With 432HP, the SS version of the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is hardly underpowered. But that hasn’t stopped the company making a 580HP version, inheriting the legendary name from 1969: ‘ZL1’.

The convertible version of the recently announced ZL1 coupé is the fastest soft-top Chevrolet ever built, and is certain to pose a problem for Ford and its 550HP Shelby GT500 Mustang.

It seems that Chevrolet may well have set its sights even higher, though, as it’s keen to point out that its new muscle car eclipses the power output of both the Porsche 911 Turbo S and the Mercedes SLS AMG.

A 6.2-litre LSA V8 gives the ZL1 556lb ft of torque and more than enough horsepower. Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer commented: "This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas."

Chevrolet has added a variety of structural braces to combat scuttle-shake, and also fits, as standard, active Magnetic Ride suspension.

The convertible ZL1 will be formally revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November this year, followed by an official US launch in late 2012. Although less extreme Camaros have been confirmed for the UK market from 2012, it is not yet known whether the ZL1 will follow its stablemates across the North Atlantic.

Text: Joe Breeze
Photo: Chevrolet