With the transformation from coupe to convertible, some cars change dramatically. One vehicle that first comes to mind is the Infiniti G37. We have had both coupe and hardtop convertible forms in our hands. Although Infiniti did a great job of keeping performance of the convertible on par with the coupe, the convertible’s extra weight was perceptible, its structure was noticeably less rigid, and the trunk was useless (well, at least nearly useless). Chevrolet’s convertible pony car is not like the Infiniti.

We found only one glaring negative from the conversion from coupe to convertible on our 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible test car (more on that later). But, first, let’s look at what it does right. The coupe’s classic looks, rigid qualities, feeling of power, direct steering, grip on the road, and passenger space have all been retained. This wasn’t an accident. An unconventional folding cloth top and a large strut tower brace in the engine bay are just two of the evident modifications that Chevy engineers employed to keep the two close to similar, and we are sure there are many more hidden details.

With the top up, the Camaro looked as sleek as (and maybe even better than) the coupe; it is a large triumphant for GM. The convertible’s top hinges at two spots to form a Z before being squeezed flat into a cubby behind the rear seats. During this process, the cloth top disconnects from the two cant rails. The front of the top forms the top the Z that becomes the flat plane between the top of the trunklid and the back of the rear chairs while the two cant rails slide into a space on the either side of the two rear chairs. Everything can be masked by a tonneau cover that we never once bothered to install, and we don’t believe owners will either.

Follow the jump for the rest of the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible review including specs and more pictures.

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