Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Camaro ZL1, with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that gets an estimated 640 horsepower and nearly 480 pounds per feet of torque. The vehicle goes on sale later this year.
“The Camaro ZL1 is designed to excel at everything,” says Mark Reuss, executive vice president of global product development at General Motors Co. “It’s a 2+2 coupe offering incredible performance — acceleration, handling, and braking — with the highest levels of technology and perfect chassis damping, making it suitable for everyday driving. It will compare well to any sports coupe, at any price and in any setting.”
Reuss says the vehicle has the same body structure as the sixth generation (2016) Camaro, which is lighter and stiffer when compared to previous iterations of the vehicle. Standard technologies include a driver mode selector, dual-mode exhaust, and advanced connectivity features.
Reuss says the lower grille opening offers greater airflow compared to the Camaro SS, and the upper grille incorporates a new version of the “flow-tie” open bowtie insignia. The Camaro ZL1 has a new hood with a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor that pulls hot air from the engine compartment.
The vehicle has 20-inch aluminum wheels, a wing-style rear spoiler, and wider front fenders.
Reuss says the Camaro ZL1 marks the first Chevy application of the new 10-speed, with calibrations and hardware developed exclusively for the ZL1. By the end of 2018, GM will introduce the new 10-speed automatic in eight vehicle models.
Earlier this month, Chevy introduced the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport at the Geneva International Motor Show, a beefed up version of the Corvette Stingray, with some performance parts from the Z06.
