GM is sharing more information about its upcoming Camaro ZL1 which will arrive with 580 horses and the confidence that this car will be able to run with exotics for a fraction of their price.
GM today confirmed that the ZL1 will get 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque. The engine is a variation of the 6.2 liter, supercharged V8 power plant first used in the Corvette ZR-1 as well as in the Cadillac CTS-V, where it delivers 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. If the breathtaking experience in the CTS-V is any indication, this Camaro should turn into a serious sports car – at least for those who cannot shell out $150,000 and more for an exotic.
2012 Camaro ZL1
At least on the power side, GM is certain that the ZL1 will deliver. “The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.”
It may not be able to match the sophistication of the interior of those exotics and it may not offer all of their more complex technologies, but the ZL1 comes with an improved transmission with a dual-mass flywheel, twin-disc clutch, and triple synchros. A software upgrade enables drivers to choose from three driving modes (drive/sport/manual) as well as several performance upgrades that include an engine oil cooler, a rear-differential cooler and a race fuel system.
Perhaps most importantly, the ZL1 will get GM’s magnetic ride control system (with tour/sport and track settings), which delivers a great road feel and grip in the Corvette. The traction control in the ZL1 will allow drivers to either drive the Camaro as a tame sports car or open it up to a race car in five climatic steps.
There has been no information on pricing yet, but given the fact that the 426 hp Camaro SS tops out at about $45,000, we don’t think that the SS will go on sale for less than $55,000.
Kurt Bakke in Products on September 09
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