Camaro ZL1 by the Numbers


DETROIT – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds,  and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,095, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride  suspension,  the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car. “From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1.”



The Camaro ZL1 Coupe features a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,095, excluding delivery fees and taxes. For that price, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars:

Base Price Horsepower Torque Magnetic Ride
Camaro ZL1 $54,095 580 556 Standard
Audi R8 GT $196,800 560 398 Standard
Maserati GranTurismo $122,800 405 339 Not Available
Mercedes SLS AMG $185,750 565 479 Not Available

Supercar Performance

The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a  standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note  at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers performance that rivals some of the world’s fastest supercars:




Manual Automatic
0 – 60 mph (from rolling start) 4.0 seconds 3.9 seconds
1/4-mile (from a rolling start) 12.1 sec at 119 mpg 12.0 sec at 119 mpg
Top speed 180 mph 184 mph
Max lateral grip 1.0 g 1.0 g

“With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, the acceleration of the ZL1 is just awesome,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer, “but horsepower is only half of the story. The ZL1’s most significant measurement of  performance is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That’s astounding for a 2+2 coupe, and a great testament to the acceleration, braking, grip, and balance of the Camaro ZL1. It is the well-rounded performance of the Camaro ZL1 that will set the bar for the sports-car segment.”


Exclusive, track-capable technologies 


To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track capable technologies  that are exclusive to the sports car segment. For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and  Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions. “Traditional suspension systems at some point   compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and  body control,” said Oppenheiser. “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 takes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.” Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management (PTM), which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. For example, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and PTM will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction. In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the Ford Shelby GT500:


Camaro ZL1 GT500
Magnetic Ride Standard Not available
Performance Traction Management Standard Not available
Factory engine and transmission coolers Standard Dealer-installed option
Factory brake cooling ducts Standard Dealer-installed option
Factory rear differential cooler Standard Dealer-installed option


Additional features and options  


The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts, and  heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio  system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.



The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:
  • Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
  • 20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
  • Power sunroof is $900
  • Stripe package is $470
  • Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
  • The suede package, including sueded microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go  on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.

1 comment:

Drop Suspension said...

Given that this is a small-volume model with serious performance intentions. A transmission choice and paint scheme.