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After GM's bankruptcy delays and the problems that causes with suppliers there is some information about the new Camaro Convertible.  It looks like one of the most wanted convertibles in recent memory has been pushed into the 2012 model year.  Released in April 2011  Yes, another year without the Camaro convertible.  Just take a look at that car and tell me....you don't need one?  I don't even care if you buy a V6 or a rumbling V8, the car looks fast, sitting still.  There are inklings that new government MPG requirements will derail the success of the Camaro. (outselling the Mustang for months on end)  If you think about it from a strictly business point of view do you want to invest millions in a car that only has a short lifespan?  There are only two choices for GM, improve the fuel efficiency or discontinue the line.  Neither option is cheap.  This is a beautiful car and I really hope that it isn't delayed again.

Let the epic battle begin.  Mustang has been going since it's inception in 1964, refining, redesigning, improving.  Camaro took a lead in the battle, fell back and eventually stopped production in 2002.  Everyone knew that the Camaro would be back.  I missed the arguments.  It's like Coke without Pepsi or Batman without Joker.  You choose one but you know about the other one.

Since the 2010 Camaro kicked off sales in March 2009 it has been a serious competitor with the Mustang.  In June, July, August, September, October and November the Camaro has won in the sales department.  The Mustang has been suffering double digit declines in sales from 2008.  In September Chevrolet sold 7961 Camaros while Ford sold only 4917 Mustangs.  That's more than 3000 cars a month!  October and November had similar differences in sales.  Trust me Ford noticed.

When the North America International Auto Show in Detroit opens to the public on January 16th, 2010 Ford is firing back.  Ford will display a new V8 engine for the Mustang, one that generates 412 horsepower.  If the Mustang can maintain it's weight advantage it should be able to take the 426 horsepower Camaro.  Plus Ford is introducing a 305 horsepower V6 to compete with the 304 horsepower V6 Camaro.  Oh yeah it's on...and I'm lovin' it.

Who knows maybe Chevrolet will show off the Camaro Convertible?

In October of this year (2009) Chevrolet dealers got a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Camaro convertible.  The delays brought about by GM's bankruptcy and union negotiations are over.  Can you hold out until late 2010 or early 2011 for this gorgeous car?

Some cynics say that the Camaro is past it's prime but does a great looking car ever go out of style?  When I go to a car show and look at the muscle car legends of the past they still look great to me.  The advantage to buying a new Camaro versus on the the old ones comes down to two things - maintenance and safety.

Trust me I love a good 67 Camaro convertible but how safe is it?  Seatbelts were practically optional and airbags are you kidding me?  I've had several old cars and the looks that you get from others are fantastic but there is always something that needs to be done.  The valve covers are leaking oil, there is a squeak somewhere in the front end, the thermostat is stuck.  It never ends.

With the ever increasing price of the old muscle cars there is virtually no difference between a new camaro convertible and an old one. (actually a super nice old one would be more)

Whenever you buy a convertible there are sacrifices to be made.  The backseat is typically smaller but if you're putting the kids back there, no problem.  The noise on the interstate can be problematic as well.  Most convertible lovers don't really like a group of Harley riders rumbling past.  Regardless of the problems, convertibles are so much fun to drive.  You don't have to break your neck slamming the gas pedal through the floorboard to have a good time tooling around in a convertible, especially the iconic Camaro Convertible.

Joe

When you hear all the stats about the new Camaro you get the distinct impression that the Mustang is in serious trouble.  But it's actually a pretty close fight between these two automobile powerhouses.

For my purposes let's just talk about the Mustang GT and the Camaro 2SS.

Mustang GT
Price - $27,995
weight - 3572 pounds
Transmission - 5 speed
Wheels - 18"
Horsepower - 315
0 to 60 - 5.2 seconds
1/4 mile - 13.5 seconds

Camaro SS
Price - $33,745
Weight - 3860 pounds
Transmission - 6 speed
Wheels - 20"
Horsepower - 426
0 to 60 - 4.8 seconds
1/4 mile - 13 seconds

Basically the new Camaro has more (better) features like a 6 speed or bigger wheels but when the rubber hits the road the 1/4 is close.  Too close.  A Camaro with a 110 horsepower more than the Mustang should kill it but the Mustang is lighter.  With an average joe behind the wheel, this race would be a dead heat.  Mustang lovers should add a few performance parts like a better exhaust or a supercharger and you've got a Camaro killer.

Camaro lovers need to eliminate a little weight or add a Hennessey air intake for some quick horsepower.  On a side note if you haven't seen the Hennessey Camaro with it's 562 horsepower! you are missing it.  That is a ridiculously fast Camaro.
Fastest 2010 Camaro

The 69 and 70 Mustang convertible had an aggressive stance with the pointed hood, the two horizonal features on the front grill, and the wing on the back. Tied together it made for a great looking muscle car that competed with Camaros, Baracudas and Chevelles. The gas/emission troubles of the early 70's signaled an end of truly amazing muscle cars. By 1973 some of the finest features of the Mustang were sucked out in favor of blandness. The Mustang was extended by 2" and widened by 3" so the overall weight was approaching the weight of an elephant. A family of five could have a picnic on the massive hood of the Mustang for 1971 to 73.

So Ford made the car bigger in everyway except for the engine which by 1973 was puny, not pony. In 1973 the once proud 351 Cleveland produced 177 horsepower and that was the top of the line.(minus the Cobra Jet) Don't even think about a Boss engine for 1973. The new government regulations on emissions were taking their toll. This was a bad time to buy a new muscle car.

It's funny how it goes sometimes. There are amazing vehicles that get very little attention even though they deserve it. The 69 and 70 Mustang Convertible is one of those cars. When the Mustang came out in the middle of 1964 it was a hit. People loved it and Ford produced it in quantity. In 1965 Ford produced 73,112 Mustang convertibles and 72,119 in 1966. That is a lot of convertibles.

But take a look at the 1969 and 1970 models, 14,746 and 7673 respectively. To put some perspective on it, the 1970 Mustang convertible had 1/10th the production of the 65. A 1/10th! With the new styling, 2 pair of headlights, extending body and pointed grill this looked more like the other muscle cars of the day. So why doesn't this incredible car get more attention? I have no idea.

Whenever you talk about convertibles the discuss MUST talk about the venerable Ford Mustang. There are few American cars that have a legacy like the Ford Mustang convertible, maybe the Chevrolet Corvette. Starting in late 1964 with it's premier the Mustang had the convertible option. Decades later the Mustang convertible is still a great looking classic American sports car. Since this vehicle spans such a long time range and has seen several variations, it deserves more than one blog post.

Back in the mid 60's options on Mustangs were dirt cheap and extensive. You could get a 289 engine with 271 horsepower upgrade for a measley $276.00 bucks. Of course times were a little different you also had to pay $14.00 if you wanted to have rear seatbelts. Does that one just blow your mind? Overall the Mustang convertible would cost a little over $3000.00 depending on your options.
One of the most important things about the Mustang was what it created, the pony car craze. On the GM and Chrysler side of things they are more often referred to as muscle cars but the intent is the same. A fun, fast car that you would go cruising in. The classic styling and the large pony on the grill were immediately well received. It wouldn't be long, 2-1/2 years before GM produced their answer to the Mustang. Mustang I'd like to introduce you to Camaro, let the rivalry begin!

Discover the latest vehicles and automotive innovations in the new CHRYSLER SEBRING LX CONVERTIBLE. The body lines are extremely clean, reminding some people of the Toyota Solara. Whether you call these convertible cars ragtops, droptops, spyders, roadsters, cabriolets or simply top-down cars, convertible cars appeal to a special breed of driver and personality. The kind of person who likes to be in touch with the world through all their senses - even while driving. Or should I say especially while driving!

These days, there are more convertible cars from which to choose than ever before! So think of your particular specs and desires, then use the Quick Lists below to just those convertibles you want to consider.