Recently, Chevrolet decided to reveal the new convertible version of the all-new 2016 Camaro, and made the model official. The company also proudly proclaimed that they’re pioneering certain features in this market segment with the release of this model, like the ability to open and close the top of the convertible at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, as well as remote opening of the top with a key fob.
It also supports a fully automatic operation of all mechanic components, and there are latches that release and secure the top. All in all, it does look like the company’s engineers and designers have put some extra thought into this model, although some of the features sounded a bit like gimmicks when they were presented as “segment first”. On one hand, it may be technically true that there is no other model in this market segment that offers these features, but on the other, the actual demand for them could be questionable in some cases.
Last month, the company unveiled the base model of the Camaro at an event on Belle Isle in Detroit, showing a reduced weight and improved speed. The model also comes with a 2.0 liter turbo engine with a 275 horsepower output, giving the car a 0-60 acceleration in under 6 seconds. In addition, it will have the option for a 3.6 liter V-6 engine with an estimated 335 horsepower output, as well as a 6.2 liter V-8 with 455 horsepower for those who really want to feel some power under their feet.
The model will go on sale during the fourth quarter of this year, though an exact release date wasn’t specified by the company. General Motors have been stepping up their hiring practices recently though, which could indicate a desire to make a wider release on the market. They’ve recently re-hired 500 second-shift jobs at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, which should help out with the construction of the 2016 Camaro.
This followed the layoffs of 350 workers at the plant in November, though apparently General Motors have decided that they actually do need the extra labor in order to meet their release goals. If anything, they seem to require even more manpower now as they are hiring more people than they originally laid off.
It’s not clear if those new hires will be permanent, however, or if GM are just hiring them temporarily to meet their requirements for the Camaro launch. It would be a bit sad to see the workers getting laid off once again, but in the end, the world of business is a tough one.