2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible Preview

Introduction

One of the most powerful production cars Chevrolet has ever built, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible adds plenty of sunshine to accompany the car's penchant for speed.

Exterior Features

The 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is differentiated from other Camaro drop-tops by unique front and rear styling. Features include a functional front splitter, side rocker panel extensions, rear diffuser panel, and a different rear spoiler. The Camaro ZL1's hood is constructed of aluminum and is punctuated by carbon fiber air extractors, and this sport-tuned convertible rides on staggered-width 20-inch aluminum wheels with summer performance tires.

Interior Features

Among the features included in the Camaro ZL1 Convertible's base price are leather seats with microfiber suede inserts, Boston Acoustic premium audio system, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, rear park-assist sensors, rearview camera, and alloy pedals.

Optional Features

Chevrolet offers four factory options for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible. The Suede package adds microfiber suede to the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot. An exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is available, and buyers can choose to put stripes on the ZL1. Bright-finish 20-inch aluminum wheels can also be installed in exchange for the standard painted wheels.

Under the Hood

The Chevy Corvette ZR1 shares its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine with the Camaro ZL1, tuned to make 580 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 556 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm in the Camaro. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a 6-speed automatic equipped with TapShift manual control available as an option.

With the automatic, the Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 184 mph, according to Chevrolet. The manual model is slightly slower. Chevrolet has not provided performance specifications for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible.

In addition to the supercharged V-8 engine, the Camaro ZL1 is equipped with a performance-tuned Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which Chevrolet says can adjust damping levels up to 1,000 times per second. A dual-mode active exhaust system is also standard, and the ZL1 is the only Camaro model equipped with electric steering.

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible requires premium fuel. While the EPA has not rated the convertible model for fuel economy as this preview is published, the Camaro ZL1 Coupe is expected to deliver the following results:

• Camaro ZL1 with manual transmission: 14/19/16 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Camaro ZL1 with automatic transmission: 12/18/14 mpg

Safety

The new 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible is equipped with Performance Traction Management, which combines traction control, stability control, launch control, and the Magnetic Ride Suspension to enhance launch characteristics and cornering capability, according to Chevrolet.

Four-wheel ventilated-disc Brembo anti-lock brakes are standard on the Camaro ZL1, featuring 2-piece front rotors clamped by 6-piston front calipers, single-piece rear rotors with 4-piston rear calipers, and brake assist.