General Motors’ Al Oppenheiser, Chief Engineer on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has released a statement addressing the Camaro nation as well as Ford Mustang fans. The main reason for his address came after Ford dropped the new 650-hp 2013 Shelby GT500.
“As you know, the blogs lit up with the announcement of the new 650-horsepower Mustang GT500, and I wanted to give you my perspective on the latest challenge from Dearborn,” Oppenheiser said in his letter.”
He went onto say how the Mustang’s been playing catch up to the Camaro since it debuted in 2009 after a long hiatus.
Click here for more details the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
“For Mustang fans, you’re welcome,” said Oppenheiser. “Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us.”
Check out his whole letter after the jump.
Refresher: Power for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes from a LSA 6.2L supercharged V8 making 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque. The engine is matched to a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission with a new shorter-throw shifter that improves gear changes. It also features a dual-mode exhaust system which provides a very throaty and powerful sound. Sales begin in early 2012. Prices will start at $54,995.
Camaro Nation:
As you know, the blogs lit up with the announcement of the new 650-horsepower Mustang GT500, and I wanted to give you my perspective on the latest challenge from Dearborn.
The Mustang has been playing catch up since the moment the fifth-gen Camaro arrived in 2009. Since then, Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in America, indicating that consumers know which car offers the best performance, style and safety.
It is no coincidence that Mustang has introduced three 100-horsepower increases to keep pace with Camaro: First their V-6 was bumped to 305; then their V-8 went to 412, and now the GT500.
Even with the 100-hp increase, the 2013 GT500 will still not match the technology and sophistication of the 2012 Camaro ZL1.
The days of “no replacement for displacement,” are over, and it’s not enough to be fast in a straight line. With the Camaro ZL1, we set out to deliver integrated performance, and be equally good at acceleration, braking, grip, and turning. As you will soon see, that’s why the Camaro ZL1 will set the performance benchmark for the segment.
Our approach was to make every Camaro ZL1 fully track-capable, from the factory. As we announced today, the ZL1 Coupe will start at $54,995 with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Performance Traction Management, and standard track-capable equipment such as a rear-differential cooler, brake cooling ducts, and an engine and transmission cooler.
None of our customers will have to buy extra options – or modify their ZL1 – for track-day usage. That is not the case for the current GT500, or their new car.
For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us.
For Camaro fans, trust me, we are always listening to your feedback, and working hard to keep the Camaro in the lead.
Al O.
- By: Omar Rana
Source: Camaro5
