Like the coupe, the Camaro ZL1 convertible powered by the 580-hp/432-kW LSA engine, as
well as the same advanced powertrain and chassis technologies. And because the architecture
for the fifth-generation Camaro was designed to accommodate a convertible model, it gives the
ZL1 convertible coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the
already-stiff body structure to quell the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles.
They include:
A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
A transmission support reinforcement brace
Underbody tunnel brace
Front “X” brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody “V” braces.
Additional structural reinforcements in the ZL1 convertible are designed to improve noise and
vibration characteristics, while also reducing unwanted ride and body motions. They include a
hydroformed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a
reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.
The bottom line is a convertible designed to preserve nearly all the acceleration, road-holding
and performance capabilities of the Camaro ZL1 coupe.
MyLink details
Camaro ZL1 includes new Chevrolet MyLink, which seamlessly integrates online services such
as Pandora
®
internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio
®
using hands-free voice and touch-screen
controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones. MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless
control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability
already offered in most Chevy vehicles.
MyLink features a high-resolution, full-color touch screen display designed to manage the
number of steps required to complete a task. It also retains all the capabilities of conventional
entertainment features, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback,
auxiliary and USB inputs.
Camaro ZL1’s downforce-optimized design
Most production cars are designed with some lift at speed slip through the air for improved fuel
economy – but to maintain stability and steering response at the speed the Camaro ZL1 is
capable of achieving, it features an aerodynamic design that generates downforce to press the
tires against the track.
The aerodynamics helped refine the exterior design to generate downforce for improved
handing at speed while minimizing the amount of increased drag that could reduce fuel
economy and the vehicle’s top speed. With the computer-assisted design recommendations,
full-scale clay models and full-size prototypes were tested in the General Motors’ wind tunnel.
Outside of the aerodynamics laboratory, engineers tested the ZL1’s aero aids on GM’s Milford
Road Course, other race tracks and the unique “rolling road” wind tunnel at the Auto Research
Center in Indianapolis. When the dust settled and the wind-tunnel blades came to a stop, the
Camaro ZL1 produced 65 pounds of downforce at an equivalent 150 mph (241 km/h) –
