The 2012 model year will mark a historic milestone in Chevrolet Camaro history. Born to the world will be the most powerful production Camaro since its birth in 1967: the ZL1. Producing a SAE-rated 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque, the ZL1 will be motivated by GM’s 6.2 liter, supercharged LSA V8. That’s more power than a Ferrari 458 and more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12: both of which are classified as supercars.
“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. A legend with one of richest histories in the automotive world is the Chevrolet small block V8. All aluminum, the LSA might be slightly modern but it’s still old-school powerful, using pushrods and no direct injection. Breathing through a 1.9 liter, roots-type supercharger, the ZL1 makes its peak torque low and will hold it for the majority of the engine’s rev range. “The torque is going to make the ZL1 a car you won’t want to get out of,” said John Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for small block engines. Behind the LSA will either be a Tremec TR-6060 six speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six speed automatic, both of which have been strengthened to handle the increased torque.
To complement the ZL1’s massive power, all-new suspension and chassis technologies were implemented. The third generation of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control, similar to the one featured on Corvettes, will be standard on the ZL1. Able to adjust the damper stiffness 1,000 times per second, the Magnetic Ride Control uses electromagnets to manipulate the synthetic fluid inside the dampers. Oppenheiser said, “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.” The ZL1 will have three damping settings: Tour, Sport, and Track.
Another exclusive feature on the ZL1 will be Performance Traction Management. This item, which was first seen on the supercar-worthy Corvette ZR1, brings traction, stability and launch control all together. There are five modes to allow for a variety of youthful antics and optimal track performance:
- Mode 1 – Traction control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
- Mode 2 – Traction control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
- Mode 3 – Traction control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
- Mode 4 – Traction control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
- Mode 5 – Traction control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track. Launch control tuned for VHT-prepped drag strips.
Source: Chevrolet
