Camaro ZL1 (United States of America, 2012)

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was presented at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. It is powered by a supercharged V-8 engine which has an estimated power output of 550 hp and torque of 677 Nm. Chevrolet claims it is the fastest Camaro ever built. The new ZL1's high engine output is complemented by balanced, track-ready handling and braking power.

The different design elements on the ZL1 include a new front fascia and hood with air extractors. A center section constructed of carbon fiber has been included in the car’s hood and rendered in satin black finish. Rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tipes have been also fitted on the ZL1 that is marked with the ZL1 badge located on the grille, hood and the brake calipers.

Further details on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be released at the end of 2011 after all testing has been completed. The car will reach the markets by early 2012.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 produces 580bhp and is reaches 170mph. To keep all of this in check the performance variant received some aerodynamic fettling.

The downforce has allowed the Camaro ZL1 to lap the Nürburgring in 7:41.27 and has erased the lift produced by the standard car. The downforce makes the car more stable, meaning at high speeds the ZL1 is more responsive.

Seven elements give the ZL1 its downforce:

1. Front fascia – The front fascia channels air for engine and brake cooling. The lower opening is larger than in a Camaro SS, providing greater airflow to the engine’s intercooler heat exchanger. The grille “fins” were shaped for optimal airflow. The corners of the front fascia were reshaped to minimize lift, while the brake-cooling ducts in the outer corners of the lower grille opening provide a direct, high-flow path to the brake rotors. Cooling the brakes helps extend their life, particularly on the race track.

2. Hood – The ZL1’s hood has a vented, carbon fiber insert, contributing to both engine cooling and aerodynamic downforce. With traditional sealed hoods, air trapped in the engine bay creates lift at the front axle. With the ZL1, the specially shaped vents draw air up through the engine bay – allowing a significant volume of air flow while keeping the front tires on the pavement.

3. Front splitter – Instead of a traditional front air dam, the ZL1 incorporates a racing-style splitter to help create downforce. Unlike some competitors’ vehicles that come with an add-on splitter, the ZL1’s does not have to be installed at the track – it is installed at the factory, and is designed with enough ground clearance for all driving conditions.

4. Front tire deflectors – The deflectors push airflow around the rotating wheels and tires more efficiently, reducing lift and drag. And by using deflectors in place of a traditional air dam, the downforce is less sensitive to pitch changes, making the ZL1 feel more stable at high speeds.

5. Belly pans – The ZL1 has two of them: one beneath the engine cradle and one at the rear of the engine assembly, just in front of the transmission. Both extend the width of the chassis out to the wheelhouse opening, to minimize airflow turbulence under the car. NACA-style ducts are incorporated into the rear belly pan for transmission cooling.

6. Rocker panels – Although subtle in appearance, the carefully shaped rocker panels help reduce lift and drag, while also contributing to stability during high cross winds. They also provide stone protection with the ZL1’s wider tires.

7. Rear spoiler – One of the most dramatic aero enhancements comes with the ZL1’s rear spoiler, which contributes approximately 150 pounds of down force at the cost of only 1 count of drag. It is taller and wider than the Camaro SS spoiler and incorporates the center high-mounted stop lamp.