Opening up will take on a double meaning when Chevrolet brings the new Camaro ZL1 Convertible to market sometime in mid-2012. The cabriolet version of Chevy’s most powerful pony car ever will feature both a fast-opening top and a 580-horsepower V-8.
TheDetroitBureau.com got a first good look at the Camaro ZL1 Convertible during a background session at the General Motors Design Dome, the styling complex where every version of the Camaro family has been designed since the original rolled off the drawing boards nearly a half century ago.
The ZL1 Coupe, which comes to market next April, is the latest in what we’re told will be a continuing series of updates to the latest Camaro iteration. Not a bad move if Chevy hopes to maintain momentum after gaining the sales lead over long-time rival Ford Mustang for the first time in decades. Coupe and Convertible share key powertrain and design elements, starting with that LSA V-8, a supercharged package that turns out 580 horsepower – 30 more than the current Mustang Shelby GT – and 556 lb-ft of torque.