For the 2013 model year, Chevrolet will release its most powerful drop top ever created: the Camaro ZL1 Convertible. Slatted to go on sale late 2012, the next pony car will feature every mechanical piece found on the fastest production Camaro in history. The intent to build a rag top version of the fifth generation car was there in the beginning, making the build rather simple for GM engineers. With 580 horsepower on tap from its 6.2 liter, supercharged LSA V8, the ZL1 Convertible will put down more power than the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and Aston Martin DB9 Volante.
“The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas.” To make sure the ZL1 doesn’t lose too much crispness when it ditches its roof, four key structural points were addressed. These include: “a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, a transmission support reinforcement brace, underbody tunnel brace, and front “X” brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody “V” braces.” Everything else is the same as the Coupe, including the two six speed transmissions and the magnetic dampers. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but as history shows, convertibles cost ever so slightly more than their hard top variants.
Source: Chevrolet
