The headline figures for its 6.2 litre supercharged V8 engine are 580 bhp (432 kW / 588 PS) and 754 Nm (556 lb/ft) of torque, both of which are substantially higher than was originally expected.
As Chevrolet is understandably keen to point out, that’s more power than a Ferrari 458 Italia can muster - but it could have also mentioned that other exotica such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Aston Martin Virage and Audi R8 V10 are similarly eclipsed by the Camaro in this respect.
The ZL1’s huge outputs have been partly achieved due to improved airflow through both the supercharger housing and the air filter, a high efficiency intercooler, a performance fuel delivery system and the fitment of electric power steering that robs less power from the engine.
Drive to the rear wheels is via a Tremec TR-6060 ‘MG9’ manual gearbox, which comes equipped with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch to help cope with all that torque.
For anyone who doesn’t like changing gears themselves, a specially strengthened Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic transmission is on the options list. It has three modes: economy-focussed Drive, the more aggressive Sport and Manual for extra control.
A potential problem is that so much grunt from an engine can be a liability if it’s not accompanied by a decent chassis set-up. However, Chevrolet claims it has that sorted too, thanks to Magnetic Ride Control 3.0.
MRC essentially allows for the suspension to continuously adapt to driving style and road conditions, so that (in theory at least) it always provides an optimum mix of ride and handling. Magnetised particles inside the dampers react when an electrical current is passed through them and, because that current can be varied 1,000 times per second, it means the ride stiffness is constantly being adjusted. Tour, Sport or Track settings are available.
The ZL1 also gets Performance Traction Management, which combines MRC with the car’s traction control, electronic stability control and launch control systems.
Depending on the conditions and driving ability, the driver can choose from one of five PTM modes. These each vary the degree of traction control, decide whether the stability control is on or off, and select the MRC setting.
On the face of it, the Camaro ZL1 seems like a serious performance car. Perhaps what’s needed is a head-to-head against the aforementioned Ferrari 458 Italia on both a quarter-mile strip and around a circuit to prove whether that’s the case?
Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
Images © GM Corp.
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