2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Review and Specifications

The Camaro, born 40 years ago as Chevrolet’s reply to the pioneering Ford Mustang, is coming out of retirement (since 2002) for a new fight with the namesake ponycar. It’s set to bow for 2009 in at least two coupe models-V-6 and V-8, perhaps called RS and SS, respectively. Convertible versions join up for 2010. Chevrolet confirmed these plans after splashy concept previews at the 2006 and ‘07 Detroit Auto Shows. Recalling the days when the Big Three were still big players, Dodge is reviving its Nixon-era Challenger (1970-74) for 2008.

General Motors decided to bring back Camaro when the redesigned 2005 Mustang fast proved a hot seller. But Mustang sales have lately cooled, despite the addition of potent pump-primers like the Shelby GT500. Blame record gas prices and renewed public concern over what thirsty vehicles do to the environment. Ford Motor Company’s many well-publicized travails are another factor. All this leads some industry-watchers to think the new Camaro could end up chasing a vanishing market, especially as GM still has troubles of its own.

Convertible or coupe, the reborn Camaros will be much like the concepts, only less exaggerated. Wheels, for instance, will probably be no larger than 20 inches max, versus the show cars’ 21s and 22s. Trim and paint will be toned down too. Otherwise, styling will be the concept blend of today’s Chevy Corvette and cues from the 1969 Camaro, resulting in a more-modern look than either the current Mustang or upcoming Dodge Challenger. The new Camaros should also hew closely to concept dimensions. That means about 7.5 inches more wheelbase than the 2002 models, a similar amount trimmed from overall length, and about 5.5 inches more width. These changes should produce a roomier four-seat cockpit, though space in back (and in the trunks) will remain tight.

2010 Jaguar XKR and Jaguar XK

Jaguar has premiered the new generation of the 2010 Jaguar XKR and the 2010 XK at Detroit Auto Show. Both models of the 2010 Jaguar XKR and the new XK meet the Euro 5 emissions standard.

2010 Jaguar XKR gets acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds as it’s powered by a new generation of the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that develops 510PS and 625Nm of torque. While the 2010 Jaguar XK is able to get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds acceleration time as it’s powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine that outputs 385PS and 515Nm of torque.

2010 Jaguar XKR price for the coupe model will starts at 72,400 pounds, and the price will goes up to 78,400 pounds for the convertible model.

2010 Jaguar XK price for the coupe model will starts at 59,900 pounds, and for the convertible the price is at 65,900 pounds.

Press Release
The new generation of XK and XKR coupe and convertibles, with all-new V8 engines, deliver more power and performance with greater efficiency for 2010 Model Year. With interior enhancements, advanced lightweight aluminum body structure and a wider range of models, plus the new luxurious ‘Portfolio’ model, the new XK and XKR build on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar.

The all-new AJ-V8 Gen III direct-injection engines are the most advanced and efficient petrol engines Jaguar has ever produced.

The XKR features a 5.0-litre supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 510PS (510bhp, SAE), 625Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The XK features a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated AJ-V8 Gen III delivering 385PS (385bhp SAE), 515Nm of torque propelling it to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Both models have improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions which meet the forthcoming EU5 emissions legislation.

Exterior changes for the XK and XKR include a distinctive and purposeful new front end design, new LED rear lights and a new lower rear body valance. Inside the cabin, both the XK and XKR feature the exciting, user-friendly JaguarDrive Selector™ that was first seen on the XF to further enhance the XK’s luxury sporting character.

There are now three models in the range: XK, XK Portfolio and XKR. The XK is priced from £59,900 for the coupe and £65,900 for the convertible and the XKR starts from £72,400 for the coupe and £78,400 for the convertible. These models are available from late March.

2010 Lexus IS 250 Convertible

Preview: 2010 Lexus IS 250 Convertible

With BMW squarely in its sights, the drop-top version of Lexus' hot sedan drew crowds at the Paris auto show. But the early reaction we overheard at the show indicates a polarized opinion of the car's styling. There's no doubt, however, it's a technological masterpiece, with its choice of two V-6s -- 204-horsepower or 306-horsepower -- and a three-panel aluminum roof that operates in just 21 seconds. The design is similar but different to the sedan, as just the mirrors, headlamps, hood and door handles are the only components shared by the two models. Perhaps it's the extended rear overhang, designed to deal with the folding top, that turns off some observers, but we'd be happy to be seen cruising PCH in the sporty drop-top after it goes on sale late in the first quarter of 2009.

Why it Matters

The Lexus IS 250 convertible is a hardtop convertible based on the IS 250 sedan. While the Lexus IS 250 Convertible is a two-door, Lexus has no intentions of releasing a coupe version of the IS 250, only the hardtop convertible and sedan versions. The Toyota luxury brand has made a point of going after the European luxury market and looks like it is now ready to take on the likes of the BMW 3-Series Convertible and the Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible. If the past is any indication of what the future will be like with a Lexus IS 250 Convertible in the mix, the Europeans should be worried.

What it Looks Like

What it looks like with the hardtop in place at least is a Lexus IS 250, minus two doors of course. When the hardtop is folded it will eat into the trunk and rear seat room, but it will have a rear seat, so the proportions should be about the same with longer doors making up the difference and easing access into the rear seats.

What's Under the Skin

All we really know at this point is the IS 250 will come with the Lexus 2.5-liter V-6; thanks Lexus for that easy-to-use numbering system. Speculation is that an IS 350 will follow with the obligatory 3.5-liter V-6 and Lexus enthusiasts are hoping for a V-8 powered IS-F convertible to join the fray as well

What We Think

Convertibles rock, even more so when they are retractable hardtop convertibles. With the best of top down fun and hardtop security all rolled into one package we’re sure the Lexus IS 250 convertible will be a hit and give the BMW 3-Series Convertible and the Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible a run for their money. Although it is still likely to be a pricey proposition, it should come in at a better price making it a value as well.

Toyota Prius stays on top in mileage

The new-for-2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C are convertibles and the first open-top models in the IS line. With styling reminiscent of the IS sedans, a power-operated hardtop roof that opens or closes in a scant 20 seconds, seats for four, V-6 engines and lots of features, the new convertibles are easy transporters that provide a bonus — a suntan.

Among luxury cars with retractable hardtops, the IS convertibles might be considered affordable, if a price of $40,000 or so can be defined that way.

Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $39,365 for an IS 250C with 204-horsepower V-6 and manual transmission. Add $1,170 for an IS 250C with automatic.

But arguably the best of the bunch is the IS 350C, with its larger, 306-horsepower V-6. Starting retail price, including destination charge, for a 2010 IS 350C is $44,815. This model comes only with an automatic transmission.

These prices compare with the $44,715 starting retail price of the Infiniti G37 Convertible with 325-horsepower V-6 and shift-it-yourself automatic that debuted in 2009, and the $45,375 starting retail price for a 2009 BMW 328i Convertible with 230-horsepower, six-cylinder engine and manual transmission. With automatic, the BMW price rises to $46,700.

Neither Infiniti nor BMW has announced 2010 prices on their convertibles.

The rear-wheel drive IS debuted about a decade ago as Lexus' smallest car. It was oriented more to younger buyers who want luxury and who might buy a BMW.

The IS was one of the few Lexus vehicles to offer a manual transmission, but sales never reached the levels of BMW's long-popular 3-Series.

2011 Camaro Convertible

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible appears to be speeding toward reality, according to Chevrolet Vice President Brent Dewar. He said in a Web chat on the GM FastLane blog late Wednesday that the convertible was privately shown to Chevy dealers this week.

"We are working on the specific timing, but it will come out soon," Dewar wrote.

There were fears that GM would scrap the model as a cost-cutting measure. Dewar was asked if Chevrolet will bring back the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 in 2011, and his response was not encouraging.

"We have not officially decided to bring back the Camaro Z28," he said.

The wide-ranging Web chat covered the plans for a variety of Chevrolet products, including a retail version of the Chevrolet Caprice, as well as the GM brand's plans for the 2009 SEMA Auto Show and upcoming auto shows. Regarding SEMA, Dewar said look for "cool Camaros," without giving any more detail.

"We are finalizing our plan right now [for upcoming auto shows]," he wrote. "Look for [the Chevrolet] Cruze] at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show], more news on our cool small and compact cars throughout the year."

2010 Lexus IS Convertible

2010 Lexus IS350 Convertible

February in Chicago would hardly seem like the appropriate backdrop for the debuting a new convertible but that's exactly where Lexus unveiled the new IS. Fortunately the conditions for the IS-C's on-sale date and first drives are somewhat more amenable to top down motoring. We recently had a chance to spend some time with the new IS convertible in both IS250 and IS350 forms.

Like the existing Lexus SC460, chief rival the Infiniti G37, and of course the BMW 3-series, the new IS C has a retractable hard-top that folds into the trunk. The IS is the second best selling model in the Lexus lineup and in the segment it competes in having a convertible seems a natural fit. Come along for the ride and find out if the IS convertible is for you.




In this case Lexus beefed up the structure around the front of the doors, the windshield frame along the rocker panels. Large new cross-members were added under the rear seat cushion and behind the seat head rests. That rear beam features a pair of fixed steel roll-bars in the unlikely event that the IS goes wheels up.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible power drive

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible





While Ford has been introducing a countless string of Mustangs that appeal to nearly every enthusiast on the planet, Chevrolet has had to make due with only three versions of the Corvette (five if you count both coupes and convertibles). Well, for 2010, Chevrolet is adding a new model to the mix, the Corvette Grand Sport. Bridging the gap between the base Corvette and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport – unlike the aluminum chassis Z06 and ZR1 – is available in both coupe and convertible form, giving 'Vette lovers another way to enjoy motoring al fresco.




After spending a few hours at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds wringing out the GS on track back in August, we finally managed to snag some significant street time in a Crystal Red Grand Sport convertible. Lo and behold, when we looked inside we found a manual transmission, meaning this particular Grand Sport is packing the new-for-2010 launch control system. So now it's time to find out if this newest 'Vette variant is as livable on the road as it is fun on the track.