2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible 6.2L V8 6AT RWD (587 HP)

Vehicle Overview

At the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Chevrolet unveiled the most powerful convertible version of the Camaro ever made, the ZL1, and promised that the car was not just a boulevard cruiser.

When the American automaker introduced the drop-top version of the fifth generation of the Camaro in late 2010 for the 2012 model year, it launched it in two trims: 1LT/2LT and 1SS/2SS. However, those looking for more power were left behind. Even though the V8 versions could propel the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible in about five seconds, it wasn’t what some customers were looking for. For them, the bow-tie brand prepared something special: the ZL1 version, which, with its supercharged powerhouse, lowered that figure. Furthermore, the automaker also reinforced the chassis, so it shouldn’t replace or adjust dampers, spring rates, or bushings. As a result, even though the car was heavier than its coupe sibling, it was still very fast in straight lines and around the corners.

The Camaro was never intended to be subtle, and the ZL1 Convertible was an even more aggressive-looking vehicle. Its front fascia revealed angry-looking round headlights with circular LED daytime running lights that flanked the V-shaped black grille, which was adorned by the ZL1 badge. The bumper was pinned out and had an apron that integrated a tall trapezoidal-shaped grille. A pair of vertical, angular scoops housed the fog and an additional set of parking lights. Below all these, the automaker added a lip spoiler extended outwards to increase downforce.

Chevrolet designed the convertible so that it could use as many body panels as its coupe sibling. On the one hand, the A-pillars were thicker for the rag-top version since they were also used as rollover protection. On the other hand, the sculptured door panels were identical. Moreover, the aerodynamic side skirts of the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Cabriolet were carried over from its coupe sibling. However, since there was no C-post or closed roof, the rear quarter panels, with their coke-bottle styling, looked even more gracious, even when the canopy was up. Finally, out back, the automaker placed the same rectangular taillights on the rear fascia and the quad-exhaust system below the bumper.

The 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 boasted an elegant yet sporty interior. Even if the materials used on the dashboard and the door cards were not the best that GM could provide, they looked good. The high-bolstered front seats promised that they’d keep their occupants in place during high-speed cornering, while the bench seat in the back was profiled for two. Even if there was no significant legroom for those seated there, at least they had more headroom than in the coupe version. One of the particular details of the ZL1 Convertible compared with the rest of its open-top siblings was the center console. There, the automaker installed the “four-pack” gauges that showed the oil pressure and temperature, the boost pressure, and the oil transmission temperature.

Under the hood, Chevrolet installed the same supercharged V8 powerhouse as the coupe version. It pushed 580 hp (587 PS) to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission. However, the automaker understood that some customers wanted to use their open-top ZL1s as highway cruisers, so it offered the vehicle with a six-speed automatic as well. The chassis was reinforced with tower-to-tower braces, underbody tunnel brace, front X-brace, and rear underbody V-shaped braces. As a result, the adaptive Magnetic ride suspension, the bushing, and the spring rate were unchanged, so customers could even use the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible on a track.