Camaro ZL1: Most Powerful Chevrolet Convertible Ever
Chevrolet reveals the Camaro ZL1 Convertible with 580 horsepower.

DETROIT – Chevrolet announced today the brand's most-powerful convertible ever – the 2013 Camaro ZL1 – will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. When it goes on sale in late 2012, it will deliver more performance and technology than many exotic cars and ultra-luxury convertibles.

"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."

Like the coupe, the Camaro ZL1 convertible features a supercharged 6.2L "LSA" engine, SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). That's enough to exceed the output of 2+2 convertibles of many performance icons, including:

• 2012 Aston Martin DB9 Volante – 470 hp / 443 lb.-ft.
• 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG – 518 hp / 465 lb.-ft.
• 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S – 530 hp / 516 lb.-ft.
• 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 – 550 hp / 510 lb.-ft.

The Camaro ZL1 convertible's power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance on the road or track. In fact, it's the same balance of acceleration, handling and ride quality that enabled a Camaro ZL1 coupe recently to lap the Nürburgring's Nordschleife course in 7:41.27 minutes.

From Day One, the architecture for the fifth-generation Camaro was designed to accommodate a convertible model, which gives the ZL1 convertible coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to quell the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles. They include:

• A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
• A transmission support reinforcement brace
• Underbody tunnel brace
• Front "X" brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody "V" braces.
• Additional structural reinforcements in the ZL1 convertible are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also reducing unwanted ride and body motions. They include a hydrofoamed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.

The suspension of the ZL1 convertible uses the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. New, twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners enable faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1,000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 60 mph – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.

The Camaro ZL1 convertible will also offer Performance Traction Management as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, it is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance both launch-acceleration performance and corning.

The result is a convertible designed to preserve nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro ZL1 coupe, which goes on sale in early 2012.

Source [GM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsXUDavILII

 

nice toy :-)

 

Looks good, lots of torque and bhp.
But don't compare it with an Aston Martin, Turbo S or SL63 AMG

 

Don't blame DJ, blame GM

 

Launch in late 2012? Why so long GM? This is merely a variant of an existing car, seems a very long lead time.

 

Well done Chevy! It looks fantastic can't wait to see it next month. Also, they were comparing HP alone. They never said it, "Handles better than a Turbo S!" or "Is faster than an SL63!" 580HP for $50,000 is amazing. Simply amazing. Hey Shelby, look at the size of the rear tires...

 

Looks great! Can't wait to read a review on it.

 

I am actually thinking of buying a Camaro ZL1 just for fun. Never had an American muscle car before. It will keep company while I wait to order the new 991 Turbo.

 

It's one hell of a car! It will tide you over perfectly!

 

Group buy, I'll take one too! Bet this is will be a blast.