The 2011 Camaro convertible has had its share of attention, since the production Camaro hardtop was first delivered. Not all of that attention has been sweetness and light, though. In fact, there was a quiet revolution of sorts when some early ‘spy shots’ showed a prototype’s radio antenna installed on the rear deck lid.

The reaction was sufficient to get management’s attention at Chevrolet.

“We responded to a legitimate criticism from devoted Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts and in 10 months found an innovative way to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle without sacrificing performance and quality,” explained GM engineer, Gregg Kittinger.

Working with a colleague, antenna test performance engineer, Don Hibbard, the pair took on a task that has eluded other manufacturers in the past. The usual way to conceal a car’s radio antenna is to use conductive traces in the rear glass, but as Kittinger explained, “With a retractable soft-top roof, that’s not an option.”

The pair, who already share three patents, came up with the potential of a fourth, when they decided to conceal the AM/FM antenna inside the car’s rear spoiler. Requirements for acceptable AM/FM reception demand an antenna that is longer than the ‘shark fin’ unit used for satellite and cellular reception.

Late cycle design changes like this one are not usually welcomed by product managers, but there is always room to accommodate innovation.

“Where other automakers have tried and failed, Chevy succeeded,” commented Hibbard. “We hope to take what we’ve learned with the Camaro Convertible, build on it and apply it to future vehicles.”