General Motors has just revealed exact power figures for its new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and they’re suitably impressive.
Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer of the Camaro, said, “The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment. The answer is GM’s Performance Traction Management (PTM) system fitted as standard equipment.
In a case of automotive striptease, Chevrolet continues to reveal more about the 2012 Camaro ZL1 and updated ZR1 Corvette. Only unseasonal rain today at Chevy’s Milford Proving Grounds prevent us from gushing about the super-‘vette’s glue-like stick thanks to new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires.
Centennial Corvette More coy is the New Camaro zl1. Missing is the hydraulic power steering pump; the ZL1 uses electrically assisted power steering to free up power and provide an expanded range of variable assist and steering ratios.
It’s part of an upgraded fuel system that accesses even the last cup of fuel during high-g track action.
Manual and automatic transmissions are both in store. Chevy says the auto is a sweetie on the street, launching in second gear and shifting smoothly, but is a tiger on the track with aggressive, high-speed shifts in either auto or the truly manual control.
Durability is enhanced by standard oil coolers for both transmissions and the differential, along with the ZR1 ‘vette’s engine oil cooling system carried over intact.
Chevy stresses these modes provide significantly different performance, ranging from a rain mode to a barely-there track aid. In all, Chevy says 30 percent of the New Camaro zl1 has been upgraded in the ZL1.
The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro rocks. Impressively, the new Chevy Camaro is an excellent performance-car value whether it's equipped with the base direct-injected V6 or the optional V8. The Camaro handles smartly, too, with even the base car surpassing the rarefied 68 mph mark on our slalom course.
The base direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 is the same sophisticated engine that's an extra-cost option on the Cadillac CTS luxury sedan, while the 6.2-liter V8 in the manual-transmission Camaro SS is essentially borrowed from the base Corvette (automatic SS models get a slightly less powerful V8 variant). In the final analysis, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a car that's no-excuses good. The wait is over; the Camaro is here.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro performance coupe is available in five trim levels: base LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS and 2SS. The 2LT adds 19-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, auto-dimming functionality for the driver-side and interior mirrors, additional auxiliary gauges, remote engine start (automatic transmission only), leather upholstery, heated power front seats and a Boston Acoustics sound system with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a USB audio interface and Bluetooth.
Upgrades include SS-specific exterior and interior styling cues, 20-inch aluminum wheels and Brembo brakes. The 2SS unites the 1SS's sporty styling touches and performance hardware with the 2LT's full list of standard equipment.
Powertrains and Performance The rear-wheel-drive 2010 Chevy Camaro is powered by either a 3.6-liter direct-injected V6 (LS, 1LT, 2LT) or a 6.2-liter V8 (1SS, 2SS). Camaro V8s with the automatic have slightly less power (400 hp, 410 lb-ft) but come with a cylinder-deactivation feature for enhanced fuel economy.
Safety Muscle cars have traditionally had bland interiors (a trend that continues with the Camaro's Ford and Dodge competition), but the Camaro laudably mixes retro touches like square gauge hoods and the available four-pack of auxiliary gauges with common-sense modern ergonomics.
For 2011, the V6-powered 2011 Chevrolet Camaro gets a bump in horsepower from 304 to 312. Fitted with a power-operated top, the Camaro convertible is offered in the same V6 and V8 configurations as the coupe. If you like its looks, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro will deliver.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is a four-seat coupe or convertible available in V6-powered LS (coupe only), 1LT and 2LT trim levels, and V8-powered 1SS and 2SS trim levels.
Standard equipment on the LS includes black 18-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, four-way manual front seats with power recline, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, OnStar and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The 1LT adds 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps and eight-way power seats. The 2SS essentially features the 1SS's performance bits with the 2LT's convenience and luxury features.
Powertrains and Performance
A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with the manual, and 18/29/22 mpg with the automatic.
Every 2011 Chevy Camaro comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and OnStar. In Edmunds brake testing, both Camaro V6 and V8 coupes with 20-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 111 feet.
Muscle cars have traditionally had bland interiors, but th 2011 Chevrolet Camaro laudably mixes retro touches like square gauge hoods and the available four-pack of auxiliary gauges with a modern dash design.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro also displays impressive amounts of grip, communicative steering and a refined suspension that make it exponentially more talented around corners than any Camaro that came before it.
For 2012, the Chevrolet Camaro sees a number of improvements. The new Camaro ZL1 is a fitting homage to the legendary ZL1 high-performance engine option for the 1969 Camaro that was favored among acceleration addicts and bench-racing braggarts.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a six-speed automatic being optional. Although not as glamorous as the mighty ZL1, other 2012 Chevrolet Camaro trims get notable updates for 2012. This year's rearview camera helps for parking, but the Camaro's low-profile windows still make it difficult to park and even slightly disconcerting place while cornering at speed.
The 2012 Chevy Camaro is a four-seat coupe or convertible available in V6-powered 1LS and 2LS (coupe only), 1LT and 2LT trim levels, and V8-powered 1SS and 2SS trim levels. The RS package (available on all trims but the LS) adds 20-inch wheels and xenon headlights. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg with the manual. Every 2012 Chevy Camaro comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and OnStar. More important, the 2012 Camaro has a new steering wheel that's much more ergonomic and comfortable to grip than last year's.
General Motors revealed a high-performance 2012 Chevrolet Camaro at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday, saying the car will be the fastest-ever Camaro it has ever built. 20-inch aluminum wheels support specially-developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires.
Packed with performance technologies, highlighted by Magnetic Ride Control, and advanced materials – including a vented carbon fiber hood insert. Extensive aerodynamic development designed for high-performance driving CHICAGO – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class.
Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. Camaro ZL1's design communicates and supports its performance mission. "Everything about the ZL1's design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. Major elements of the ZL1's design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling.
Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA's performance include: High-strength hypereutectic pistons Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. Camaro ZL1 is a complete high-performance car, not just a Camaro with more power. Transmission – The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. Exhaust – ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1's tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.
Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car's high-performance limits. Brakes and Steering – Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. Exterior – ZL1's signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car.
Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car's high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car's exterior color. Interior – ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving.
General Motors has just revealed exact power figures for its new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and they’re suitably impressive.
