550-HP Camaro in One Year
CHICAGO?? I had never been to a press conference where the manufacturer handed out ear plugs before the program started. But it all made sense as the loud music had ?my body literally pulsating with every beat trumpeting the arrival of the extreme new 550-hp Chevy Camaro ZL1 to the Chicago Auto Show.
This was the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class.
The ZL1 is powered by the LSA ?6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, which will produce an estimated 550 horsepower and 550 lb.ft. of torque. ?Built on GM?s legendary all-aluminum, small-block V-8 architecture, the engine features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement.
The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they?ve achieved mythical status among enthusiasts, as they represented the pinnacle in Camaro performance ? until now. The 2012 ZL1 model is designed to be a major leap forward for the Camaro, bringing a new level of performance capability to the segment.
It will also be the most technologically advanced with a highly developed chassis and suspension capable of handling the extreme power.
?Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously,? said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. ?It?s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we?ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history.?
The central goal of the car?s development was creating something new ? a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street. To achieve that goal, engineers evolved many of the existing Camaro?s systems, as well as incorporated new technologies such as electric power steering and Magnetic Ride Control, the world?s fastest-reacting suspension system.
Camaro ZL1?s design communicates and supports its performance mission. Rather than using decorative elements, ZL1 is visually differentiated from other current Camaro models with elements vital to the car?s elevated capabilities.
?Everything about the ZL1?s design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics,? said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. ?Our designers? goal was to execute that function-oriented design with beautifully sculpted forms, creating an imposing, powerful persona. Function becomes the aesthetic. The intent is a car that delivers on the attitude it projects.?
Major elements of the ZL1?s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car?s hood includes a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber and rendered in satin black finish. New rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips portray the car?s handling and power.
Transmission ? The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. It is the ?MG9? version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easy operation and shift smoothness. A new, shorter-throw shifter actuates the gear changes.
Exhaust ? ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the legendary Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound.
Drivetrain ? It is revised with a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger and stronger cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1?s tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.
Suspension ? The suspension features completely revised tuning and the inclusion of segment-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control. ZL1?s Magnetic Ride system will include driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It uses advanced magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations. This technology appears on only a small roster of some of the world?s finest performance cars. Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car?s high-performance limits. Rear stabilizer bars have drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This makes the bars more effective in controlling body roll in turns, with crisp response to driver commands.
Brakes and Steering ? Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. The large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. It is being developed to ensure precise control and feedback to the driver, with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving.
Exterior ? ZL1?s signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps. The fog lamp area includes air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car. Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car?s high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car?s exterior color. Functionally, the air extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. The carbon fiber center section reduces the mass of the hood.? High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car?s aerodynamics.
Wheels and Tires ? New-design, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with new Goodyear Supercar F2 ties developed specifically for the ZL1.
Interior ? ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving. The front seats feature microfiber suede inserts. Other enhancements include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts and the ?four-pack? auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout.
Production details
All of the Camaro exterior colors will be offered with the ZL1, but black is the only interior color. The unique exterior features are complemented with a black center section on the hood. Inside, the Camaro ZL1 has heated leather seats with microfiber inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front headrests. Microfiber suede is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel, adding a richer look to the interior.
The LS1 is planned to launch at the beginning of 2012.
