First Look 2012 ZL1 Camaro
2012 ZL1 Camaro - Concept
2012 ZL1 Camaro - Motor Trend
2012 ZL1 Camaro - trend
The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a performance monster, featuring an all-aluminum engine displacing 427 cubic inches that was originally intended for racing. Just 69 units were built, and they are highly coveted by collectors today. Perhaps it shouldnt come as a surprise, then, that Chevrolet chose to resurrect this classic moniker for what it is calling the fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built.
At this point, specifications are still preliminary, but Chevrolet is estimating that its supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission using a dual-disc clutch thats necessary to properly harness all those horses. Theres also a dual-mode exhaust system that alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.
Chevrolet tells us that its goal was to build "a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street." To that end, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 will be fitted with a new electric power steering system and Magnetic Ride Control that will offer both Tour and Sport modes. Brembo brakes measuring 14.6-inch (370 mm) in the front (with six-piston calipers) and 14.4-inch (365 mm) at the rear (with four-piston calipers) bring it all back down from speed.
"The Camaro ZL1 is a complete high performance car, not just a Camaro with more power," claims General Motors in a recent press release. The short but informative report also boldly names the one vehicle Chevrolet hopes to best in every conceivable way, whether on the street or the track: the Ford Shelby GT500. A close look at the preliminary spec sheet suggests that the Transformers-esque 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has exactly what it takes to refuel the classic Ford vs. Chevy grudge match.
First, we must explain the iconic moniker. Aficionados of early Trans-Am racing will note that the ZL1 badge was reserved for Chevrolets top-tier -- and most powerful -- Camaro that battled Shelbys GT500 on Americas back roads and back straights. Street-licensed ZL1s are some of the most sought after musclecars around as only 69 serialized 1969 model year cars were ever made.
It’s been a bit of an open secret that GM was working on a high-po Camaro to slot above the 426-hp SS model. Spy photos revealed the car’s 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, and most assumed that car would wear the storied Z28 badge. But Chevy’s product planners had something different in mind, and we now know the car will wear the reclaimed ZL1 moniker. (SLP Performance previously held the rights to the historic alphanumerics.)
