Extreme testing verifies top quality for Camaro Convertible

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible in its aims to exhibit top build quality and maintain all the strengths of its coupe sibling, has undergone a vigorous testing regime to ensure lifetime stability.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible showcases a top built to last a lifetime, operates worry-free and maintains the appearance of its Coupe sibling.

To assure long-term durability, the convertible top underwent extensive testing during development, being opened and closed more than 22,500 times – three times more than would be expected in a typical 10 years of use. Some of those cycles were performed in extreme conditions; temperatures ranging from minus -30° C to 77° C and humidity of up to 95 percent.

“The engineers in Detroit had the Camaro Convertible undergo a rigorous testing regime.” said Luay Al Shurafa, Regional Brand Manager for Chevrolet at General Motors Middle East Operations. “They had to drive 80 Camaro Convertibles back and forth from the testing centre and had to operate the Convertible rooftop five times a day no matter what the weather was like. It is this rigorous attention to detail that reflects on the Convertible’s performance in all markets including the Middle East.”.

Every Convertible undergoes a water test as it completes assembly in Oshawa, Ontario. In addition, vehicles are randomly chosen to undergo an eight-minute water test at the assembly facility in Oshawa and at an identical facility at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan.  More than 27,255 liters of water are hurled at the car in a hurricane-like downpour at a pace of 3407 liters per minute.  

Addressing another aspect of interior comfort, Camaro Convertible’s three-layer top includes an acoustical liner made of rubber sandwiched between an acrylic square weave outer fabric and an inner reinforcing cotton layer. Engineers use a sophisticated human-ear mimicking device called the Aachen Head to measure noise levels.

“For many buyers, a Camaro Convertible can be a collector car, something they might keep for generations. So we made sure the tops would retain their quality for a long, long time,” added Al Shurafa. “There is great value in a Convertible with the original top.”

Consistent with its coupe-like performance dynamics, the Camaro Convertible offers the looks of the Camaro Coupe when the top is up. The five bow roof design provides a smooth, taut and carefully tailored appearance that retains the sleek roofline of the coupe.

Unlike other convertible models in the segment, the Camaro top latches with a single, convenient handle located at the center of the windshield header. Once the latch is turned to the open position, the push of a single button lowers the windows and activates the top, which completes its cycle in about 20 seconds.

To learn more about the extreme measures employed by Camaro Convertible engineers to verify quality and durability, watch the Dept. 180 Camaro Convertible video.