The highlight of the 2011 Chicago Auto Show was the beautifully seductive Camaro ZL1 Coupe, and the ZL1 Convertible is getting ready to follow in its footsteps. Chevrolet->ke199 will be unveiling the brand’s most-powerful convertible ever in November at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales will begin in late 2012.

"The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro->ke248 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."

As with the coupe model, the ZL1 Convertible is powered by a 6.2 liter "LSA" engine that delivers a total of 580 HP and 556 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be combined with chassis technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance on the road or track. The ZL1 Convertible will also be offered with the third-generation Magnetic Ride and Performance Traction Management.

UPDATE 01/17/12: Just like its coupe counterpart, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible has fresh new photos straight out of the Chevrolet oven. You can browse through all of them in the gallery below!

Hit the jump to read more about the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ZL1.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ZL1

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ZL1
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 580
  • Torque: 556
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons


Exterior and Interior

The ZL1 Convertible will feature the same design language as the coupe. It will get a raised, carbon fiber insert, a front splitter, and new vertical fog lamps with air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors with the center section made in satin black carbon fiber. At the rear, there will be a larger spoiler and diffuser while the car will sit on a new set of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels.

The interior will get black leather sports seats with microfiber suede inserts, a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, a Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts, and the "four-pack" auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout.

Engine

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be powered by the same LSA 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine as the Coupe, rated at 580 HP and 556 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine will be combined with a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission that uses a 240-mm dual-mass flywheel matched with a 240-mm twin-disc clutch system to provide excellent shift smoothness.

Prices

The new Chevrolet Camaro Convertible ZL1 will go on sale in late 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The Camaro's 580 HP V8 is just enough to exceed the output of 2+2 convertibles of many performance icons. This list includes models like the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, the Porsche 911 Turbo S, and the Ford Shelby GT500.

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