The Camaro SS Convertible is the car for the enthusiast that demands the power, rumble and roar of the V8, along with a fun top-down driving experience - but without paying big premiums for the range-topping 580 horsepower Camaro ZL1. Those looking for a fuel-sipping drop-top should check out the V6-equipped Camaro Convertible, which returns 28 mpg on the highway.
The SS model first arrived at dealers in early 2009 as a 2010 model in coupe form, but has since seen minor updates to keep fresh with the rest of the changing lineup.
The Camaro SS' bag of tricks is expanded to include the ability to retract its power-folding soft top in about 20 seconds. Chevy says the SS Convertible need not be parked to put the top down or up, allowing for a quick change while waiting at a light for those who like living life on the edge.
A folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on the 2SS and optional on the 1SS trim level. 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.
Of course when you chop off the roof of a vehicle a significant source of structural rigidity is lost, something GM engineers took into account with the Camaro SS Convertible model by adding a tower-to-tower strut brace under the hood, a transmission support reinforcement brace, additional underbody tunnel bracing and front and rear underbody "V" braces to help retain as much of the vehicles' driving dynamics at possible.
Aside from the obvious differences between the Camaro SS Coupe and SS Convertible are some less noticeable changes, including the relocation of the OnStar/XM/AM/FM radio antennas from the roof to the internals of the rear spoiler, while XM will come to the car via a shark fin antenna on the deck lid.
The trunk lock cylinder is also moved to the rear seat area for a cleaner appearance and a new subwoofer design has the subwoofer located in the trunk between the rear seats. (This applies to the base eight-inch subwoofer and the optional 10-inch driver included with the Boston Accoustics sound system).
The mid-range SS Convertible is motivated by one of two slightly different 6.2-liter V8s with power ratings that vary based on the transmission chosen. When coupled with the six-speed automatic transmission, the L99 6.2-liter V8 is good for 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, while opting for the manual gearbox will net an additional 26 horsepower, for a grand total of 422 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque from the LS3 6.2-liter V8.
Both the manual and the automatic-equipped models will return 16 mpg in the city, while the automatic will eek out one extra mpg for 25 highway, compared to 24 for the manual.
Other SS goodies include four-piston Brembo brakes, a sportier FE3 suspension and Competitive/Sport modes for the car's StabiliTrak stability control system, including launch control for manual SS models.
Compared to the Camaro Convertible V6 model, the SS Convertible has unique, stronger six-speed transmissions, more aggressive fascias, larger wheels (20x8 front, 20x9 rear) and standard Head-Up Display (only standard on V6 2LT models).
An RS appearance package is available on the SS, and includes HID headlamps with an integrated halo ring feature, spoiler, specific tail lamps and unique 20-inch wheels.
Minor changes for the latest model year include OnStar with six months of Directions and Connections as standard, as well as the limited time availability of Synergy Green Metallic exterior paint, which for the SS Convertible is also applied to the instrument and door trim panels as an option.
Key Competitors
The only similarly priced, V8-powered open-air alternative to the Camaro SS is the Ford Mustang GT Convertible. The athletic Nissan 370Z Roadster is another worthy rival, while the Audi TT Roadster is a stylish but less powerful option.