New Camaro ZL1
#1
02-09-2011, 10:45 AM
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
New Camaro ZL1
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, debuting today at the Chicago Auto Show, is the most powerful and technologically advanced Camaro ever built. It's not a muscle car anymore. No, now it's a mullet-wearing muscle missile straight from Tron's grid.
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. And by handful, we mean there were only 69 built with the engine, each representing the pinnacle in Camaro performance. Well, until now anyway.
That's because the new ZL1, planned to launch at the beginning of 2012, is powered by the same burnout-inducing 550 HP, 550 lb-ft of torque 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine under the hood of the amazing Cadillac CTS-V. The LSA features an intercooled sixth-generation Eaton four-lobe rotor supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and high-strength hypereutectic pistons. Also, piston oil squirters. Squirters!
Full size
But it's not just more power. The ZL1 also comes with a high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual — the "MG9" version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It's used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for supposedly easy operation and shift smoothness. It'll also be connected to a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system. There's also a new, shorter-throw shifter to help buff book writers with gear changes. And a redesigned steering wheel, because apparently, they can sometimes be uncoordinated too.
And the brakes! They're big, and by Brembo! We're talking about 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors with six-piston calipers; and the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers.
The ZL1 is also equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound. We have no idea what that signature sound will sound like, but it'll be something.
The new muscle missile gets a Magnetic Ride system that includes driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It uses magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations.
And the looks! Well, the looks are sorta...umm... interesting. The ZL1 gets a redesigned front fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps with air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors in a center body-contrast color section, in satin black carbon fiber, to help communicate the car is, you know, high-performance. Functionally, the air extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car's aerodynamics.
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. And by handful, we mean there were only 69 built with the engine, each representing the pinnacle in Camaro performance. Well, until now anyway.
That's because the new ZL1, planned to launch at the beginning of 2012, is powered by the same burnout-inducing 550 HP, 550 lb-ft of torque 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine under the hood of the amazing Cadillac CTS-V. The LSA features an intercooled sixth-generation Eaton four-lobe rotor supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and high-strength hypereutectic pistons. Also, piston oil squirters. Squirters!
Full size
But it's not just more power. The ZL1 also comes with a high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual — the "MG9" version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It's used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for supposedly easy operation and shift smoothness. It'll also be connected to a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system. There's also a new, shorter-throw shifter to help buff book writers with gear changes. And a redesigned steering wheel, because apparently, they can sometimes be uncoordinated too.
And the brakes! They're big, and by Brembo! We're talking about 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors with six-piston calipers; and the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers.
The ZL1 is also equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound. We have no idea what that signature sound will sound like, but it'll be something.
The new muscle missile gets a Magnetic Ride system that includes driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It uses magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations.
And the looks! Well, the looks are sorta...umm... interesting. The ZL1 gets a redesigned front fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps with air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors in a center body-contrast color section, in satin black carbon fiber, to help communicate the car is, you know, high-performance. Functionally, the air extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car's aerodynamics.
#4
02-09-2011, 11:03 AM
Monte Of The Month -- August 2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 5,827
Grandma's and babies around the nation will have to change their diapers because of this car.
It's simply amazing.
It's simply amazing.
#7
02-09-2011, 12:15 PM
Monte Of The Month -- August 2009
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Highland, IN
Posts: 5,827
#9
02-09-2011, 12:29 PM
Screw the camaro, Bring the Monte back with a set up/ stats like that
All i kniw is i want that engine,trans combo in my monte! a few mods and i'm sure you could break 650hp/tq with eas
All i kniw is i want that engine,trans combo in my monte! a few mods and i'm sure you could break 650hp/tq with eas
#10
02-09-2011, 12:36 PM
As much as i agree with this, the reason why the Camaro is a turnoff for me personally... the body style.
Not to hijack, the SRT8/RT 2012 Chargers...now that is pure sex
2012 Charger > Camaro IMO.
