2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Chevrolet unveiled the new 2017 Camaro sporting the Corvette Z06’s
supercharged V8 pushing out an estimated 640 hp and 868 Nm.
That’s 10 hp and 10 lb-ft short of the
same 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 found in the Corvette Z06, but a 60 hp and 84
lb-ft leap over the previous Camaro ZL1’s 580 hp 6.2-liter supercharged LSA
powerplant. Not only that, but the new ZL1 underwent a rigorous diet and lost 91 kg over its predecessor.
While GM hasn’t shared any performance
numbers yet, it’s not hard to imagine that the new top dog in the Camaro’s
lineup will be faster than the old ZL1 that hit 0-96 km/h in 4.0 seconds
for the manual and 3.9 seconds for the automatic version with respective top
speeds of 290 km/h and 296 km/h.
Speaking of transmissions, a six-speed
manual with active rev-matching capability remains the standard option for the
2017 Camaro ZL1, but the big news here is the first application of GM’s
brand-new 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a 7.39 overall ratio for
smaller steps between gears. Co-developed with Ford, the 10-speed automatic
will eventually be introduced to eight GM vehicle models before the end of
2018.
Beyond the powertrain, the ZL1 gets a
suite of performance technologies, including an updated Magnetic Ride
suspension, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited-slip
differential, Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector. It rides on
20-inch forged alloys in 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear Goodyear Eagle F1
Supercar tires, with stopping power coming from a set of Brembo brakes with
six-piston front and four piston rear calipers.
The ZL1 isn’t shy of its racing
pedigree, with GM stating that its exterior was “shaped during more than 100
hours of wind-tunnel testing and on-track validation to improve aerodynamics
and cooling for track use”. Nevertheless, the first thing we noticed about the
supercharged Camaro is that huge mouth under the slim upper grille; while it
may do its job feeding air to the engine and aiding aerodynamics, its
aesthetics are on the questionable side.
It also gets a newly designed hood, with
a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor, a larger front splitter, unique
rockers, a wing-style rear spoiler and wider front fenders.
The interior plays along the same tune
with standard Recaro front seats, a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift
knob, while Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder will be available too.
We’ll see the new 2017 Camaro ZL1 for
the first time at next week’s New York Auto Show before it goes on sale towards
the end of the year.
