Due to some major computer issues, SCORPIO'S GARAGE is taking necessary pause in blogging. I hope to have this computer back in use in about 2-3 weeks. thank you for understanding.
Bob Yeager
This is a blog, dedicated to anything to do with the automobile. I'll bring you things like my favorites in a list by importance, different cars, different days. my take on certain cars and their affect on history. I hope to expand my content as ideas come to me.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Barricade Returns to ‘Transformers 5′ as a New Ford Mustang
BOLD RIDE
Meet the all-new Barricade, a 2016 Ford Mustang police car with even more aggressive styling than before.
The character’s new design was revealed on Twitter by actor Josh Duhamel, who returns to play Lt. Colonel William Lenox in Transformers: The Last Knight, writing “I thought we’d already put this bad cop away.”
Appearing in 2007’s Transformers, Barricade was originally portrayed by a Saleen S281 Extreme Ford Mustang, which featured a faux police livery with tongue-in-cheek parodies of police slogans; for instance, “To punish and enslave.” The Decepticon Mustang plays arch-rival to Bumblebee, an Autobot Chevrolet Camaro.
It’s unclear as of yet if the latest iteration of Barricade also sports Saleen Mustang styling, however the new character does not disappoint with over-the-top visual flair, featuring large hood scoops, an aggressive bull bar, and a rakish rear wing. Just last week, director Michael Bay revealed the all-new Bumblebee Camaro for the new film.
Can’t wait to see the Autobots and Decepticons face-off again on screen? Transformers: The Last Knight hits theaters in 2017.
All-New Elemental RP1 is Ready to Show Off at Goodwood
BOLD RIDE
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
Posted by
Two years ago, we got our first look at the Elemental RP1, a new track toy from some of the best racing engineers on the planet. Now, there’s finally a production version of the British sports car, and it’s set to make its debut at this year’s GoodWood Festival of Speed.
It took the company four years to develop the RP1 at its facility in Hambledon Hampshire in the UK. Now that it’s ready, what better way to show off the company’s hard work than with a debut at Goodwood’s hill climb event.
Elemental Technical Director and Founder John Begley said, “The RP1 has been designed and developed to deliver a thrilling driving experience no matter if it’s on road or track. The collective sum of the adjustments we’ve made to make the production car amounts to a fundamental leap in terms of quality, driving dynamics, performance and safety over its forebear.”
Power comes from one of two turbocharged Ecoboost engines. There’s a 180-horsepower, 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder that does 0-60 in 3.2 seconds or a 320-horsepower, and a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder with a 2.8 second 0-60 time. Either way, you’re looking at one fast car that should bring some excitement to this year’s Goodwood.
Steve Saleen’s Personal S7 Supercar is For Sale
BOLD RIDE
If you’re in the market for something affordable, efficient, and capable…then this definitely isn’t the car for you. If, however, you are looking to get a rarely-seen supercar with some American roots and gobs of power, then you might want to take a look at this 2003 Saleen S7 that’s currently up for auction on eBay with a ‘Buy It Now’ price of $599,995.
This S7 is 24 of only 78 examples that were ever built. Not only is it an extremely limited edition, it was owned by the man who built it, Steve Saleen, who made sure to sign the door so everyone knows it was his baby, at one point or another.
It seems like he had other things to do, though, rather than ride around in his fancy supercar. There are only 1,748 miles on the odometer. The car looks to be in superb condition, and will be quite the catch for the right buyer. The highlights include a 7.0-liter V8 with a black leather interior, matching black wheels, and a manual gearbox.
You’ll find Steve Saleen’s signature on the bottom of the driver’s side door where it’s clearly visible when you flip it open to get inside, perfect for showing off at cars and coffee. Though pretty and powerful, this unique piece of American automotive history won’t come cheap.
Posted by
This S7 is 24 of only 78 examples that were ever built. Not only is it an extremely limited edition, it was owned by the man who built it, Steve Saleen, who made sure to sign the door so everyone knows it was his baby, at one point or another.
It seems like he had other things to do, though, rather than ride around in his fancy supercar. There are only 1,748 miles on the odometer. The car looks to be in superb condition, and will be quite the catch for the right buyer. The highlights include a 7.0-liter V8 with a black leather interior, matching black wheels, and a manual gearbox.
You’ll find Steve Saleen’s signature on the bottom of the driver’s side door where it’s clearly visible when you flip it open to get inside, perfect for showing off at cars and coffee. Though pretty and powerful, this unique piece of American automotive history won’t come cheap.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
This ’69 Ford Mustang is a Lesson in Tasteful Modification
BOLD RIDE
Posted by
In 1969, Ford rolled out its famed “Mach 1” performance package for the redesigned Ford Mustang. It was a move that essentially killed-off the original “GT” trim, but brought road racy appeal with its super aggressive styling cues and plethora of available engines. In fact, over 70,000 were sold in its first year… and this was allegedly one of them.
Except, it isn’t exactly what you’d call a “stock” Mach 1 any longer. Beginning in 2008, this ’69 Mach 1 Mustang underwent a serious pro-touring restoration, subtly updating and honing the rakish looks that made these Mach 1s such street fighters. In total, it cost a claimed $175,000 from start to finish.
Now, it’s up for sale on eBay and asking significantly less. And oh yeah… there’s a 786 horsepower V8 under the hood.
Then again, if you’re going to pull-off the pro-touring look, you might as well be able to back it up with big power under-the-hood power.
The Mach 1’s blacked-out (and scooped) hood lifts up to reveal a punchy 363ci Ford Racing V8, recessed a few inches further into the engine bay for better weight balance and gear shifter positioning. And it’s far from stock. The V8 now comes equipped with a massive 80mm Borg Warner turbocharger and an equally large intercooler. The resultant 786 ponies flow through a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox (à la Dodge Viper fame) and head to a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Putting that power to the ground is a custom front suspension nicked from the SN-95 generation of Ford Mustangs (’94 to ’04) and a specially tuned Total Control leaf spring rear end.
On the outside, the owner notes the car was built with some inspiration from George Follmer’s famous Ford Mustang Trans Am race car, with a few custom liberties taken, of course. The body mods include a custom grille, bigger trunk spoiler, front splitter, and eye-catching Shelby wheels, among other changes.
Inside, the Mustang keeps its racing attitude at a minimum. The interior looks generally of the period, apart from the Momo steering wheel, modern instruments in their original gauge cluster, roll cage, and racing harnesses.
While intended to function both as a street and track car, there’s been extensive customization to create a better driving position, including modified floor pans and a new steering column, not to mention the recessed drivetrain. All in all, rifling through those gears ought to be quite the pleasure.
Like it? The Mach 1 turned pro-touring restomod asks $99,000.
Posted by
Except, it isn’t exactly what you’d call a “stock” Mach 1 any longer. Beginning in 2008, this ’69 Mach 1 Mustang underwent a serious pro-touring restoration, subtly updating and honing the rakish looks that made these Mach 1s such street fighters. In total, it cost a claimed $175,000 from start to finish.
Now, it’s up for sale on eBay and asking significantly less. And oh yeah… there’s a 786 horsepower V8 under the hood.
Then again, if you’re going to pull-off the pro-touring look, you might as well be able to back it up with big power under-the-hood power.
The Mach 1’s blacked-out (and scooped) hood lifts up to reveal a punchy 363ci Ford Racing V8, recessed a few inches further into the engine bay for better weight balance and gear shifter positioning. And it’s far from stock. The V8 now comes equipped with a massive 80mm Borg Warner turbocharger and an equally large intercooler. The resultant 786 ponies flow through a T-56 six-speed manual gearbox (à la Dodge Viper fame) and head to a Torsen limited-slip differential.
Putting that power to the ground is a custom front suspension nicked from the SN-95 generation of Ford Mustangs (’94 to ’04) and a specially tuned Total Control leaf spring rear end.
On the outside, the owner notes the car was built with some inspiration from George Follmer’s famous Ford Mustang Trans Am race car, with a few custom liberties taken, of course. The body mods include a custom grille, bigger trunk spoiler, front splitter, and eye-catching Shelby wheels, among other changes.
Inside, the Mustang keeps its racing attitude at a minimum. The interior looks generally of the period, apart from the Momo steering wheel, modern instruments in their original gauge cluster, roll cage, and racing harnesses.
While intended to function both as a street and track car, there’s been extensive customization to create a better driving position, including modified floor pans and a new steering column, not to mention the recessed drivetrain. All in all, rifling through those gears ought to be quite the pleasure.
Like it? The Mach 1 turned pro-touring restomod asks $99,000.
You Want To Live in This Van Down by the River
BOLD RIDE
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
Previously owned by an electrician in Vermont, the van itself is nothing fancy, and Both picked it up off Craigslist for just $4,000. New tires and some needed repairs required roughly another $3,000 going into it, and then around $5,000 on top of that for the tools, and materials required for the conversion. That brought the total to around $12,000, not factoring in fridge and solar power unit that Both bartered for, which would bump the total up to $15,000.
That’s nothing to sniff at for most folks, and Both admits that it was more than he planned on spending. But he feels that it was well worth it since the project was more than just building out a camper van, it was a design exercise and a learning experience.
Once you see inside the van, it immediately becomes apparent that all his hard work paid off. The custom built cabinets and kitchenette are among the best I’ve been in a van, and using the same reclaimed wood on the ceiling was a great touch to tie the space together. The window panels have been modified to open outward, which is helpful in eliminating that funky smell most camper vans seem to acquire after a few trips, and they’ve also been fitted with chalkboard on the inside for note taking, storyboarding, or just doodling.
Having the oversize futon right at the rear of the van is a great move, I’m sure few things are better than being able to pop the rear doors open and roll right out of bed to start the day. Another smart touch is having all the spice jars screwed to the underside of the stove cover, just goes to show how much thought was put into the design.
Although it wasn’t a super cheap build, going this route was definitely more affordable than many of the alternatives, like a Sportsmobile or VW Eurovan. Besides, as Both points out on his website The Vanual, there are a number of ways to cut costs if you have a smaller budget to work with. Having an adventuremobile like this in the garage has always been appealing, but with all the amenities included in this build, maybe there’s no need for the garage at all.
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
When filmmaker Zach Both bought this 2003 Chevy Express in the summer of 2014, he didn’t have much experience with carpentry, let alone converting a cargo van into a live/work space. But that didn’t stop him from undertaking the project, and after a year of working on it whenever possible, he ended up with one impressive setup.
That’s nothing to sniff at for most folks, and Both admits that it was more than he planned on spending. But he feels that it was well worth it since the project was more than just building out a camper van, it was a design exercise and a learning experience.
Once you see inside the van, it immediately becomes apparent that all his hard work paid off. The custom built cabinets and kitchenette are among the best I’ve been in a van, and using the same reclaimed wood on the ceiling was a great touch to tie the space together. The window panels have been modified to open outward, which is helpful in eliminating that funky smell most camper vans seem to acquire after a few trips, and they’ve also been fitted with chalkboard on the inside for note taking, storyboarding, or just doodling.
Having the oversize futon right at the rear of the van is a great move, I’m sure few things are better than being able to pop the rear doors open and roll right out of bed to start the day. Another smart touch is having all the spice jars screwed to the underside of the stove cover, just goes to show how much thought was put into the design.
Although it wasn’t a super cheap build, going this route was definitely more affordable than many of the alternatives, like a Sportsmobile or VW Eurovan. Besides, as Both points out on his website The Vanual, there are a number of ways to cut costs if you have a smaller budget to work with. Having an adventuremobile like this in the garage has always been appealing, but with all the amenities included in this build, maybe there’s no need for the garage at all.
This 1988 Mercedes G Wagon Has Survived 172 Countries, Over 500,000 Miles
BOLD RIDE
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
Posted by
The idea of traveling the world and witnessing all the wonders it has to offer is a dream for some. For others, it’s a reality—a reality that’s rarely accomplished using just one vehicle. Gunther Holtorf lived out of the back of his 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for 23 years, and had one incredible world adventure.
Holtorf has taken his indestructible G-Wagon, Otto, across 172 sovereign countries, 17 dependent territories, six special territories, five de-facto states, and over 511,000 miles (823,000 kilometers). Notable locales include Tibet, Mt. Everest, and North Korea, making him the first westerner to drive into the communist state.
You may be wondering why you’ve never seen his adventures. It’s probably because he’s not sharing them the way you might expect. He has no mobile phone, no blog, no Facebook, and no Twitter. He’s not sponsored by anyone—for fear of putting stickers on his beloved Otto—and lives out of his car, so he doesn’t even have to make stops in hotels.
As for the Benz, he said it has been a champ. There’s never been a breakdown and it’s even still running with the same transmission. By the end of the journey, Mercedes-Benz will give it a good home at its museum in Stuttgart.
“The car was built in July 1988,” he tells Outside Online. “It cost 30,000 Euros. I’m still driving it. It’s not only the same car; it’s the same car with the same components. It has the original gearbox—never touched, never opened. The original transfer case—never touched, never opened. And also the original axles and differentials. It now has exactly 823,000 kilometers.”
Holtorf’s car has seen more of the world than most human beings. Pretty amazing.
This Might be the Cleanest Jeep FC-150 You’ll Ever Find
BOLD RIDE
Jeep loves going all out on its Moab Easter Safari concept cars. This year was no exception; aside from an insane 707-horsepower Wrangler, the plucky little FC-150 was the star of the show. Of course, it was artfully restored and given plenty of love before the annual, off-road adventure.
This one was built in 1958, and only 11,595 miles read on the odometer. That’s insanely low for a car this old and this rare. The President Red and Plantation white exterior looks straight from the factory, as do the wheels and tires. Though, you have to imagine that most everything on this car has been restored considerably given the lifespan, even without the dealer outright saying it.
With a current bid of $14,600 (per this writing), it’s not even that expensive. If you’re looking to snag a handsome piece of Jeep history, look no further than this. But hurry, there are only a few hours left to bid.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Mercedes is Bringing the Epic G550 4×4² to the U.S. in 2017
BOLD RIDE
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
Until recently, Mercedes-Benz has kept its most knife-edged and hardcore off-road models from U.S. shores. Both the jaw-dropping G63 AMG 6×6 pickup truck, of which only 100 were built, and the rugged 4×4 it spawned—the G500 4×4² (4×4 squared).
Though its moniker has changed, thankfully its technical bits haven’t. Under its tough ladder frame chassis you’ll still find the DNA that makes this special G-Class unique from all the rest, it’s high-riding portal axles. Move over, average person.
Billed as the most capable G-Class SUV ever, the G550 4×4²’s portal axles allow for vastly improved performance off-road, due to their relocation of the axle above the wheel centers, via a series of reduction gears located in the wheel hub.
Over the standard G550, the G550 4×4² offers drastically improved approach and departure angles (51.6 and 43.8 degrees, versus 30 degrees before at both ends), as well as a huge 17 inches of ground clearance and the ability to safely wade through 3.3 feet of water.
The engine charged with providing this colossal SUV with oomph is Mercedes’ big 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which offers comparable performance to the standard model, 416 horsepower and a torquey 450 lb.-ft. of torque.
Beginning in 2017, its contemporaries in the G-Class lineup will include the standard Mercedes G550 (starts at $119,900), the 563 horsepower AMG G63 ($139,900), and the V12-powered AMG G65 ($217,900).
Originally developed solely for military use in 1972, the G-Class SUV has since become a favorite of both adventurers and luxury car buyers alike. Since its inception, Mercedes has hand built over 250,000 G-Class SUVs at its factory in Graz, Austria.
The price of the new-to-the-USA G550 4×4²? Mercedes says that’s to be determined, though it will likely sit atop the model range ($200,000-plus). Mercedes has said these brutal SUVs will arrive at US dealerships by early 2017.
Pictured: 2016 Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² (European model)
First Edition Jaguar F-Pace Shows Up on eBay, Only One of 200
BOLD RIDE
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
If you’ve been looking forward to Jaguar‘s new luxury SUV, then here’s your chance to get your hands on one…like, right now. The owner of this First Edition Jaguar F-Pace wasted no time in putting it up for auction on eBay.
It also has a 380-horsepower engine that should add to the fun factor. Only 200 of these were built, so they’re not easy to come by in such small quantities. Place your bid and you could end up with this beauty all for your own.
You Can’t Help But Love This 1967 VW Beetle Pickup Truck Conversion
BOLD RIDE
Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
Custom cars tend to get a lot of flak. One person’s perception of what’s “cool” typically doesn’t align universally with the rest of the world’s, which explains oddities likes this. But when done well, they can truly shine, and this grin-inducing 1967 Volkswagen Beetle pickup truck appears to be one such car—er…truck.
Its conversion from sedan to pickup is said to have taken place in the 1980s, admittedly a period when vintage unmodified Beetles weren’t worth bags and bags of money, and it has survived quite well to see the light of day in 2016. Like it? The claimed two-owner VW recently turned up on Craigslist in the small town of Ellijay, Georgia.
VW Beetles, in effect, offer the perfect blank canvas for custom car modifications. They we’re originally cheap to buy, reliable, simple to modify, and robustly engineered. And over the decades the plucky Beetle has spawned countless custom cars—from sports cars like the Bianco S to off-roaders like the iconic Baja Beetles. The pickup truck conversion is a bit less common by comparison, but rather more functional.
Inside, the carpet and dashboard seem nicely finished, as do the re-trimmed seats. The owner notes plenty of upkeep and maintenance items recently completed since 2013. Its asking price? Just $6,000.
Sure, some may call foul—the 1967 VW Beetle was an important transition year between styles, featuring new headlights, rear back-up lights, deck lid, bumper overriders, review mirrors, and 12-volt electrics, among other changes—but even collectors can’t argue that an aged Beetle still on the road is better than one left languishing in the bush.
What do you think, Internets?
Mazda 6 Redefines the Term ‘Swag Wagon’ Riding On Vossen Wheels
That’ s right, I just used the words ‘swag’ in a headline, conjuring up my inner 13-year old. But it’s hard not to describe this Mazda 6 wagon a such. The stance, the wheels, the presence, the colors—everything about this car screams ‘swag,’ for lack of a better word.
This lovely, lowered Mazda 6 hails from Japan (making it actually an Atenza), and it’s been lovingly tuned, giving it a more aggressive personality, and some handsome lines. The most noticeable new features being at ground level.
The Mazda is fitted with Vossen’s Flow Formed Series VFS-2 wheels; 20×10” on both the front and rear. Finished in an eye-catching gold, this car was one of the standouts at the Vossen owners meet in Japan this past January. And for good reason.
Though it is wonderfully pretty—even in stock form—sadly, you can’t buy a Mazda 6 wagon in America. It’s a shame, I’m sure there would be some amazing aftermarket specials for a car like that here in the U.S. For now, we have things like this to keep our wagon fetish satisfied.
The Mazda is fitted with Vossen’s Flow Formed Series VFS-2 wheels; 20×10” on both the front and rear. Finished in an eye-catching gold, this car was one of the standouts at the Vossen owners meet in Japan this past January. And for good reason.
Though it is wonderfully pretty—even in stock form—sadly, you can’t buy a Mazda 6 wagon in America. It’s a shame, I’m sure there would be some amazing aftermarket specials for a car like that here in the U.S. For now, we have things like this to keep our wagon fetish satisfied.
Friday, June 10, 2016
$55,000 Jannarelly Design-1 Roadster Shows Up in the Sheet Metal
BOLD RIDE
The Jannarelly Desgin-1 roadster ws announced back in December as a digital rendering. Now it’s finally made its world debut. The concept is the brainchild of Anthony Jannarelly, the same man behind the W Motors Lykan Hypersport and Fenyr SuperSport. His latest creation is no less striking.
The Jannarelly Design-1 made its debut recently in Dubai at two separate events. It first appeared at Tomini Classics on May 25, at a private event. Two days later, it was followed by a public debut at Le Trésor classic car café, so everyone in the area could get a good look.
It’s a truly stunning vehicle that looks like it should cost a lot more than it actually does. They’ve already figured out European distribution through Marcassus Sport who also handles Lotus. Negotiations are in progress for North America as well, so if we’re just a little bit patient, we’ll get our chance, too.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat Gets Dirty With a ‘Rustcat’ Wrap
BOLD RIDE
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know exactly what the Dodge Challenger Hellcat is capable of. This 707-horsepower beast is an object of lust for any auto enthusiast. But when is the look of a standard Hellcat not enough? One company has taken the standard, gloss finish of the Challenger Hellcat, and given it a new look they’re calling ‘Rustcat.”
There’s only the slightest bit of color to accent this design; bright blue brake calipers peak out from under bronzed wheels, and a snarling Hellcat graces the rear quarter panels. It might be rusted, but the Rustcat is a thing of beauty.
This isn’t the first time Skepple has taken a new car and made it look better with a wrap that roughs it up. They’ve done Camaros, Porsches, and everything in between (pictured above). There’s even a modern Dodge Charger with an old-school General Lee wrap that looks like it’s been in a few demolition derbies.‘Rustcat,’ though, might be the coolest one so far.
Cheaper Tesla Model S 60 and 60D Now Available
BOLD RIDE
Elon Musk has been talking about more a affordable Tesla for quite a bit. And while his definition of ‘affordable’ tends to differ from that of the average person, he is true to his word; two new lower cost models have arrived. And no, I’m not talking about the Model 3.
The $66,000 Model S 60, and $71,000 Model S 60D can be ordered on the Tesla website as of yesterday. I know what you’re thinking, Tesla fans, “wait, the Model S 60 isn’t new!” And technically, you’d be correct. The Model S 60 was already a thing. But it was replaced by the 70D in 2015, and now has returned as the true base model in the lineup.The new Model S 60 is rear-wheel-drive, has a range of 210 miles, and will zip from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Instead of using a 60kWh battery as was done previously, the Model S 60 now uses the same 75kWh battery as the 60D and 70D, but is limited by software programming.
This is a smart move on Tesla’s part, because it means that buyers of the 60 and 60D will have the option to unlock more performance down the road as buyers of the 70D can, all for a mellow $9,000.
The new 60D features all-wheel-drive, which allows it to shave some time off its 0-60 sprint, getting it done in a very respectable 5.2 seconds. Range is 218 miles, and just like the regular 60, it comes equipped with the hardware needed for Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot system. But like the extra performance capability, buyers will have to pay extra to enable that function.
Both models get the new front fascia which forgoes a traditional grille, new LED headlights, faster charging, and the gimmicky, but oddly comforting, “Bioweapon Defense Mode” air filtration system which debuted in the Model X. More standard equipment, performance capability that remains damned impressive, and the ability to upgrade key systems at any time, all in a more affordable package.
At worst, Tesla will force larger automakers to think differently about how they manufacture and sell vehicles, and at best—well you’ve seen the P90D right?
2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Automatic
YAHOO NEWS
When it comes to muscle cars, conventional logic equates convertibles with compromise—more show means less go. Heavier than their coupe counterparts and often more softly sprung and with flimsier structures, ragtops have almost always lagged behind hardtops when asked to do what these cars were designed to do in the first place: go fast.
No Shake ’n’ Quake
In the case of the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible, however, throw that logic out the window. Not only is the new automatic the quickest convertible pony car we’ve ever tested, it utterly rejects the notion that a ragtop must be shakier, softer, or less rewarding to drive than its coupe counterpart.
Powered by the same torque-rich, 455-hp 6.2-liter pushrod V-8 engine as the insanely quick automatic 2016 Camaro SS coupe, this convertible shot from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds—just 0.2 second slower than the steel-roof model—and stuck to the skidpad surface with an amazing 0.96 g of lateral grip.
More impressively, this car hits 60 mph 0.3 second quicker than the previous-generation Camaro ZL1 convertible—which had 125 more horsepower!—and holds the road within 0.01 g of that supercharged beast.
What little daylight exists between the test numbers of the automatic-equipped Camaro SS coupe and convertible can be attributed to the ragtop’s extra 206 pounds. It’s mass with a purpose, at least, as some of the extra poundage comes from an underbody X-brace in the middle of the floorpan and a Y-brace in the rear, yielding structural solidity that, from the driver’s seat anyway, rivals that of the coupe.
We noticed no squeaks, no rattles, and no rearview-mirror shake. The steering remains as razor-sharp and tactile as the coupe’s, and our 152-foot stop from 70 mph is outstanding—and that’s without the $3200 optional Brembo brake calipers that helped yank the hardtop down from the same speed in 147 feet. Clearly, unless you’re going to hit the track in this thing, save your money on the brakes. You may need it for bail—or, perhaps, to rent storage space for your goodies, as the trunk volume is only seven cubic feet with the top up and considerably less with the top down.
To save you the trouble of looking it up, the Camaro SS convertible also bests the current Ford Mustang GT convertible—which we’ve tested only with the manual transmission—in acceleration, cornering, and braking. That Ford droptop takes 0.2 second longer than its coupe counterpart to get to 60 mph (4.7 seconds versus 4.5); holds the road less tenaciously (0.90 g versus 0.96 g); and, at 157 feet, takes five feet longer to stop from 70 mph.
Getting Your Bronze On
The Camaro SS convertible excels at traditional convertible tasks such as bronzing the faces of its occupants, encouraging extroversion, and, well, looking good. Our test car arrived in a classy Nightfall Gray over saddle-colored Kalahani leather upholstery, with 20-inch gray-painted wheels filling the fender wells.
During our time with the car, we got more smiles and thumbs-up from passersby and other motorists than we could count. And when the styling didn’t get people’s attention, the optional dual-mode exhaust did. Well worth the extra $895, the system takes the SS’s exhaust note from a burble to a blast with the slightest tap of the go pedal. You’ll never know how many sound-reflective surfaces you drive by every day until you do so in one of these.
View photos
As with all versions of the sixth-generation Camaro, the interior design has been taken to a new level, and the ragtop just makes it that much easier to show it off. It’s still weird to have the navigation screen canted downward, but it makes sense in the convertible, since it makes it easier to see in bright sunlight. The low windshield is a double-edged sword:
It provides a true al fresco experience with the top down by not coming too close to your noggin, but it also limits outward vision when the top is raised. In fact, the cabin is pretty cavelike with the top up, especially in the back seat. The second row, incidentally, isn’t much more useful than that of the coupe—which is to say, not very useful at all. At least the convertible’s rear seats have the potential for unlimited headroom. Top up, the blind spots are epic, to the point that changing lanes becomes a nerve-wracking affair.
Hardtop or soft, the 2016 Camaro is dynamically rewarding and, in SS form, really quick. The more versions we drive, the more this car proves worthy of the 10Best Cars trophy we awarded it this year. It’s hard to believe the SS is soon to be the middle child in Chevrolet’s Camaro convertible lineup, with the 640-hp 2017 Camaro ZL1 convertible arriving in dealerships sometime during the fourth quarter of this year. Given the ZL1’s 185-hp advantage, we imagine it will make 4.1 seconds to 60 seem glacially slow. For now, though, the SS convertible is the king of the mountain.
Specifications >
VEHICLE TYPE:
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible
PRICE AS TESTED:
$54,075 (base price: $49,795)
ENGINE TYPE:
pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement:
376 cu in, 6162 cc
Power:
Power:
455 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Torque:
455 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION:
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 110.7 in
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 74.7 in Height: 53.1 in
Passenger volume: 85 cu ft
Cargo volume: 7 cu ft
Curb weight: 3966 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.1 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.6 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 17.4 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 28.7 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.5 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.6 sec @ 113 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.96 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 17/28 mpg
C/D observed: 18 mpg
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)