It was only a matter of time: Chevrolet has announced that
the supercharged Camaro ZL1 will soon spawn a convertible version.
Although the 2013 camaro ZL1 Convertible won’t make its
official debut until next month’s Los Angeles Auto show, GM has released some
early details on the high-performance drop-top ahead of schedule. As can be
expected, the coupe retains most of the same mechanical bits as its hardtop
sibling, including the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V-8, which cranks out a
glorious 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque. Finalized performance figures have yet
to be announced, but GM says to expect near-identical performance metrics to
the ZL1 Coupe.
An interesting comparison, perhaps, but the 2011 Ford
Shelby GT500 Mustang Convertible is perhaps a more direct competitor. As
it stands, the Camaro ZL1 outmuscles that car by 30 hp and 46 lb-ft, although
we hear Ford may already be readying a more powerful GT500 for the 2012 or 2013
model year.
Pricing on the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible hasn’t yet been
announced, but finalized figures should be announced shortly, as GM expects the
car to hit showrooms by the end of the year.