The Camaro ZL1 is Chevys Most Powerful Convertible Ever

Chevrolet claims that the convertible version of the Camaro ZL1 is its most powerful convertible ever. With 580hp, the Camaro ZL1 convertible has more power than a 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S (530hp) and a Mercedes SL63 AMG (518hp). 

The ZL1 convertible uses the same supercharged 6.2 liter V8 making 580hp and magnetic dampers as the standard ZL1. Modifications to the ZL1 convertible include a front strut tower brace, increased transmission support, underbody tunnel bracing, a front X brace and rear V brace. All of this is to make the platform more rigid to cope with the massively increased power. There is also more noise insulation to make the car more livable. 

Chevrolet did not announce the price, weight or performance of the ZL1, but it will be available later in 2012. The extra bracing and sound insulation should increase weight, which will make the car slower than the coupe. 

The Chevrolet Camaro Generations since 1966

The Chevrolet Camaro first went on sale in 1966 to compete on the market with the Ford Mustang. It was built on the same platform as the 1967 Pontiac Firebird. It is categorized as pony car, some versions though also as muscle cars. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the Camaro has been marketed through five generations, the latest being launched for the 2010 model year.
 

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

The first-generation Camaro was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seating, coupe or convertible with a choice of several V8 engines. It was conceived to challenge the Ford Mustang in the muscle car segment and this first-generation was produced until 1969. It recently provided the inspiration for the 2010 Camaro design.

1970 Chevrolet Camaro

The second generation Camaro was manufactured from 1970 until 1981. It was reviewed in 1974 and 1978 but as it was based on the same platform, the model showed strong similarities with the first generation. In 1971 the Road & Track magazine elected it as one of the 10 best cars in the world.

1982 Chevrolet Camaro

The third generation of the Camaro was introduced in 1982 and lasted until 1992. For the first time the model featured modern fuel injection, Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 four-speed automatic transmissions, five speed manual transmissions, 16 inch wheels, a standard 4-cylinder engine and hatchback bodies.

Chevrolet Camaro

The fourth-generation Camaro was launched in 1993 as coupe body style with 2+2 seating or convertible with rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V6 and V8 engines. In 1997/1998 the model received updates on the interior and exterior. After 35 years the Camaro ceased production in 2002, due to declining sales.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

After being dropped from the Chevrolet portfolio in 2002, the Camaro model was revived with a fifth generation in 2009. The new series was preceded by a Camaro Concept in 2006 which eventually lead to the coupe version of the 2010 Camaro going on sale in 2009. For the 2011 model year, a convertible version became available too. Both body variants reached the European markets in 2011.

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