2010 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible by NCE First Drive Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 14, 2009

2:37 min

The only thing more iconic than an American muscle car deep staging at a drag strip is a topless American muscle car winding its way along the Pacific Ocean. This 2010 Camaro Convertible by Newport Convertible Engineering can do both -- and we�re lucky enough to get behind the wheel for this prototype�s maiden voyage.

NCE has done more than just chopped the roof off a stock Camaro SS. Changes include custom grille work and massive Forgiato (4 gzh-auto) wheels -22s up front and even larger 24s out back. If it all looks a little garish, consider that this Camaro Convertible by NCE will debut at this year�s SEMA show in Las Vegas and it suddenly seems subtle.

While much of the Camaro convertible is untouched, there are a few compromises forced by the folding, power-operated fabric top. Rear seats are a bit narrower and there�s no longer access to the trunk from the rear seat.

At speed when the top is down, the cabin remains remarkably quiet and there�s very little wind buffeting. During our drive on all types of road surfaces, we noticed a tiny bit of cowl shake over large bumps but some production convertibles like the Chrysler Sebring are even worse � plus, these huge wheels and tires might look cool but they don�t help ride quality.

To keep noise and the weather out, the top is constructed of fine German canvas with an insulated suede headliner. Lowering the power top takes about 10 seconds and is as simple as releasing two latches and pressing a rocker switch.

A glass rear window with a defroster is part of the package, although to simplify the installation of the soft top�s operating mechanism, the rear quarter windows have been removed. Though NCE has reinforced the Camaro�s structure and added the top mechanism, it says the conversion adds virtually no extra weight.

The price for all this top down fun? NCE says it�ll be around $16,000 , but you provide the Camaro. This car is just a prototype so we expect some improvements and changes. What we can�t say for sure is when, or if, Chevrolet will offer its own Camaro convertible. Until then, for drivers who want a modern American muscle car that can double as a topless beach Cruiser, NCE has got them covered.