2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Price Specs

Update: 22/2/17

The model can go 198 mph (318 km/h) thanks to a V8 engine that is good for 650 hp (485 kW). This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox which supposedly shifts faster than PDK transmission used by Porsche. This setup makes the ZL1 the fastest Camaro ever produced.

The company decided to test the vehicle at the High Speed Oval at Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg proving ground. One loop at the facility is 7.6-mile (12.3 kilometers) long, and the ZL1 was tested in both directions, reaching a top speed of 193.3 mph (311 km/h) in one, and 202.3 mph (325.6 km/h) in the other direction.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Features

Camaro chief engineer, Al Oppenheiser stated, “This test caps an impressive list of performance stats for the Camaro ZL1, which was designed to excel at everything. It’s the most capable – and fastest –Camaro ever.”

During the test, the model featured production Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires pumped at optimal 44 psi. Only differences between this one and the stock vehicle were mandatory safety features and data logging systems which were installed both in and out of the car.

Thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission, the new ZL1 will get you to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, and it will need 11.4 seconds to run the quarter mile achieving the speed of 127 mph (204 km/h). As if this isn’t enough, it can get as much as 1.02 G’s in the corners so you can be sure that eat all those sharp turns any track throws at it.

Chevy has set a starting price for the ZL1, so if you want to own it be prepared to spend $63,435 for the one with a standard six-speed manual gearbox which includes $995 destination cost. If you opt for a 10-speed automatic, that one will cost you more money as it is offered at $65,830. We still do not know the price for the drop-top version, but we expect it to be a bit more expensive than others.

Less than a year ago Chevrolet unveiled the 2016 version of Camaro, and everyone thought that there would be no major changes in the lineup for at least a couple of years. There was a reason for such thinking: the model was redesigned in a comprehensive way and received new lighter platform and nicely refreshed suit. Moreover, three new engines were offered along with the vehicle, including a well-received four-cylinder turbocharged unit. However, Chevrolet had different plans and announced the all-new Camaro ZL1 for 2017, thus making the next update in less than a year.

Naturally, we expected that the next generation ZL1 would offer the same amount of updates like the predecessor to carry on the tradition in a proper manner. Well, our expectations became reality because the latest Camaro delivers a substantial improvement if compared with the predecessor. For example, it received improved performance, even lighter platform, and more aggressively looking body; moreover, it was called as the most powerful factory-built Camaro ever and one of the most aerodynamic vehicles the company has ever built.

The new ZL1 made its international debut at this year’s New York Auto Show and will arrive at the dealership later, perhaps in the fall. Read below to know the full details about the vehicle.

Exterior

The ZL1 Package provides some significant changes to the exterior, making it much more aggressive. Most of the redesigned elements are located at the front end, including vertical LED daytime running lights, skinny grille, larger cooling ducts, vented hood made of carbon-fiber and specially designed for ZL1, and wider front fenders. These elements greatly enhance the appearance of the vehicle and make it more modern, especially that narrow grille that gives it a sporty look. Moreover, it also provides efficient air cooling in combination with a functional heat extractor.

The look at the sides reveals that 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has new lightweight alloy wheels painted in gloss black and side skirts that extend towards the ground. This version of Camaro is apparently lower than its predecessor’s thanks to a lowered suspension setup, which also contributes to a sporty appearance.

And last but not least is the back segment: as always, Camaro ZL1 comes in coupe and convertible version. The soft top can be lowered by a press of a button or remotely using the key fob. It allows lowering of the roof even at speeds up to thirty miles per hour when it does not have a substantial impact on the performance. Among the redesigned elements in the back are the diffuser and larger spoiler atop the trunk lid.

Interior

The cabin of the vehicle looks phenomenal and features high-quality materials all over the place. The leather seats are very comfortable, thus allowing the driver and passengers to enjoy the time on the road and feature the ZL1 logos on each. Also, the designers have included small changes to the cabin, including aluminum inserts, larger infotainment screen, suede inserts on passenger-side dashboard and door panels.

The seats also have suede inserts that help to plant the driver into the perfect position. In addition to comfortable seats, the cabin offers a number of entertainment functions, like the premium sound system and full compatibility with smartphones through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The automaker offers the customers an exclusive feature called Chevrolet Performance Data Recorder, which functions as the monitor of the driving sessions. Moreover, it provides the real-time performance information and data, so the driver can review the footage and analyze the racing technique, thus improving the driving abilities. The video is recorded on an SD card that can be easily removed to copy the video and data to your computer or similar. This is a very cool feature, and we cannot wait to see it in action during the test drive.

Overall, the design of the interior looks very similar to SS model. However, in comparison with other Chevrolet models, this one is more performance-minded, spacious, upscale, and track-oriented.

Powertrain

Under the hood of the latest ZL1 is a supercharged LT4 V8 beast that has been specifically tailored for the vehicle. According to the official website of the automaker, exhaust and intake systems were particularly designed for ZL1 to make it more unique among the existing line-up.

Indeed, it was a smart decision because it was needed to differentiate the engine from that of Corvette’s; if the designers simply put the engine from Corvette in Camaro, the redesign of the model would not have been as comprehensive. It is a known that modern auto manufacturers tend to make dramatic redesigns even of mid-cycle variants because they need to address the growing demands of customers and to attract more buyers to the brand.

The new engine boasts the 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque ratings, which translates into a slight disadvantage over the original Corvette’s engine: 10-horsepower and ten lb-ft of torque. This is due to the more restrictive exhaust system at least that is what we heard. However, if compared with the previous generation Camaro, the engine became more powerful: the output was increased in 60 horses and an impressive 84 lb-ft. The official website of Chevrolet says that these characteristics make ZL1 the most powerful Camaro ever made. Even though we were not surprised that Chevrolet would want to make it fast, it was unexpected to discover that they intended to make it as powerful as Corvette

There are two options for transmission to select for the ZL1, 10-speed auto and 6-speed manual. The standard is the first respective unit, which was particularly tuned for the vehicle as well. It is very likely that Chevrolet has specifically tuned the transmission to meet the racing needs of the customers and achieve maximum responsiveness. Although the performance numbers are not available at the moment, we estimate that ZL1 will reach 60 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds and will top at 186 miles per hour.