THE first convertible versions of the latest Chevy Camaro could be on Australian roads within six months, according to the country's leading independent American vehicle importer Performax International.

The long-awaited Camaro convertible was unveiled officially today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show and is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in February.

Queensland-based Performax International, which launched the world's first right-hand drive version of the Camaro coupe last February, says it is planning to import a convertible as soon as possible for prototype conversion to RHD and already has received enquiries from potential buyers.

The drop-top Camaro features a traditional fabric folding roof, but mechanically is identical to the fifth-generation coupe that was judged World Car Design of the Year in the 2010 World Car of the Year Awards.

It will be available here in range-topping 2SS specification, featuring General Motors' LS3 aluminium V8 engine producing 318 kiloWatts, six-speed manual transmission, 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero tyres, Brembo high-performance brakes, leather seating, Boston Acoustic audio system and many other comfort and safety features.

A six-speed automatic version with LS99 engine and active fuel management also will be available.

Performax International General Manager Glenn Soper said the company was eager to land the first convertible and produce a right-hand drive prototype for Australian Design Rule certification.

"As Performax International produced what we believe was the world's first RHD Camaro coupe and has built many examples since for Australian customers, we expect this will be a straightforward process without undue delay," Mr Soper said.

"The last Camaro convertible was launched in 1994, so not surprisingly there's very strong buyer interest in this new model - even more so because it's such a beautiful-looking car.

"And while it has the same muscle-car specifications as the coupe, I expect the elegant convertible will appeal to an even wider market because of its great potential for just cruisin'."

Retail prices for the RHD convertible won't be set until it is ready for sale, but Mr Soper said the continuing strength of the Australian dollar would make it a very attractive proposition.

The tailored
convertible roof opens or closes in 20 seconds. When open, it is protected by a one-piece hard tonneau included as standard on the SS model. When closed, the fully-lined roof ensures coupe-like cabin silence.

Launching the convertible, Chevrolet said its chassis was stiffer than a BMW 3 Series convertible and was able to retain the GM Holden-designed coupe's original suspension settings and excellent dynamic handling ability.

More than 20 years' experience in right-hand drive conversion plus the latest technology for reverse-engineering and injection-moulding components to original-equipment standard have positioned Performax International as Australia's leading independent supplier of American cars, Sport Utility Vehicles, sport trucks and fifth-wheel caravans.

The current product line-up includes the Camaro, Chev Corvette, Chev Silverado, Chev Tahoe, Ford Mustang, Hummer H2 and CrossRoads van range.

With a new 2500 square metre production-line factory near Gympie, Performax is capable of producing a right-hand drive vehicle every day with a workforce of more than 60 people.

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