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Journey's End: The price is right
The punch line is the price: $60,445, which is about what you'd pay for a nicely-equipped BMW 335i convertible. That's not bad for a car that delivers the same performance as a $146,000 Mercedes SL63 AMG -- although it also swills fuel like a 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. Plan on 12 to 14 MPG if you can't keep your foot out of it... and I'm pretty sure you won't be able to keep your foot out of it.
Chevrolet can't claim the best-bargain title outright, since the new Shelby GT500 convertible gives you 650 hp for only $59,995. I haven't had any seat time in the GT500 yet, so I'll have to withhold my verdict. In most Camaro reviews, I voice my preference for the smaller, lighter feel of the Mustang -- but the ZL1, like all of the LSA-powered cars, takes things to a much higher level. It still feels big and brutish, but I've driven few cars that can deliver so much power with so much restraint.
Bottom line: This is one of the most thrilling cars that General Motors has produced, at least in my lifetime, and at sixty grand, they are practically giving them away. If you think you might want one, then trust me: You want one. If you are considering something a bit more high-brow, like that BMW 335i I talked about, I suggest you swing by your local Chevrolet dealer and see what the Camaro ZL1 gives you for the same money. If you've always wanted a classic muscle car, the ZL1 delivers all the thrills without any of the headaches.
And if those aren't good enough reasons for your to buy one, then drop me an email -- I'm sure we can come up with something. -- Aaron Gold
What I liked about the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 convertible:
- Very fast, very loud, very agile
- Surprisingly tractable for such a powerful car
- Low price
What I didn't like about the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible:
- Heavy weight
- Dreary dash (though it's better than last year's)
- I don't own one
Details:
- Convertible version of the Camaro ZL1 is new for 2013
- Starting price: $60,445
- Powertrain: 6.2 liter supercharged V8/580 hp, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: You don't want to know
- Best rivals: Ford Shelby GT500, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, a well-restored classic muscle car
Disclosure: This vehicle was conducted at a manufacturer-sposored press event. Travel, accommodations, meals, vehicles and fuel were provided by Chevrolet. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.