2016 Camaro goes topless

Chevrolet introduced the convertible version of its all-new, sixth-generation 2016 Camaro on Wednesday, which will go on sale early next year.

The biggest news is the top itself, which is now fully automatic and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, or when the car is parked, with the key fob.

Standard on all Camaro convertibles will be a hard tonneau cover to hide the convertible top when it’s down.

From an aesthetic standpoint, that’s a huge upgrade.

“With many convertibles, you have to affix a tonneau cover manually – if it’s done at all,” said Tom Peters, design director. “The Camaro convertible’s automatically deploying hard tonneau not only makes it easier to enjoy convertible driving when the inspiration hits, it ensures the car always looks its best.”

According to Chevrolet, the electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction, including acoustic and thermal barriers.

“The 2016 Camaro coupe will set the benchmark for the segment in terms of technology, performance and design,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. “Adding the most sophisticated top in the segment brings another level of refinement – and driving enjoyment – to the Camaro convertible.”

Like the coupe, Gen-6 Camaro will be at least 200 pounds lighter than the model it replaces, and will be available with four-, six- or eight-cylinder engines, ranging from 275 to 455 horsepower. The stiffer chassis and lighter weight should help handling substantially.

“From the beginning, the Camaro’s architecture was developed to incorporate a convertible with uncompromised driving dynamics,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Customers will appreciate what they don’t feel: quivers, cowl shake or an under-damped chassis typically found in a four-seat convertible.”

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro convertible introduces the most sophisticated convertible top in the segment, with fully automatic operation, hard tonneau cover, and the ability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph.