Updated with new video March 24, 2016
The horsepower wars are getting more agro and the Camaro’s ZL1 power boost is bringing a precision assault weapon to the fight. Chevrolet announced that the 2017 Camaro ZL1 now harnesses 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. All of this enraged power comes from the LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8 small block engine.
Zl1 owners can either row their own gears with a six-speed manual or rifle through the gears with a new quick-shift 10-speed automatic developed specifically for the ZL1. The most-awesome Camaro, featuring lightweight handling agility and a more rigid platform, is poised to hustle in a straight line or around turns with ease.
“Driving the Camaro ZL1 is best described as ‘fast with finesse,’” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development. “It is beautifully balanced, with perfect damping and isolation for optimal performance and driver confidence in virtually any situation – from the Pacific Coast Highway to Willow Springs to Pomona.”
Exterior upgrades that distinguish the ZL1 from the typical street grades are a new hood with a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor, larger front splitter, wider front fenders, unique 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and a wing-style rear spoiler.
Chevrolet hasn’t announced if they will roll out the Camaro ZL1 at the New York auto show next week, but the TFLcar team will be on the ground in NYC covering the show. Watch this space for a first look if Chevy does decide to bring out for show.
Andre catches up with Al Oppenheiser, GM’s chief engineer for the Camaro, and gets him to spill the details in this TFLcar ‘everything you ever wanted to know’ video.
