2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will make 580-hp, that makes it the fastest Camaro ever
That’s right ladies and gentlemen – up until now we were told that the 6.2 liter LSA supercharged V8 will be making 550-hp but today Chevrolet has confirmed that the 2012 Camaro ZL1 will indeed be pushing an SAE-rated at 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque. Those figures make the new Camaro ZL1 the most-powerful production Camaro ever.
“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. The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies to offer the best of all worlds – including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip, and the comfort of a daily driver.”
Two other important things you need to know about the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1? It will come with an exclusive Performance Traction Management and the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.
Now in its third-generation, The Magnetic Ride Control has been upgraded with new twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners. The smaller dual-coil system – with one coil at either end of the damper – replaces the larger single-core design of the past generations. Chevrolet says that allows more precise control of the electrical current (and magnetic flux), allowing greater range between the softest setting for ride comfort to the firmest setting for track driving.
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There are three settings for Magnetic Ride Control in the ZL1: Tour, Sport, and Track.
For those of you that already know the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, you’re most likely familiar with the Performance Traction Management (PTM). The system will be offered as standard in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. It combines magnetic ride control, launch control (manual transmission only), traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance performance on the track or drag strip.
Five PTM performance levels or modes are available:
- Mode 1 – Traction control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
- Mode 2 – Traction control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
- Mode 3 – Traction control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
- Mode 4 – Traction control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
- Mode 5 – Traction control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track. Launch control tuned for VHT-prepped drag strips.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be offered with two transmission choices including a 6-speed Tremec TR-6060 MG9 manual or the 6-spped Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic. To make the ZL1 perform equally well on street and track, the 6L90 features three distinct drive modes:
- Drive: The shift pattern is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, including second-gear starts, while the shift feel is tuned for a smooth driving experience. Engaging the tap-shift feature on the steering wheel or shift lever engages temporary manual mode.
- Sport: The shift pattern is calibrated for more aggressing driving, including first-gear starts for maximum performance. The shift feel is also more aggressive, with a performance algorithm that holds the transmission in lower gears during aggressive driving.
- Manual: Here, the 6L90 offers the driver true manual control, with no automatic up shifts, and staged upshifts for incredibly fast shifts and maximum performance.
– By: Omar Rana
