Making its global debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, the ZL1 takes its name from a limited production model from four decades back. In 1969, GM produced just 69 copies of an all-aluminum racing engine with the same name what has long been the most powerful Camaro ever built. That's about to change with the 2012 Camaro ZL1, a model producing 550 foot-pounds of torque.
The Camaro ZL1 transmission should appeal to enthusiasts who have a need for performance. The transmission is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch shifting ease and operation. A new, shorter-throw shifter drives the shifting gears. Drivers will be able to bring their rides to a quick, safe stop as this model includes track-capable Brembo brakes.
While tooling down the road, drivers will be able to select tour and sport modes of the coupe's magnetic ride suspension, enhancing shock damping while minimizing body roll. Standard rear stabilizer bars feature drop links that have been repositioned outboard of the control arms, providing effective body roll control. Electric steering has been improved for this model, giving the driver greater feedback.
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 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 model is designed to be a major leap forward for the Camaro, bringing a new level of performance capability to the segment.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (2012)