As featured on HOMEPAGE.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=153254
Newport Convertible Engineering Topping Off Production of First 2010 Camaro Convertible
Date posted: 07-22-2009
STORY TOOLS Digg this!
del.icio.us
PLACENTIA, California — We're not sure where a convertible version of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro ranks on General Motors' post-bankruptcy to-do list, but like affordable health care, another long promised government-administered product, odds are it's a long way off.
Not to worry all you Camaro fans eager for al fresco driving, because we got our first peek at Newport Convertible Engineering's latest project — a ragtop version of the 2010 Camaro. NCE has a 24-year history of engineering convertible concept cars for big automakers along with bespoke conversions of exotics and luxury cars. Its bread and butter comes from producing convertible versions of cars such as the Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS, Hummer H2 and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Every year, NCE targets a new model to showcase at the annual SEMA show and other auto shows. Following up on the popularity of last year's Dodge Challenger convertible, NCE decided that Chevrolet's new muscle car would be a prime candidate for going topless.
We'll have the world's first road test of the SEMA-bound Camaro convertible prototype very shortly, but we couldn't wait to give you a sneak preview of the car in its final stages of production. The orange SS model survived the top surgery basically intact, other than sacrificing a bit of backseat hiproom to allow space for the top mechanism. The windshield frame, rockers and the area from the rear of the door opening to the backside of the trunk are now reinforced.
The electrically operated top features a high-quality canvas exterior, insulation and suede headliner.
Keep an eye out for our road test with complete details on pricing and other specs.
NCE is taking orders now on its Web site. Customers provide the Camaro model of their choice to NCE for the conversion, which takes about 4-6 weeks.
Inside Line says: Camaro fans eager to have their day in the sun finally get their chance to buy a Camaro convertible. Maybe their only chance. — Patrick C. Paternie, Correspondent