Chevrolet just gave a sneak peek at its most-potent convertible ever -– the 580-horsepower 2013 Camaro ZL1.

"The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable convertibles available at any price," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas."

The convertible gets the same engine as the ZL1 coupe, a supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V-8. Chevy likes to point out that it has more power than a 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S, 530 horsepower, or a Ford Shelby GT500, 550 horsepower.

To handle all the power without a roof, Chevy says it re-engineered the car to have a body stiff enough to handle not having a roof. The result is a convertible designed to preserve nearly the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro ZL1 coupe, which goes on sale in early 2012.