At the 2010 LA Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced a new option to the well-known Camaro. New for 2011 will be the offering of a Camaro SS Convertible. If you’re worried about the Camaro feeling different than the coupe, Chevrolet made sure that the same spirited feel was there for open air driving by reinforcing the structure and utilizing the Camaro coupe’s chassis and performance characteristics.

The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).

The Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan.

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Correspondent Steve Hammes was working his way through some of the key American muscle cars and of course he could not exclude the Chevrolet Camaro from the mix. Steve’s video car review covers everything from the ’10 Camaro’s interior woes, comparison to its competitors, and the engine/transmission options.

Steve tested the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS with 6-speed automatic transmission. With the automatic option, a choice that costs $1,185, you sacrifice a bit in the power department. The V8 L99 engine with the automatic transmission produces 400 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 410 lb-ft of torque versus the manual 6-speed V8 L53 engine that produces 426 horsepower at 5,900 and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. However, with a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.1 seconds, the Camaro SS’s automatic pairing won’t feel like you’ve given up anything. In terms of the rest of the performance, the SS Camaro delivers with quick takeoffs, improved cornering, and loud exhaust (at least for those outside of the car). There is something a bit unusual about the suspension system, but you’ll have to watch the video to find out more.

Our tester priced at $35,760 with little additions from the base price of $34,180.