The original ZL1 featured an all-aluminum racing engine installed in just 69 Camaros in the late 1960s. “Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously,” said Rick Scheidt, VP of Chevy marketing. “It is the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history.”
The 2012 Camaro ZL1, which will go on sale about a year from now, is powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 LSA engine used in the Cadillac CTS-V. Chevy is promising about 550 plus horsepower from the engine, which is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Tremec 6060 6-speed gearbox is a special MG9 version that has a higher torque capacity thanks to a dual-mass flywheel and twin disc clutch. The shifter also features a shorter throw for more precise gear changes. No mention of an automatic transmission option, but as one is available for the Cadillac CTS-V it’s likely to be an option for the ZL1 as well.
To accommodate the taller deck height of the new powerplant, the ZL1 is fitted with a raised aluminum hood that features a carbon fiber power dome and heat extracting vents. In addition to the new hood, the ZL1 is fitted with a rear wing spoiler, rocker extensions and a new front fascia that features stacked driving lights and a larger lower inlet to accommodate the additional oil and transmission coolers.
Upgraded Suspension and Brakes Enhance Handling
In addition to the new engine, the ZL1 features suspension upgrades that include magnetically controlled shocks from the Corvette and CTS-V (a Camaro first), electrically assisted power steering, a dual-mode exhaust system with reduced back pressure at higher rpm, upgraded Brembo brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers and 20-inch wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires.
The suspension features two modes, Tour and Sport, which control the stiffness of the magneto-rheological shock damping, which minimizes body roll while absorbing road irregularities. Engineers also repositioned the rear stabilizer bar to have drop links repositioned outside the control arms to improve steering response. There is no mention of Launch Control, no-lift shift or Performance Traction Management in the initial release. We’ve heard that these advanced technology features will be included in the ZL1. And if you look closely at photos of the interior a “+” and “-“ can be seen on the sport and tour buttons located next to the traction control, which is oh-so similar to how PTM is adjusted in the Corvette ZR1. As this will be the second use of the PTM technology, we expect it to also include an adjustable launch control. Something that was slated for the ZR1, but hasn’t materialized yet.
The ZL1 also features interior upgrades including a redesigned steering wheel, aluminum pedals, a head-up display and more aggressively bolstered seats with microfiber suede inserts. The instrument cluster is also complemented by a new boost gauge that gives a readout on supercharger pressure. While the ZL1 will be available in the full color range as the standard Camaro, there’s only one interior color—black.
With the release of the ZL1, the question remains of whether or not there will be an even higher performance version of the Camaro with the legendary Z28 moniker. Chevy execs are mum on this point, but keep in mind that the Corvette ZR1’s 638 horspower supercharged LS9 engine is still being produced, so there is always the possibility of a 600 bhp Camaro sometime in the future.