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580 Horsepower Camaro ZL1 is Most Powerful Production Camaro Ever

The Chevrolet Camaro has a legacy of being one of the preeminent American muscle cars. It is one of the iconic American designs of the late 1960s along with the Ford Mustang and Chevy Corvette. Chevy is harkening back to its roots by producing the 580hp Camaro ZL1 in 2012.

The original ZL-1 was something very special available only in 1969. The ZL-1 was the General Motors' internal designation for a 7.0 liter, all aluminum V8 making a claimed 430hp. This engine was intended only for the Corvette, and even in that car it was a very expensive and very rarely chosen option. However, a canny dealer in Illinois had a deep understanding of the GM ordering process and was able to order 69 Camaros with the ZL-1 engine. It is generally seen at the ultimate version of the first generation Camaro.

For 2012, Chevy will release a new Camaro ZL1 with 580hp and 556lb.-ft of torque (432kW and 720Nm respectively) that uses a de-tuned version of the supercharged 6.2 liter V8 from the Corvette ZR1. This fastest Camaro is not just about speed; it also borrows Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management from the Corvette to lend it better handling and grip.

The ZL1 will be available with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. The automatic has Drive, Sport and Manual modes to increase driving fun.

“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment. 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,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

All of that power means a lot of heat to deal with. The ZL1 comes with the same oil cooling package from the Corvette ZR1. Transmission fluid is pumped to the rear differential to lower temperatures by as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit according to Chevrolet. The ZL1's fuel system is also designed to make sure the engine never starves for fuel thanks to multiple pickup points and a high power fuel pump.

Magnetic Ride Control has been available on the Corvette and other GM vehicles for several years, but it is a first for the Camaro. The system uses a ferrous liquid surrounded by an electromagnet in the damper. By modulating the flow of power to the magnet, the ride can by adjusted dynamically 1,000 times a second allowing for a firm or soft ride when necessary. The system comes with three settings: Tour, Sport, and Track.

Manual transmission-equipped ZL1s also get the Performance Traction Management system that modulates torque to reduce wheel spin. The system is tuned to five levels, the last of which is made specifically for drag strips.

The ZL1 will come with a five year/100,000 mile warranty. Chevrolet did not announce a price for the ZL1, but given that the ZR1 retails for $111,525, do not expect it to be cheap. The ZL1 will be available in 2012.

The Chevrolet Camaro Generations since 1966

The Chevrolet Camaro first went on sale in 1966 to compete on the market with the Ford Mustang. It was built on the same platform as the 1967 Pontiac Firebird. It is categorized as pony car, some versions though also as muscle cars. Since its introduction in the 1960s, the Camaro has been marketed through five generations, the latest being launched for the 2010 model year.

1967 Chevrolet Camaro

The first-generation Camaro was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seating, coupe or convertible with a choice of several V8 engines. It was conceived to challenge the Ford Mustang in the muscle car segment and this first-generation was produced until 1969. It recently provided the inspiration for the 2010 Camaro design.

1970 Chevrolet Camaro

The second generation Camaro was manufactured from 1970 until 1981. It was reviewed in 1974 and 1978 but as it was based on the same platform, the model showed strong similarities with the first generation. In 1971 the Road & Track magazine elected it as one of the 10 best cars in the world.

1982 Chevrolet Camaro

The third generation of the Camaro was introduced in 1982 and lasted until 1992. For the first time the model featured modern fuel injection, Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 four-speed automatic transmissions, five speed manual transmissions, 16 inch wheels, a standard 4-cylinder engine and hatchback bodies.

Chevrolet Camaro

The fourth-generation Camaro was launched in 1993 as coupe body style with 2+2 seating or convertible with rear-wheel drive, and a choice of V6 and V8 engines. In 1997/1998 the model received updates on the interior and exterior. After 35 years the Camaro ceased production in 2002, due to declining sales.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

After being dropped from the Chevrolet portfolio in 2002, the Camaro model was revived with a fifth generation in 2009. The new series was preceded by a Camaro Concept in 2006 which eventually lead to the coupe version of the 2010 Camaro going on sale in 2009. For the 2011 model year, a convertible version became available too. Both body variants reached the European markets in 2011.