2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Apr 23, 2024, 1:01pm ET

With muscular looks, a tire-scorching V8 and the wind-in-your-hair driving experience that only a convertible can provide, the drop-top Camaro SS is a recipe for big fun. It's also refined enough for the daily commute and sufficiently spacious to carry four passengers in a pinch.

Those looking for a fuel-sipping drop-top should check out the V6-equipped Camaro Convertible, which returns 28 mpg on the highway.

Overview

The Camaro's cloth top is fully power-operated and can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. When down, it takes up about a quarter of the trunk, although there's still 7.3 cubic feet of room left over.

When you chop off the roof of a vehicle a significant source of structural rigidity is lost, but the new Camaro was engineered with the convertible in mind, so there's no cowl shake or other tangible feelings of absent rigidity.

Staying true to its decades-old formula, the latest Camaro SS comes packing a Chevrolet small block V8 underhood. But unlike Chevy small blocks of yore, the 6.2L V8 in the latest Camaro SS comes packing the latest technologies, including direct-injection, variable valve timing and active fuel management. As a result, the Camaro SS generates 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.

The Camaro SS comes standard with a six-speed transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is optional. When equipped with the available eight-speed auto, the Camaro SS can accelerate from 0-60 in just 4.0-seconds. Despite that blazing performance, the Camaro SS eight-speed can return 18mpg in the city and up to 28mpg on the highway.

The Camaro SS makes use of General Motors latest Alpha rear-wheel drive platform. In addition to being more rigid than the Camaro's old Zeta platform, the new Alfa architecture has helped shave a significant 223 pounds from the Camaro SS' curb weight.

Other performance upgrades packaged with the SS trim include a rear spoiler, four-piston Brembo brakes, a limited-slip rear differential and added cooling systems for the car's differential, transmission and engine oil. GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension system can be added to the Camaro SS for an additional charge.

The latest Camaro SS shares most of its exterior styling with the standard Camaro model, but the performance version of the pony car does boast a few unique design cues, including standard HID headlights with LED accents, LED taillights and 20-inch wheels. The Camaro SS ships standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a configurable driver information center. A rear cross-traffic alert system is optional but really should be standard given the Camaro's poor outward visibility.

The 1SS trim is the entry point into the Chevrolet Camaro SS lineup and includes a six-speaker audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, OnStar, power-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery and USB ports.

The top spec Camaro SS 2SS trim adds leather upholstery, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, front bucks with heating a ventilation, universal home remote, a 7-speaker premium Bose audio system and dual-zone climate control.

Occupant Safety

All Camaro SS models come standard with a comprehensive safety suite that includes six standard airbags (including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger), StabiliTrack electronic stability control and OnStar automatic crash response. A rear-view camera is also standard.

Key Competitors

The only similarly priced, V8-powered open-air alternative to the Camaro SS is the Ford Mustang GT Convertible. The athletic Nissan 370Z Roadster is another worthy rival, while the Audi TT Roadster is a stylish but less powerful option.