The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds
and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,995, including Performance
Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension, the ZL1 delivers supercar
levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car.
"From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long
history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several
times the price," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing.
"The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match
the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1."
For the $54,995 price, including a $900 delivery fee, the ZL1 compares favorably
to much more expensive cars:
Car |
Base Price |
Horsepower |
Torque |
Magnetic Ride |
Camaro ZL1 |
$54,995 |
580 |
556 |
Standard |
Audi R8 GT |
$196,800 |
560 |
398 |
Standard |
Maserati GranTurismo |
$122,800 |
405 |
339 |
Not available |
Mercedes SLS AMG |
$185,750 |
565 |
479 |
Not available |
Supercar Performance
The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580
horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb-ft of torque (754 Nm) - making it the
most-powerful production Camaro ever.
The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and
compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system,
with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at
low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or
automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers
impressive performance:
|
Manual |
Automatic |
0 - 60 mph (from rolling start) |
4.0 seconds |
3.9 seconds |
1/4-mile (from a rolling start) |
12.1 sec at 119 mph |
12.0 sec at 119 mph |
Top speed |
180 mph |
184 mph |
Max lateral grip |
1.0 g |
1.0 g |
"With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, and a top speed in excess of 180
mph, the power and acceleration of the Camaro ZL1 rivals many supercars," said
Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "And, horsepower is only half of the
story, as the most significant measurement of the ZL1's potential is lapping the
Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That is a great testament to the power, braking, grip,
and balance of the Camaro ZL1, and to the well-rounded performance of the ZL1
that sets the bar for the sports-car segment."
Exclusive, Track-Capable Technologies
To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with
several track-capable technologies that are exclusive to the segment.
For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the
third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs
valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the
suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions.
"Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for
road-holding grip and body control," said Oppenheiser. "With Magnetic Ride
Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that
makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body
control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track."
Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management, which
integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic
stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance.
The technology was first introduced on the Corvette ZR1. With Performance
Traction Management, the launch control feature (manual transmission only)
automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without
excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the
system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch.
Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the
available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full
throttle when exiting a corner and Performance Traction Management will
automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on
available traction.
In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the
factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and
transmission-oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such,
the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the 2012 Ford
Shelby GT500.
Additional Features and Options
The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with
suede microfiber inserts and heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard
technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system; USB and
Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display
integrated in the center rear-view mirror.
The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:
* Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
* 20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
* Power sunroof is $900
* Stripe package is $470
* Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
* The suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel,
shift knob, and shift boot is $500
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The
Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model.
Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.