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2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible Review

OUR TEST CAR: CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible 3.6 V6 6-speed automatic

 
Some might say starting our 2014 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible review with the words “American Dream” is a bit of an exaggeration. After all, a V6 can’t possibly be all that much of a dream, right? Wrong. This entry-level player is just as important to the Camaro line-up as the bonkers Z/28 introduced with the 2014 model year revamp.
2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible - Page - 1
Sure, everybody craves for the Z/28, but few people are actually aware that Chevrolet only built 500 units for 2014, which, by the way, have already sold out. Those who don’t are probably declaring themselves as fans of the 580 hp supercharged ZL1. And yet, what most actually do once they close their Facebook page is dream about coming up with the money for this base version. Besides, the RS appearance package, an US$ 1,950 option, is a dream within a dream.

We may be immersed in the apparent coolness of our social media skills, aiming for the halo models. Don’t worry though the affordable pony car recipe that has invented the genre still works. Big time.

Since we reviewed the V8-motivated Camaro SS, Chevy gave the Camaro the greatest visual overhaul the current generation has and will ever see. There aren’t too many notable changes on top of that, though. Then again, we can’t point our finger at Chevy, since the 2013 model year brought a cabin revamp and understeer-fighting chassis tweaks for the V8 models. The SS 1LE pack and the ZL1 Convertible came as a bonus.

Speaking of the Camaro Convertible, this is the form in which our 2014 RS tester presented itself to us. No roof changes were made, so we’ll stick to revised front and rear fascias.
The Camaro looks more modern now, but don’t worry, it’s still mean enough to be fitting for a bad boy.

The lower air intake has been enlarged which, besides better cooling, means the car is now even more entitled to look at you while idling at the traffic light and ask “why so serious?”

Expect it to have a mad look in its eyes while it’s doing that, thanks to the halo ring HID headlamps. These are part of the optional RS appearance CUT show-off package. Opting for this also brings you LED lighting at the rear, a spoiler that’s a bit bolder and larger wheels - the package is also available on the V8-powered Camaro SS, but that model keeps its SS badges.

Moving to the rear end, we find a 2014 Camaro RS whose taillights have been brought together in one manly-looking unit. The redesigned headlights are perhaps the most modern element on the facelifted Camaro. The entire rear end looks sportier now, but that awkward antenna on the Convertible is still there.

Once you go past the styling details, you enter a cabin that’s virtually unchanged from the previously-updated 2013 model year. The only difference you can make concerns the optional extras, with the most important part being the MyLink infotainment system. This brings a color touchscreen that feels miles ahead of the old interface, while also offering voice control for certain features, among others.

The list of goodies now also includes Recaro sport seats and a head-up display that’s gone full-color.

While you can easily skip the first, especially when it comes to the V6 engine, the latter is a truly nice toy to have. It doesn’t just allow you to feast your eyes in a way the old monochrome unit couldn’t, but you also get better-structured information.

Old habits die hard, so we still love the retro way in which the massive interior trim on the door cards is continued onto the dash. The same goes for the analogue dials on the center console. These may look cheap for the uninitiated, but they’re a nod to the Camaros from the good old days when gas prices were a joke. A good one.

The Camaro, Convertible or not, is spacious, so four adults are always welcome in here. This status is reinforced by the seats, which know how to keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

It’s time to make the usual comparo, pitting the Camaro against the Mustang and the Challenger. Before we do that though, it’s worth noting that while the 2015 Mustang is an all-new model and the 2015 Challenger was seriously revamped, none of them is available at the moment. This means we’ll stick to comparing the Camaro to the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger it grew up with.

Yes, we know the Challenger doesn’t have a convertible version, but, in terms of certain aspects such as the ones we’ll be discussing below, this is of little importance.

While all three of them are spacious, the Challenger takes the lead here. As for the Camaro, it matches the Mustang in terms of perceived interior space. When it comes to the quality of the interior, the Camaro sits in the middle, with the Mustang leading the group and the Challenger being left behind.

The poor all-round visibility is still the worst issue with the Camaro’s interior, be it a Convertible or a Coupe. In terms of luggage capacity, the Camaro Convertible offers 10.2 cubic feet (290 liters), topping the Mustang Convertible’s 9.6 cubic feet (272 liters). Mind you, the Chevrolet’s trunk opening is pretty narrow, so you’ll have to be very intelligent, strong or both in order to fit large items inside.

2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible - Page - 1
The fact that the Camaro is not all that eager to let you see outside of it can become irritating inside the city. This is a playground where another issue of the current Camaro arises. We’re talking about the car’s overweight status, which you can especially feel when you’re bringing it to a halt. The stopping distances themselves are good, but you do feel the effort caused by the hefty mass.

While the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible does manage to overcome these problems and offer you a good time around town, it’s the Mustang Convertible that feels more agile here. The choice is not a straight one though, since the Ford’s solid rear axle makes it notice bumps that leave Chevy indifferent.

Once you step out onto the open road, you’ll notice the Camaro is a bit like a canine friend - always willing to go for a trip. The V6 doesn’t take away this superb side of the Camaro. Still, compared to the V8, the whole character of the car is transformed, not just the grunt.

The three-liter unit delivers 323 hp at 6,800 rpm and 278 lb-ft (377 Nm) at 4,800 rpm. Due to a combination between the engine itself and the soundproofing, the Camaro V6 feels a bit harsher to its passengers than V6 Mustang and Challenger.

As a driver, you learn to appreciate this, since the feature allows you to feel the car better. The actual issue here is that the lively V6 is mounted inside a 4,015 lbs (1,820 kg) Camaro. At least 4.015 lbs. Don’t get us wrong, the unit is more than up to the job, but it could’ve shined even more in a package with less fat.

While the 2015 Dodge Challenger still doesn’t offer a manual on the V6, the Mustang and the Camaro do. We drove the automatic though and found an US$ 1,185 option that’s totally worth it. This isn’t a Toyota GT 86 (or Scion FR-S, if you like), where you have to extract the performance, so the slushbox is welcome.

The transmission and the engine make a good pair, with the throttle mapping being a nice compromise. For instance, the gearbox usually goes down one gear as you accelerate, but it doesn’t rush to double-downshift unless you seriously push that pedal.

You’ll have to remind yourself this is a pony car, so don’t expect the torque to come rushing in at your right foot’s command. The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible’s V6 pulls well once you go past 3,000. It also feels at home when you pass 5,000 rpm.
Don't worry, drive on. In real life, you won’t feel the performance difference between the Convertible and the Coupe.

For those keeping track, the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint happens in 4.9 seconds, while the qurter mile game is played in about 14.5 seconds.

The same can be said about the efficiency. Inside the city, using a moderate driving style we got 16.6 mpg (14.2 liters / 100 km), while driving at the speed limit on the higway brought the figure to 22.8 mpg (10.3 liters / 100 km). As for the overall efficiency throught the review, which also included various sporty driving chapters, this stood at 18 mpg (13 liters / 100 km).

As the day unfolds and the miles keep racking up, the relationship with the soft top above us is a good one. The sun is determined to bite us, as it did earlier when we drove in open top mode. The shining fellow is not joking this time of the year but, luckily, the cloth top is well prepared for that. 14 seconds and you’ve got proper thermal insulation. Better than what you get in the Nissan 370Z Convertible, that’s for sure. The roof could offer superior soundproofing though.

A bend, the first in a series, shows up ahead and we get to sample the brakes. While the initial pedal feel is a bit soft, the stopping power is within our expectations for the entry-level Camaro. This thing wouldn’t be convinced to play power-through oversteer even in SS V8 guise, so don’t expect to upset the chassis too easily with this V6 mill.

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The best way to enjoy the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible V6 when you cross paths with some twisties is to enter a touring driving mood. There’s no button for this, but you definitely have one inside your mind. The hydraulic steering offers enough feedback to play along nicely to such a tune.

Chevrolet’s Camaro Convertible RS is a car where you and your girlfriend (or wife and two kids) can enjoy yourselves. The comfortable ride, for instance, is a testament to that. You do get the usual drop-top drawbacks though, with the steering wheel column becoming a bit shaky when you hit repeated road imperfections or hammer it through a corner.

If you insist on playing the muscle car song, then it would be best if you kept the drifting to moderate slip angles. If you want to fight grip, you really have to push the Camaro Convertible’s chassis past its initial understeer reaction, which is there with the StabiliTrack (GM's ESP) off.

The body roll is present and there’s not all that much power to bring you back in line instantly, so, like we said, don’t venture into the full sideways area.

Like the Mustang and the Nissan 370Z, the Camaro is the kind of Convertible that makes you pay for being able to drive in the blaze of the elements. Nevertheless, the V6 engine filters out some of this aspect’s importance. You see, the dynamic drawbacks brought by taking the roof off are greater than the comfort disadvantages, but you can’t expect all that much performance from the RS anyway.
You can simply follow your heart when acquiring a Chevrolet Camaro V6 - the Convertible is just as good as the Coupe, it all depends on what you want.

Both deliver the feel-good factor that has always recommended pony cars and we’ll name this as the best part of our 2014 Chevrolet Camaro RS Convertible tester.

The 2014 revamp has also brought a nice touch of modern appeal to the Camaro. This Chevrolet keeps a good balance between new and old when it comes to styling. As for the RS appearance package, this is totally worth it.

When it comes to the worst side of the Camaro Convertible, it’s how chopping the roof increases the Camaro’s already problematic weight. And let’s just say that the vehicle’s poor visibility doesn’t help the overall score either.

The open-air experience also means the MSRP of the V6 Camaro goes from the Coupe’s US$ 24,500 to US$32,050. In Europe the difference become smaller, as the Coupe starts at EUR 39,990, while you’ll have to play at least EUR 44,990 for the Convertible - prices include 19 percent VAT. The Toyota GT 86 isn’t the closest competitor here, as that title goes to the Nissan 370Z Roadster. The conclusion stands even if we are to talk coupes. The Japanese machine is not as sharp as you’d expect, but it’s still miles ahead of the Camaro in terms of composure. The trade-off comes when we have to mention comfort, where the pony car demolishes the Fairlady Z.

As for the choice between the Bow-Tie and the Stallion, that is more of a matter of subjective appreciation. For instance, while the Camaro is more comfortable, the Mustang feels a bit more thoroughbred. Let the war continue - Chevrolet is expected to introduce a new generation of the Camaro next year, as a 2016 model.

The 2014 Camaro may be emancipated, but its spirit still packs enough of the original Camaro that did all the work for building up this name. A designation that, by the way, could easily become a sub-brand.
80user rating 27 votes
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autoevolution Jun 2014
73
Value for money: 9/10
History
8
Exterior
8
Interior
7
In the city
6
Open road
6
Comfort
8
Tech facts
6
Gadgets
6
Safety
9
Conclusion
7
80user rating 27 votes
Rate this car!
 
Key Specs
USEU
Engine
3564 cm3
Fuel
Petrol
Power kw
241
Power hp
323
Power rpm
6800
Torque val
278
Torque rpm
4800
Transmission
six-speed automatic
Traction
RWD
Acceleration
5.9s
Top speed
155 mph
Length
190.4 in
Width
75.5 in
Height
54.2 in
Wheelbase
112.3 in
Ground clearance
5 in
Cargo volume
10.2 CuFT
Weight
4015 lbs
Seating
4
Power
241 KW/323 BHP @ 6800 RPM
Torque
278 Lb-Ft @ 4800 RPM
Engine
3564 cm3
Fuel
Petrol
Power kw
241
Power hp
327
Power rpm
6800
Torque val
377
Torque rpm
4800
Transmission
six-speed automatic
Traction
RWD
Acceleration
6.1s
Top speed
250 km/h
Length
4836 mm
Width
1918 mm
Height
1377 mm
Wheelbase
2852 mm
Ground clearance
127 mm
Cargo volume
290 L
Weight
1820 Kg
Seating
4
Power
241 KW/327 HP @ 6800 RPM
Torque
377 Nm @ 4800 RPM
fuel efficiency
mpgOfficialOurs
City1916.6
Highway3022.8
Combined-18
fuel efficiency
l/100kmOfficialOurs
City12.414.2
Highway7.810.3
Combined-13
base price
$
32,050
base price
44,990
Photo gallery (48)
2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible side view2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible rear2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible front2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible wheels2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible 20-inch wheels2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible tailpipe2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible taillightsHalo ring headlights on 2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS ConvertibleCHEVROLET Bowtie emblem in 2014 Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible - top in action2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible2014 CHEVROLET Camaro V6 Convertible acceleration2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible speeding2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible body roll2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible handling2014 CHEVROLET Camaro V6 Convertible drifting2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible acceleration2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible drifting2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible driving2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible doing donutsCHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible burnout2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible drifting2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible burnout2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible burnout2014 CHEVROLET Camaro RS Convertible burnout marks2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible luggage compartment2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible rear seat space2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible cabin2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible rear seats2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible interior with top down2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible side airbag2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible seatbelt2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible front seats2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible dashboard2014 CHEVROLET Camaro steering wheel2014 CHEVROLET Camaro V6 automatic gear shifter2014 CHEVROLET Camaro center console gauges2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible interior2014 CHEVROLET Camaro Convertible interior2014 CHEVROLET Camaro MyLink infotainment2014 CHEVROLET Camaro V6 engine