(OK Red Planet...this one is for you)

Actually, this is something I've given some passing thought to.

What does it cost to add a convertible to a program?

How many need to be sold to make it worth it.?

Would that money be better spent on something else?

Their are lots of successful sport coupes that don't have a convertible. Best "rumored" sales projections for Camaro are one half of Mustang....does Camaro need to compete model for model?

Does Camaro NEED a convertible....or would that money be better spent on other things....like interiors, structure, suspension, etc.?

 

IMO. Yes. Although I might not buy a convertible myself.

 

There are days I'd LOVE to own a convertible.....HOWEVER, if it's done, there are some things that should not carry over from the 4th gen:

1. Tiny rear window and unacceptable blindspots

2. Large seam on the bottom of the c pillars on the exterior on non-convertibles. I've heard this was done to allow the rear quarter panels to look better on the convertibles. THis should have been flush with the rear quarter panels on the non-verts. Would look and flow much better.

#1 is why I haven't made serious plans to buy a convertible. I do like the fact that the rear window is glass and I see plenty of convertible camaro's on the road. Oddly same cannot be said for Firebirds.

 

Considering a V6 Convertible Camaro approached $30K I am sure GM made enough money on each one sold to justify continuing the program

 

TO me I love 4th Gen converts, especially the SS and Ws6 models. The convert is well known as the trademark of a cool fun car, both things a potential 5th gen needs to be to survive. Ultimate classic's are converts too. The convert is the essence of coolness! To make a 5th Gen Camaro without a convert option would be a HUGE mistake!

Besides its not really worth debating because IF GM brings out a 5th Gen IT WILL HAVE A CONVERTABLE OPTION! --- nuff said take that to the Bank!

 

If it doesn't come in convertible form, I won't buy it.

 

I think that a convertable model is needed. Except on the Z28. Z28's should only be a hard top like the Z06. People that get Z06's don't seem to mind that it's only a hard top.

 

I personally think it should have a vert option. Even though I've never owned a vert, I think they are somewhat vital to a sports cars survival these days. I'd love to have a C5 vert.

Here's another vert question, why does the C5 have a manual top while the F4 had a power top? I never could figure that one out.

 

Sure it would look better. But think of how much money was saved by standardizing the body parts? That equates to a lower sticker price, which is a positive in my book.

 

I don't like them much so it doesn't really matter to me.

 

Absolutely, unequivocally, YES!

My suggestion ...use the Corvette as a bit of a template:

Convertible
T-top or Targa Hatchback Coupe
1LE Hardtop Notchback with trunk ...slap a roof on the 'vert, leave the structural reinforcement in place to make it an ultra stiff, stripper "track" model.

 

And make sure the price break on such a model is more significant than the '99 Vette hardtop! Or as it became with that car, make it the foundation of a higher-performance model (Z28, ZL1, etc).

 

See your point. They managed to do it on the 3rd gens the last few years. Failing a seamless transition, how about a seam that's not as wide as the grand canyon. If they could get the panels tight enough then it could have the same effect.