Earlier this year, Chevrolet announced that the sixth-generation Camaro would be heading into retirement after 2024. But before it's shuffled off its mortal coil, General Motors has revealed 50 special models designed to stir up excitement for the Indianapolis 500.
Based on the Camaro SS Convertible, all 50 examples have been painted in Sharkskin Metallic and paired with unique graphics. The exterior decorations were created by Chevrolet's Performance Design Studio and are said to represent the 107th running of the legendary motorsport event-20-inch wheels and high-performance Brembo brakes (front and rear) form part of the package. Inside, you'll find an Ash Gray leather interior.
"These Camaro convertibles are a symbol of the shared passion Chevrolet, Indycar, and the 500 Festival board have for the Indianapolis 500," said Mike Quinn, Chevrolet district sales manager in Indianapolis. "Living and working in Central Indiana, seeing these Camaros on the road always reminds me we're one step closer to May."
These silver-painted examples are powered by GM's 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet claims a 0 to 60 mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds, which makes for rather rapid progress.
The fleet of special soft tops will serve as Festival Event Cars and drive around Central Indiana as a reminder that the Indianapolis 500 is drawing nearer. First held in 1911, the iconic race will take place on May 28 this year.
A Chevrolet spokesperson told Automotive News that these special units will be offered for sale after the Indy 500 and will likely be sold through Indiana-based Chevrolet dealerships.
Seeing as the sixth-gen Camaro isn't long for this world - and just 50 examples have been made - this limited edition convertible will likely command a premium over lesser models. It will likely be popular with Camaro enthusiasts and car collectors, who will swoop in and buy these cars, even at inflated prices.
This isn't Chevrolet's way of saying goodbye, though, as the automaker has planned a Collector's Edition that will be revealed later this year. According to the automaker, the package will pay "homage to Camaro, resurfacing ties that date back to the development of the first generation Camaro in the 1960s."
The Detroit-based company has no plans to replace the Camaro anytime soon but noted that the nameplate isn't dying with the sixth-gen derivative. Hopefully, the vehicle returns as something worthy of wearing the badge and not as a half-baked electric crossover.