Chevrolet has unveiled its highest-performing Camaro at the Chicago Auto Show, and it’s all brutish with the ZL1, which is due to enter the market in early 2012.
The ZL1 gets its moniker from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they’ve achieved mythical status among enthusiasts.
This one, of course, gets a more modern mill in the form of a LSA 6.2 litre supercharged V8 engine, which produces an estimated 550 hp and 677 Nm. Components include a sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors, premium heat-resistant aluminium-alloy cylinder heads and high-strength hypereutectic pistons.
The block is mated to a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual, in this case the MG9 version, which has a higher torque capacity. Features include a dual-mass flywheel, twin-disc clutch and a new, shorter-throw shifter.
To differentiate the ZL1 from the rest of the Camaro range, the car gets a number of reworked exterior elements. The front features a redesigned fascia – replete with a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps – and an aluminium hood with air extractors and a raised, carbon fibre insert, which helps reduce the bonnet’s mass.
High-intensity discharge headlamps and fog lamps are standard, and at the rear, items include a diffuser and spoiler. The car wears new-design, 20-inch forged aluminium wheels, wrapped with Goodyear Supercar F2 tyres developed specifically for the ZL1.
There’s a specifically-tuned dual-mode exhaust system, first used on the Corvette, which offers a sound level and character in response to engine rpm. The car wears a Brembo braking system, with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.
Elsewhere, the car gets a Magnetic Ride Control suspension, with a choice of driver selectable modes, and the rear stabiliser bar’s drop links have been repositioned outboard of the control arms to offer more effective body roll control.
Inside, the ZL1’s leather seats feature microfibre suede inserts, and other enhancements include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, a HUD and a “four-pack” auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout.
Gallery after the jump.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1950]
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New Bumblebee in Transformer 3?
In every transformers 1 and 2, Bumblebell always gets an upgrade….
But never get a voice…. :(
Oh no… Who in the right mind would ditch the camaro-exclusive retro steering wheel for the universal one which you can find in basically any chevy in the market today???
Center console really retro! Huuuu I love it till have orgazm. be my valentine baby!
jejai sure likes it.
…and fasha sandha disagree…..ouch
nice shift… manual
lol at the steering wheel. direct change from the standard camaro.
i saw yellow camaro at chevrolet show room jalan ampang.. nice muscle car.
Now, THIS is what I call pure American muscle. Instruments are simple yet updated and I just love the ‘frown’ of the front end of the car. And rear still carries a hint of the classic Chevy. I wonder if there’s any chance they would produce a 4-door ? Hahaha……
They did.
Its called a Holden Commodore. I’m sure you can build something after raiding the HSV parts bin.
To think of current models, a Cadillac CTS-V would be as close to it as possible.
I hopped into one at a dealership….interior room is pretty dismal but that was besides the point but adding 2 doors to an already tight back end is quite pointless.
To just adore it is not enough…..we want to see and hear it roarrr on Malaysian street…..NAZA as the new Chevrolet dealer please import a few units of it!!!!
if u wanna see it go to chevy show room at jalan ampang.. nice~
This is pure classic american muscle but with a modern twist.Nicely done.Owned a 1969 Camaro Z28 with a 350 Cubic Inch (5700cc V-8) with a 4 speed manual when i was studying in the U.S a long time ago.Mint condition,well kept and gas as the Yanks call it was dirt cheap.Will roast the rear tires to a pulp in 1st gear if you pop the clutch with more than 4500 rpm,and the car won’t go anywhere,stationary burnout!
The original 69′ version had absolutely garbage handling which i sorted later but it was an absolute beast to begin with.Dropped in a 7 litre (427ci) Big block V8 with close to 630hp at the wheels on pump gas and it ripped the standing quarter in 9.98 secs at 146.9mph on road radial tyres.0-100 in 4.4 secs with a modified 6 speed.Sounds and goes like war,they can hear you a mile away!If you can drive an old stock muscle car at stupidly high speeds,you can drive anything.A different driving method has to be employed here.
Damn! What a ride! Still miss it dearly.I dread to think what it’s going to cost here!