference. The 2011 Indy 500 Pace Car will be a Convertible SS Camaro special edition, done up specifically for the event itself, in white and orange with leather interior trimwork, built specifically to hearken back to the 1969 Camaro pace car model. In addition to the pace car, another 50 special edition Chevrolet Camaros will be created for the Festival Commission, as this year's Indy 500 will act as the 100th anniversary for Chevrolet and the Indy 500.
Here's the official press release concerning the Indy Pace Car:
DETROIT – A special-edition Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will serve as the official pace car of
the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the
announcement at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale classic auto auction, where a bidder will have
the opportunity to purchase the first of 50 Indianapolis 500 Festival Committee cars.
The 2011 Camaro Convertible is the 22nd Chevrolet chosen to pace “The Greatest Spectacle In
Racing®” and the seventh Camaro. Adding to the rich heritage is the fact that 2011 will mark the
100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500, as well as the centennial year of Chevrolet.
Chevrolet will donate full proceeds of the auction to the David Foster Foundation, a charity
devoted to supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. David
Foster, the 15-time Grammy-winning music producer and songwriter, founded the organization
in his native Canada.The pace car, along with the matching festival cars, features a Summit White exterior accented
with orange stripes and door graphics. The interior is trimmed in orange leather, including front
seat headrests embossed with the Indy 500 logo, along with white door panels and instrument
panel trim. The instrument panel trim features extensions of the orange exterior stripes.
The color combination is similar to the design used on the 1969 Camaro Indy pace car –
replicas of which have become among the most popular Camaros in the collector world.
“It's an honor for Chevrolet to pace the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, especially
during this landmark year,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “This is also
a great opportunity for us to build on Camaro’s strong momentum, while supporting an important
charity.”The auction for the commemorative edition pace car takes place Saturday evening, Jan. 22,
during SPEED’s live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event. The vehicle carries lot number
1284 and bids can be submitted at the auction in person or online by clicking this link for a 2011
absentee bidder registration packet:“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Chevrolet name have long been associated with
one another beginning with Arthur, Louis and Gaston Chevrolet’s participation as competitors in
the Indianapolis 500,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO Jeff Belskus. “It is
fitting in this 100th year for both brands that we reinforce that relationship through this year’s
Camaro pace car, which resembles what many argue is the most famous pace car in IMS
history, the 1969 Camaro. We are looking forward to seeing this car on track, pacing the
greatest 33 drivers in the world on May 29.”Pace car details
Equipped with a 400-horsepower (298 kW) V-8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission,
the actual pace car for the race requires no performance modifications to perform its duty in
front of the racing field.All 50 of the Festival Committees cars will be SS convertible models fitted with the 2SS
equipment package, offering the following standard features:
- - Four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers and hydraulic assist
- - StabiliTrak electronic stability control
- - Competitive/sport mode that enhances on-track performance
- - Performance Launch Control (with the manual transmission) that optimizes hardacceleration
- launches for quicker, more consistent performance
- - Twenty-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires
- - Head-up instrument display
- - Center console with auxiliary gauge package.
Along with the 2SS equipment, the cars feature the RS package, which includes HID headlamps
and unique tail lamps.Convertible refinement
The Camaro Convertible delivers coupe-like driving dynamics, with the unmatched fun of open
air driving. The Convertible model contains an enhanced structure designed to eliminate the
traditional compromises of open cars, such as cowl or steering wheel shake. The goal is a
convertible that drives like the coupe. All the powertrain and suspension elements of the existing
Camaro Coupe carry over unchanged in the convertible. The top has a smooth, tailored fit, with
acoustical foam in the headliner that helps deliver a quiet ride with the top up.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.
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.The regular-production versions of the 2011 Camaro Convertible will begin arriving in Chevrolet
dealerships in February, opening a new chapter in the Camaro’s ongoing 21st century rebirth.
Even before the introduction of a convertible model, Camaro ended 2010 as the sales leader in
its class in the United States for the first time since 1985.
Chevrolet’s pace car heritage
Louis Chevrolet, who founded the brand with William “Billy” Durant in 1911, was a racer,
mechanic and pioneering engineer. He raced in the early years of the Indianapolis 500, which
also started in 1911, and served a luminary of the event in the years after he retired his racing
helmet. That included driving the official Indianapolis pace car, which was developed by Indy
500 founder Carl Fisher, who believed a rolling start was safer than a standing start. The first
Indianapolis 500 featured a pace car driven by Fisher.
The first Chevrolet selected as the Indianapolis 500 pace car was the 1948 Fleetmaster Six.
The brand would go on to lead the racing pack more than any other manufacturer.The list of
Chevy pace cars includes:
- 1948 Fleetmaster Six
- 1955 Bel Air
- 1967 Camaro
- 1969 Camaro
- 1978 Corvette
- 1982 Camaro
- 1986 Corvette
- 1990 Beretta
- 1993 Camaro
- 1995 Corvette
- 1998 Corvette
- 1999 Monte Carlo
- 2002 Corvette
- 2003 SSR
- 2004 Corvette
- 2005 Corvette
- 2006 Corvette
- 2007 Corvette
- 2008 Corvette
- 2009 Camaro
- 2010 Camaro
- 2011 Camaro
Build Your Own Convertible, and an Update on the Convertible Antenna
Chevrolet took their Camaro Convertible Customization tool live today, and it's a lot of fun to play around with. You can go through and build your own custom Camaro Convertible and see how much it will cost, and how it will look. Camaro Convertible Customization Tool.
If, while building your Camaro Convertible you are turned off by the large unsightly antenna on the rear, don't worry, you're not the only one. In fact, so many people have disliked the sight of that antenna that Chevrolet has already announced that they will be fixing that problem before the Convertibles hit the showrooms. In a press release, they addressed the antenna issue and the fact that so many enthusiasts and Camaro lovers have spoken out against it as unattractive, and have reworked it so that it is built in directly to the rear spoiler.
From Chevrolet:
"We responded to a legitimate criticism from devoted Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts and in 10 months found an innovative way to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle without sacrificing performance and quality,” said Gregg Kittinger, the designer of the new antenna.
“Where other automakers have tried and failed, Chevy succeeded,” added his colleague, Don Hibbard. “We hope to take what we’ve learned with the Camaro Convertible, build on it and apply it to future vehicles.”
Complete 2011 Camaro Pricing Guides
Here's the complete Pricing list, including breakdown of cost for all Camaro options, as the dealers are directed to charge. Includes the Convertible Camaro cost at all builds, and all options. All of the items in bold are either new or updated from previous released prices, as of 12/15/2010.
Model Description MSRP inc. DFC
1EE37 Camaro LS.... $23,530.00
1EF37 Camaro 1LT.. $24,730.00
1EH37 Camaro 2LT.. $28,075.00
1ES37 Camaro 1SS.. $31,795.00
1ET37 Camaro 2SS.. $35,145.00
***1EF67 Camaro Convertible 1LT.. $30,000.00
***1EH67 Camaro Convertible 2LT.. $33,500.00
***1ES67 Camaro Convertible 1SS.. $37,500.00
***1ET67 Camaro Convertible 2SS.. $40,500.00
Option Packages
9U7 Bluetooth Package w/1LS..$115.00
SRJ Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Automatic Transmission (Coupe 1LT).. $950.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Automatic Transmission (Coupe 1SS)..$825.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Manual Transmission (Coupe 1LT)..$760.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Manual Transmission(Convertible 1LT)..$655.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Manual Transmission(Coupe 1SS)..$635.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Automatic Transmission (Convertible (1SS)..$530.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Manual Transmission (Convertible 1LT)..$465.00
Convenience and Connectivity
w/ Manual Transmission (Convertible 1SS)..$340.00
W1H Interior Trim Package..$500.00
WRS RS Package w/1LT.. $1,800.00
RS Package w/1LT..$1,900.00
RS Package w/2LT..$1,600.00
RS Package w/1SS or 2SS..$1,300.00
Additional Options
Dealer Installed:
VLI Cargo Mat ..$135.00
VQL Satin Nickel Finish Fuel Door.. $175.00
VRB Red w/Black Stripes Car Cover.. $360.00
VRU Gray w/Black Stripes Car Cover.. $360.00
VRV Quarter Flares.. $325.00
VTD Ground Effect Package ..$2,265.00
VYW Premium Carpeted Floor Mats.. $150.00
VYX Body-Color Painted Engine Cover.. $285.00
VZN 21" Machined Aluminum Wheels.. $4,680.00
VZP 21" Black Painted Aluminum Wheels.. $4,865.00
Floor Mats:B34 Carpeted Front.. $60.00
Heater:K05 Engine Block Heater.. $75.00
Hood and Hockey Stripe Packages:
DSC Black ..$510.00
DSD White.. $510.00
DSF Gray.. $510.00
Interior Trim
AGO Gray Interior with Synergy Green Accent Panels..2SS $325.00
ALM Black Interior with Synergy Green Accent Panels..2LT $325.00
AMO Black Interior with Synergy Green AccentPanels..2SS $325.00
AN7 Gray Interior with Synergy Green AccentPanels2LT.. $325.00
VK3 Front License Plate Bracket $15.00
Paint:
GAQ Red Jewel Tintcoat.. $325.00
GCO Rally Yellow.. $325.00
GCR Inferno Orange Metallic.. $325.00
GHS Synergy Green.. $325.00 *coupe only
Radio Equipment:
UQA Boston Accoustics System $495.00
Rally Stripe Packages
B7W Cyber Gray Metallic.. $470.00
B7X White.. $470.00
C2T Orange.. $470.00
C2U Silver.. $470.00
C3O Black.. $470.00
KAE Hurst Short-Throw Shifter.. $380.00
Spare Tire and Wheel:
N65 Compact Spare Tire and Wheel.. $150.00
CF5 Power Sunroof.. $900.00
E45 Tonneau Cover (Convertible).. $200.00
Transmissions:
MXO.. Transmission, Automatic 6 Speed.. $995.00
MXO ..Transmission, Automatic 6 Speed &2LT or 2SS.. $1,185.00
Wheels:
Q9B 19" Bright Aluminum w/2LT.. $470.00
Q9B 19" Bright Aluminum w/1LT.. $720.00
Q9J 20" Polished Aluminum.. $470.0
Few People Doubt that the Camaro will become a Collectible
A couple accolades were given to the Camaro this week that are based entirely upon predicting the future. Of course, we know that nobody can predict the future, but selecting the Camaro for these accolades seem like safe bets. The first of these, given out by the Friends of National Automotive History Collection selected the 2010 Camaro as this year's new vehicle (13 new vehicles in all were created this year) which will be a collectible down the road. Members of the organization, which supports the Detroit Public Library's world-famous collection of American automotives, vote annually for their "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" award, from a vehicle pool comprised of the year's new American-built cars and trucks. Previous winners of the award are:
|
2009 |
Ford Flex |
|
|
2008 |
Dodge Challenger |
|
|
2007 |
Dodge Viper SRT10 |
|
|
2006 |
Pontiac Solstice |
|
|
2005 |
Ford Mustang |
|
|
2004 |
Chrysler 300 |
|
|
2003 |
Dodge Viper |
|
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2002 |
Ford Thunderbird
|
In addition to this award, Wired also named the 2011 Camaro Convertible a sure fire instant classic. That award seems a little premature, as the number of people who have been able to drive the Camaro Convertible is still very very small and selective, but, based purely on looks alone I can honestly say that I can't argue with Wired. The Camaro Convertible is as gorgeous a car as there is on the roads today, and the Camaro's as great a car as there is, so the awarding of this by Wired does make sense. Here's what Wired had to say about the Camaro Convertible:
It's hard to know what cars will be future classics. Oh sure, some of them are obvious — damn near any exotic will certainly go up in value eventually, and it's hard to go wrong with a limited-edition ride like the Porsche 911 Sport Classic.
But what about the cars that aren't so obvious? What models sitting in showrooms might be the next 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350? The guys at Hagerty Insurance Agency think they know. Each year the company, which bills itself as "the world leader in collector car insurance," takes a look at everything in showrooms and compiles its "hot list" of 10 future collector cars you can buy now for less than $100,000.
"We have fun each year looking at which new vehicles embody the characteristics of collector cars, to help predict which ones might have classic appeal in 15 to 20 years," CEO McKeel Hagerty said in a statement. "The Hot List is our prediction for which cars manufactured this year will hold their value and consumer appeal long enough to one day be regarded as collectible."
Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible
The drop-top retro ride offers a 6.2-liter V-8 producing 426 horsepower. By the way, if you haven't read Dan Neil's review of the Camaro SS, do so now. It's the best car review ever.
The other cars that made the list:
- Camaro SS Convertible
- BMW 335is
- Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
- Dodge Challenger Drag Pak
- Fiat 500
- Ford Mustang Boss 302R
- Honda CR-Z
- Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe
- Mini Countryman
- Porsche Boxster Spyder
Previous winners are:
|
2009 |
Ford Flex |
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2008 |
Dodge Challenger |
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2007 |
Dodge Viper SRT10 |
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2006 |
Pontiac Solstice |
|
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2005 |
Ford Mustang |
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2004 |
Chrysler 300 |
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2003 |
Dodge Viper |
|
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2002 |
Ford Thunderbird |
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!