Rick Hendrick and the first production ZL1

The much anticipated 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is now in production!

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, joined the GM Oshawa team February 1, 2012 to celebrate the most powerful Camaro ever produced by GM.

The first, retail production, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 features a black exterior, optional Carbon Fiber weave hood insert and a power sunroof. The black leather interior is complimented by suede microfiber inserts on the seats, dash, steering wheel and shift knob.

“This is an exciting new chapter in the ongoing revival of the tremendously popular Chevrolet Camaro,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM of Canada. “The new 2012 Camaro ZL1 is the most-powerful Camaro ever produced by Chevrolet and further demonstrates the flexible capabilities of the award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant.”

Photo: GM Media

The Camaro ZL1 is powered by 580 HP, 556 lb-ft of torque and will get you from 0-60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds. They will arrive at dealers for retail sale by mid-March 2012. For the bargain price of $58,000, it will have ZL1 owners saying "Mustang who?"

Will there be a new Zl1 in your driveway soon? Let us know!

2012 Camaro ZL1 gets Auto & PTM

During the GM Canada Oshawa homecoming event this past weekend, Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser had a few things to say about the Camaro ZL1. We are told the next GM super car will inherit the Performance Traction Management System (PTM), currently available on the Corvette ZR1. This advanced suspension system features launch control and an adjustable high tech suspension system. This is the same system that helped the ZR1 break American records at Nürburgring and it will now be available on the "Poor man's Corvette" otherwise known as the Camaro!

source: Motor Trend

The other news? Just that the ZL1 Camaro will be available with an automatic transmission. 30 years ago this would have been unheard of, but with the advancements in automatic transmission technology, this is very welcome news. Performance wise, this will appeal to a slightly larger audience and allow for more consistent performance for those who will actually treat their Camaro ZL1 to a little track time now and then. 

source: Car & Driver