Anywhere, anytime.
Chevrolet has shown their incredible capabilities in the realm of performance cars with the new C7-generation Corvette Stingray from the racetrack to the road. The new model put other super cars on notice, and they’re continuing to do so with the new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that can take on any kind of competition.
“The Camaro ZL1 is designed to excel at everything,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a 2+2 coupe offering incredible performance – acceleration, handling and braking – with the highest levels of technology and perfect chassis damping, making it suitable for everyday driving. It will compare well to any sports coupe, at any price and in any setting.”
That’s quite a lofty claim, but it’s not an empty threat in the least bit. The lighter and stiffer sixth-generation Camaro provided the perfect starting point for a performance-oriented, track-focused model packed with loads of new technology, optimized aerodynamics, and a meaty V-8 engine.
The Chevrolet design and engineering teams put the new 2017 Camaro ZL1 through over 100 hours of testing in wind tunnels and the track to create the perfect balance of cooling, stability, and downforce. Airflow is managed over, under, and through the car through various new parts such as a hood with integrated carbon fiber insert and heat exchanger, new front splitter, side skirts, rear wing spoiler, and wider front fenders. Even the grille is more aerodynamic with the lower portion bringing in more air than the SS variant while a “flow-tie” bowtie badge optimizes airflow into the engine bay.
Blowing steam out the hood in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged LT4 6.2-liter V-8 small block engine featuring intake and exhaust setups tailored specifically for the Camaro. The potent V-8 churns out a whopping 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft. of torque and roars from a standard dual-mode exhaust.
The sledgehammer V-8 engine in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or customers can opt for the new 10-speed automatic with 7.39 overall ratio. The smaller steps between gears ensures that the engine is producing maximum power during any point of acceleration while providing quick up- and down-shifts. This marks the first application of the 10-speed for Chevrolet, with this gearbox tailored specifically for the Camaro ZL1. The new transmission will make its way into eight new GM models by 2018.
Also helping to control that insane amount of power is a standard electronic limited slip differential, fast-adapting Magnetic Ride suspension, Driver Mode Selector, and Performance Traction Management. The 2017 Camaro ZL1 also boasts mighty Brembo six-piston front brakes with 390 mm two-piece front rotors hiding behind a set of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod in 285/30 ZR20 front and 305/30 ZR20 rear tires. The new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires were developed just for the Camaro with a unique compound and construction for added grip.
Holding passengers in place are new, supportive Recaro front seats with suede inserts and contrasting stitching. A sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob gives drivers greater grip and control during high-performance driving. As an option, the Chevrolet Performance Data Recorder can be installed to display a variety of information.
The new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is set to go on sale later this year. Pricing has not been announced.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Gallery
Source: Chevrolet
How do you think the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 stacks up against the competition?
