Chevrolet unveils the 2017 Camaro ZL1, housing a supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine under the hood with 640 HP and 640 pound-feet torque — yes, the very same that powers the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V.
To put that figure into perspective, it beats the 2015 model by 60 HP and 84 pound-feet torque. Executive VP of Global Product Development and President of General Motors in North America Mark Reuss says that it's the "hammer in the Camaro lineup" for the sixth generation.
"The Camaro ZL1 is designed to excel at everything. 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," he says.
Called the LT4, the sweet setup of the Camaro ZL1 will be mated to a six-speed manual or the new 10-speed automatic transmission. That's four more than what the ZL1, which came before it has. While on the topic of comparing it to its predecessor, it'll also have a more impressive power-to-weight ratio, as it's lighter by about 200 pounds.
Long story short, it's considerably better across the board than the previous model.
What's more, it sports an all-new hood that has a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor to keep the engine compartment nice and cool. To top it off, it has an electronic limited-slip differential and a magnetic ride suspension. The grille also has a reworked aerodynamic "flow-tie" open bowtie emblem.
The Camaro ZL1 is fitted with 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, clocking in at 285/30 at the front and 305/30 at the rear. It also has Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.
Going over the interior, it's loaded with the standard Recaro front seats plus a flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob covered in suede.
As for availability and pricing, nothing has been set in stone yet, but the Camaro ZL1 is expected to arrive sometime this year.
Interestingly, Chevrolet didn't give out the 0 to 60 MPH figure or anything else along those lines. Perhaps the carmaker has left the task of finding things out in the hands of the future drivers of the Camaro ZL1.
