Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

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.