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New Models
AUTOS: Camaro ZL1 Gets 580 Horsepower
2012 muscle car gains ponies with better airflow and an improved supercharger, Chevy says in announcing more details prior to introduction.
A near-production 2012 Camaro ZL1 strikes a pose during testing at General Motors Milford Proving Grounds. (Photo: Chevrolet)
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be the most-powerful production Camaro ever, achieving 580 horsepower from its all-aluminum supercharged 6.2-liter V8 as well as 556 pound-feet of torque, Chevrolet confirmed today.
That puts the much-anticipated muscle car, due for its official production-car unveiling at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, slightly ahead of the announced 570 horsepower for the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that arrives next year. The 2012 ZL1 was first revealed at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year.
It also slots the Camaro ZL1 midway between the Corvette ZR1, which gets 638 horsepower from an essentially similar supercharged LSA engine, and the Cadillac CTS-V, with 556 horsepower from its boosted LSA engine.
“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.”
The latest Camaro ZL1 also trumps the power of the famed 1969 Camaro ZL1, beating its 427 cubic-inch big block by more than 150 horsepower.
Extra power was gained for new ZL1 by a unique induction system, according to the Camaro engineers, which includes a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. The engine also benefits from a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering, which is consumes less engine power than traditional hydraulic power steering.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be around $50,000.
As well as the expected six-speed manual transmission, the ZL1 will be available with a new Tremec six-speed automatic that Chevy says has 30 percent more torque capacity than the one used in the Camaro SS.
Aside from its impressive power, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 gets an advanced suspension system that includes Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control. Brembo disc brakes provide the stopping power, and the ZL1 rides on 20-inch wheels shod with specially designed Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.
“The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies to offer the best of all worlds, including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip and the comfort of a daily driver,” Oppenheiser said.
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at
That puts the much-anticipated muscle car, due for its official production-car unveiling at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, slightly ahead of the announced 570 horsepower for the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that arrives next year. The 2012 ZL1 was first revealed at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year.
It also slots the Camaro ZL1 midway between the Corvette ZR1, which gets 638 horsepower from an essentially similar supercharged LSA engine, and the Cadillac CTS-V, with 556 horsepower from its boosted LSA engine.
“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.”
The latest Camaro ZL1 also trumps the power of the famed 1969 Camaro ZL1, beating its 427 cubic-inch big block by more than 150 horsepower.
Extra power was gained for new ZL1 by a unique induction system, according to the Camaro engineers, which includes a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. The engine also benefits from a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering, which is consumes less engine power than traditional hydraulic power steering.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be around $50,000.
As well as the expected six-speed manual transmission, the ZL1 will be available with a new Tremec six-speed automatic that Chevy says has 30 percent more torque capacity than the one used in the Camaro SS.
Aside from its impressive power, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 gets an advanced suspension system that includes Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control. Brembo disc brakes provide the stopping power, and the ZL1 rides on 20-inch wheels shod with specially designed Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.
“The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies to offer the best of all worlds, including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip and the comfort of a daily driver,” Oppenheiser said.
Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at
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