The muscle car showdown is in full swing, with the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger all back in retro-modern form, and so far, the Camaro has won every round if retail sales are the scorecard. Expanding the Camaro's appeal with a convertible could do even more to keep it ahead of the Ford and Dodge competition, and the good news is that such a vehicle is coming soon.

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in March of next year and we can report today that Magna International will supply the automated folding top for the car.

Germany’s Edscha AG was originally contracted to supply the top but the firm went into insolvency and the contract was subsequently reassigned to Magna.

GM spokesman Terry Rhadigan has previously confirmed that production of the highly anticipated drop-top is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2011, with sales to start shortly after--most likely in March.

Production of the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is expected to top 20,000 units, with only the Ford Mustang which itself has a production rate of about 20,000 convertibles per year would rival that volume.

[Automotive News, sub req’d]