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The Los Angeles Auto Show this week will see the long-awaited 2011 Camaro Convertible getting its first public outing before going on sale in February of 2011 with an estimated starting price $30,000. Today, General Motors released more photos and details as well as a couple of new videos of the soft-top variant of the Camaro, which has been in the works ever since the introduction of the coupe model but was constantly delayed due to the firm's financial troubles.

GM says the conversion from coupe to convertible comprised of four strategic reinforcements to enhance the body structure including, the addition of a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, a transmission support reinforcement brace, underbody tunnel brace and, front and rear underbody "V" braces. The company's goal was to match the coupe as closely as possible in ride quality, handling and overall performance.

Additional safety structural reinforcements include a hydrofromed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.

"To compensate for the reduced structure of an open car, engineers often will make the suspension softer, making the convertible a boulevard cruiser," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "Instead, we took the more difficult, but better path of bolstering structure rather than softening the suspension. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe."

According to GM, the result of the structural changes to the convertible body give it better torsional stiffness than the BMW 3-Series convertible.

The Camaro Convertible comes equipped with a standard power-folding top that retracts in about 20 seconds. Furthermore, a folding, one-piece tonneau cover is standard on 2LT and 2SS models and optional on 1LT/1SS.

Other changes over the coupe model include the relocation of the radio antenna to the boot and the trunk lock cylinder from between the taillamps to an area between the rear seat back cushion and driver's side interior panel.

The soft-top four-seater will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe, meaning buyers will have a choice of two engines, a 312HP 3.6-liter V6 delivering 29 mpg highway and an 6.2L V8 with 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.Finally, nine production exterior colors will be available available, with tops offered in black or tan. All models will be equipped with rear parking assist as standard.

Hennessey Performance has released another performance upgrade for Chevy's new Camaro SS, called the HPE600, based on 2010-2011 LS3 or L99 powered versions. It encompasses, among other things, a TVS2300 Supercharger System, which raises output to 602 hp and 595 lb-ft (807 Nm) of torque.

The Texas-based tuner claims that the HPE600 is capable of completing the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint in the mid 3-second range and run the quarter mile (~400 meters) in 11 seconds.

Check out the video after the jump to hear that specific, spine-chilling Hennessey grunt.

This über-Camaro features other high-performance parts, like cold air induction system and upgraded injectors, and on the official website Hennessey states that many more additional appearance and performance options are also available.

By Csaba Daradics

Coach-built Corvettes are a dime a dozen, and usually when someone tries to do the "retro" thing with a custom car the result ends up appearing cheesy or shoddy at best. In the case of the Rossi SixtySix, at least the final product is better than the average attempt...I think. I'd still have to see the car in person to be 100% sure.

Underpinned by a 2007 C6 Z06, the most important aspect of the SixtySix concept is its appearance, which takes its fair share of styling inspiration ("the best of everything") from vintage Vettes.

The car was designed by David R, who hopes to be selling turn-key models for $120,000-$130,000 via his Rossi Motor Company in the near future. Other than retro exterior cues, the SixtySix also has a modified suspension/wheel/brake setup, power rear hatch, and a revised interior with rear-view camera.

Wearing a split rear window, sharky front end, and historical Corvette cues, the car looks pretty good. Not Perana Z-One good, but its market isn't the Euro-chic crowd, either. Check out the video clip from Jay Leno's Garage below and watch the anti-Conan talk a little shop with the car's creator.

By Phil Alex