Chevrolet unveiled today the most powerful open top model they have ever built - the Camaro ZL1 Convertible. Chevrolet's Camaro ZL1 Convertible is powered by the same 6.2L LSA engine as the hard-top coupe version, which develops 580 hp (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). So far, the top speed and 0-60 mph acceleration time of the Camaro ZL1 convertible have not been announced, but we believe it to be slightly slower than the hard-top. Usually, cabriolet versions are a bit heavier, because the extra chassis strengthening they require. Chevy's convertible ZL1 promises to offer the same acceleration, handling and ride quality as the coupe version, which recently managed to run a record lap of the Nurburgring in 7:41.27 minutes.
Chevrolet says that the Camaro ZL1 has been developed from the beginning with a convertible version in mind. This means that the new Camaro ZL1 cabriolet is not just coupe that had its roof chopped off, and that it has several features that stiffen its body. Chevrolet gave the ZL1 convertible a tower-to-tower brace under the hood, an underbody tunnel brace, a transmission support reinforcement brace, a front X brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody V braces. The new Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible also features A-pillars with hydroformed tubes, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the
rockers. All these parts are meant to offer a stiffer chassis and as a result, improved handling and increased cornering speed.
The Chevrolet ZL1 convertible sits on a Magnetic Ride suspension with twin-wire/dual-coil dampers for all the wheels, and a Performance Traction Management system. ZL1 convertible's PTM includes a launch control function, and electronic stability control.
Chevrolet will announce Camaro ZL1 Convertible's price and availability at a later date.
