With the 2012 Camaro ZL1, GM not only has the Ford GT500 and Dodge Challenger SRT8 in its crosshairs, but every other sports car built or not made!
The ZL1 name comes from the Camaro ZL1 of the late 1960s. It is reported that only 69 were built, they obtained mythical status and were at the pinnacle of Camaro performance.
The new ZL1’s engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA unit providing 550 hp. This is the most powerful engine ever put in a F-body chassis at a GM plant. And what makes this engine such a great automotive piece?
It has an aluminum block with cast-in-place cylinder liners that include deck plate honing as would be done at a custom engine shop. The effort prevents scuffing by the pistons against the cylinder wall and provides a truer bore. This results in better sealing from the rings, less friction, and more long term running durability. GM began this engine process on the LS7 and LS9 engines and carried it to the ZL1’s LSA powerplant.
Added to the precisely machined block are piston oil squinters that lubricate and cool the high-strength alloy cast pistons plus add further longevity to the engine. A forged crankshaft is combined to lightweight powder metal connecting rods. The engine is lubricated by a high-volume oil pump that has a pan mounted cooler.
The roto-cast heads are made from high-strength castings consisting of A356T6 alloy to provide greater heat resistance. The valves are premium steel 2.16-inch intake and 1.59-inch pieces moved by a low-lift cam that provides a smooth idle and good low rpm characteristics.
Unique 4-layer steel head gaskets are used so that the engine can handle all that the 1.9 Eaton supercharger can pump out. The four-lobe blower has a Twin Vortices Series (TVS) design. It provides 9.0 psi after the air goes through its top-mounted liquid-to-air charged cooler. The cooler makes use of a remote pump and reservoir rather than tapping the radiator.
The exhaust consists of a set of cast stainless steel manifolds and varied exhaust flow mufflers similar to the Corvette’s setup. This Camaro is reasonably quiet on the street in everyday use. However, nail the throttle and the engine makes a great sound and performance to match. The ZL1’s 0-60 time will be about 3.7 seconds. For a comparison, read my recent article on the Shelby GT500 by visiting: 2011 Shelby GT500 Super Snake: It can’t bite as long as it’s standing still.
As the engine brings 550 ft. lb. of torque to the ZL1, it is equipped with a 240mm dual-clutch combined with a dual-mass flywheel. At present, the ZL1 has a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual with a smooth short-throw shifter and a heavy duty limited slip rear differential. An automatic transmission might be in the offering down the road.
The car’s suspension and chassis are as technologically advanced as the car’s engine. It consists of electric power rack and pinion steering, plus Magnetic Ride Control (as on the Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V) that alters the spring and damper rate. The driver can choose from Tour for relaxed street driving or Sport for more aggressive road and track use.
Compared to the Camaro SS, the rear stabilizer bar drop links have been moved outboard of the control arms. GM reports that this provides the ZL1 with more response to driver inputs and more effectively fits car’s increased handling limits. The spring rates and stabilizer bar specs have been revised as well.
The car’s brakes are carbon-ceramic Brembo 14.6-inch 6-piston units at the front and 14.4-inch 4-piston units at the rear (the same as on the Cadillac CTS-V).
The wheels are 20-inch forged units with specially designed Good Year tires featuring F1 Supercar tread and compound.
To reduce weight, the ZL1 has forged wheels and an aluminum hood with a carbon-fiber center section. The hood has built in air extractors that work with a front splitter and rear diffuser to help move air around the car.
The front fascia includes a set of brake cooling ducts as well as HID headlight and foglamps. It is reported that the car’s weight distribution will be 52 percent front and 48 percent rear. Thus, the ZL1 will be a fast balanced handing sports car.
All the regular Camaro colors with be available on the ZL1 including a black center hood section.
The interior will only come in black. Microfiber suede will be used as inserts on the seats and door panels. The front seats are six-way power units. Other interior features include steering wheel audio controls with Bluetooth capability, wireless PDIM and UBS ports, Boston Acoustics premium sound system, rear parking assist, and a rear camera that displays in the rearview mirror.
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 combines performance, style and high tech in an impressive automotive package. It is expected to cost about $47,000.
It is definitely time to visit your Chevy dealership and get on the list to be one of the first to give the Camaro ZL1 a good test drive. It will not disappoint!
Visit the slideshow to see more of the 2012 Camaro ZL1!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
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