The 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible. Image: © GM Corp.
If you prefer to enjoy Saturn V rocket-like thrust with the sun in your face and the wind in your hair, here’s some good news: Chevy will build a convertible version of it’s upcoming Camaro ZL1. The ragtop version features the same 580 horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter engine as the ZL1 Coupe, which makes it a more powerful 2+2 convertible than the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 (with 550 horsepower), the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (with 530 horsepower) and the Aston Martin DB9 Volante (with 470 horsepower).
Since the Camaro was designed to be both a coupe and convertible from the ground up, things like cowl shake and steering wheel shake shouldn’t be a problem. Chevy claims that the ZL1 convertible will deliver a “coupe like” ride, and to back it up they’ve braced the chassis across the front strut towers, at the transmission support, at the driveshaft tunnel and at the front and rear of the unibody. The A-pillars, windshield header, front hinge pillar and rocker panels are also beefed up to cope with the lack of a steel roof structure. In other words, chassis flex shouldn’t be an issue, even with 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque on tap.
Look for the 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible to debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Pricing hasn’t been set, and you can expect to see the car hit dealer showrooms in late 2012.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
