Camaro, Challenger Convertibles Canceled

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: November 13th, 2008

Motor Trend reports that the hot new convertible versions of the hot new Camaro and Challenger have been canceled, falling victim to GM and Chrysler’s new emergency-mode priorities. It seems the Challenger was not designed with a ragtop version in mind, and re-engineering the LX platform would simply cost more money than Cerberus wants to fork over. Meanwhile, GM is being characteristically disingenuous, claiming that the Camaro convertible is simply “on hold.” At this point, it’s safe to consider the whole Camaro project in limbo, as the hardtop doesn’t debut until the first quarter of next year. As fast as things are happening right now, don’t be surprised if GM goes down before a single Camaro hits the showroom floor. Or, if wishful thinking is your cup of Knob Creek, heed the words of MT who reckon “If GM’s situation improves, Chevrolet could return the Camaro convertible to its product plans for the 2011 model year, just in time to add a fresh new version of the car.” Or, as we are fond of saying around here, not. Meanwhile Ford dealers are cheering this news, after enduring a tough year of declining Mustang sales. As the old industry saying goes, a muscle car at the dealership is worth two being endlessly teased around the autoblogosphere.

Edward Niedermeyer

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Mikey on Mar 18, 2009

Yesterday Camaros went into production right? Wrong!System fill started in early Feb.To avoid mistakes the ramp up has been very slow.I saw a pilot rag top,it was actually topless,but the dies have been made,I think. I left the plant in Dec,never to return.But talking to folks in stamping,Camaro body side runs are 1000 at a time.Thats a lot of Camaros!

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Golden2husky on Mar 18, 2009
Muscle cars are dinosaurs from a previous automotive age. The decision for build these antiques shows the incompetence of 2.8 management... Couldn't agree LESS. These cars were not meant to be the saviors of the company. They are just part of what should be a well rounded portfolio of vehicles. The problem is that much of the rest of the portfolio is lacking. If the convertible is near ready, do it. The Z28 is done; you're not going to get anything out of the R&D if you don't build anything.

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