By Don Hammonds You knew it had to happen. If there's an all new Chevrolet Camaro Coupe now unveiled, a Camaro Convertible would not be far behind. And so, it is true. Chevy's raised the top on its new Camaro--literally. It's a convertible that has a top that can even be lowered at 30 miles per hour! Camaro convertibles have a legacy and lore all their own,  you know. The convertible back in the day served as pace car in both the 1967 and 1969 Indianapolis 500 races, and there were full-size replicas available during each of those years, and they sold like hotcakes. As you might imagine, if you plan to buy one of those pace car replicas, be prepared to spend a lot of money. And for collectors of toy Camaros, scale models of Camaros, especially convertibles from Hot Wheels Versions, to AMT promotional :25th scale promotional models of yore, to today's 1/18th scale, are hotly sought after and bring out quite a pretty penny or two. But enough history.   The all-new 2016 Camaro has a lot of new stuff to enjoy when it hits the market in the future. Let the sun shine in. Chevrolet will offer a convertible model of the all-new 2016 Camaro, featuring the segment’s m advanced top. A news release from Chevrolet says that the 2016 Camaro convertible " is the only convertible in the segment to offer all of the following:

• Fully automatic operation with latches that automatically release and secure the top
• Capability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph
• Remote opening with the key fob
• A hard tonneau cover that deploys automatically, providing a more refined, finished appearance when the top is lowered and stowed.

The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable, quiet driving experience in all seasons. The top emulates the sleek silhouette of the Camaro coupe." “The 2016 Camaro coupe will set the benchmark for the segment in terms of technology, performance and design,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. “Adding the most sophisticated top in the segment brings another level of refinement – and driving enjoyment – to the Camaro convertible.” The new Camaro convertible arrives in early 2016. Like the Camaro coupe, the convertible benefits from a stiffer, lighter structure that helps reduce total vehicle weight by at least 200 pounds compared to the model it replaces. Consequently, the Camaro convertible retains the coupe’s sharp chassis tuning and nimble reflexes. “From the beginning, the Camaro’s architecture was developed to incorporate a convertible with uncompromised driving dynamics,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Customers will appreciate what they don’t feel: quivers, cowl shake or an under-damped chassis typically found in a four-seat convertible.” The architecture also enables the Camaro convertible’s sleek design, allowing the top to fold down completely beneath the belt line. The hard tonneau cover automatically covers the folded top, creating a finished appearance. “With many convertibles, you have to affix a tonneau cover manually – if it’s done at all,” said Tom Peters, design director. “The Camaro convertible’s automatically deploying hard tonneau not only makes it easier to enjoy convertible driving when the inspiration hits, it ensures the car always looks its best.” Of course, a Camaro convertible is still a Camaro through and through, so there is  a lot to know about this  latest generation, Chevy says. The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement and is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years," the news release says." Offered in LT and SS models, it provides a faster, more nimble driving experience and a broader powertrain range," the release says. Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower, an all-new 3.6L V-6 producing and SAE-certified 335 horsepower, and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque – the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling, while enhancing highway fuel efficiency. Inside, the driver-focused cabin integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature. The 2016 Camaro coupe and convertible will be produced at General Motors’ Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Lansing, Mich.