Chevrolet are really on a roll at the moment, and they’re turning out some cars with blistering spec-sheets. To that list of forum-conflict-winning arguments, you can now add the 2017 Camaro ZL1.
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Because this 1800kg* monster is now nearly as capable around the Nordschleife as a BMW M4 GTS, or at least, so you’d think…
Because unlike the headline-grabbers over at The Drive, I’m not going to be quoting Wikipedia as definitive proof that a Camaro is faster around the Nürburgring Nordschleife than a Ferrari 458.
But first, here’s the video:
Well, it’s fast, I think we can all agree. If that’s GPS-measured speed, and I think it is, then 181mph (291kmh) is pretty bloody quick. But, it should be…
…the ZL1 has 650hp!
And check out the shifting, I don’t think I saw his fingers move to the paddles once. And with TEN SPEEDS he doesn’t really need to.
I’d love to have an inside line on this car, and to tell you what special numbers were on those Goodyear tyres, if it was a stock tune, stock weight, and all of that. But I just don’t know. Nobody outside of the development team does. That’s my point…
…so when CarThrottle or Drive come up with a list of SportAuto-tested cars (which are 100% stock cars driven by the journalists) that this factory-prepped test-mule beats, just take it with a pinch of salt, OK?
There is ONE thing I like about the Camaro though (apart from its 6.2ltr supercharged V8, of course) and it’s this:
The car has it’s own built in data-logger and laptimer that outputs to an SD card! How awesome is that?
*no official kerb weight figures yet released!
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
DETROIT — Chevrolet today unleashed a time-attack video of the 2017 Camaro ZL1 lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a blistering 7:29.60. The new ZL1’s lap time is 11.67 seconds quicker than the previous ZL1’s fast lap.
“To be almost 12 seconds quicker than the 5th-Generation ZL1 is a testament to the advanced design and technology of the new ZL1,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “From the improved aerodynamics, mass reduction and 650-horsepower LT4 to the Magnetic Ride Control, electronic limited-slip differential and Custom Launch Control, the ZL1 was designed to take on the world’s most challenging track, making it right at home on any track, road or drag strip anywhere.”
The only changes made to the ZL1 were the installation of data acquisition equipment, a roll hoop and Sparco racing seats with six-point harnesses. Otherwise, the car was production stock and included the following:
6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V-8 making 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque
All-new 10R90 10-speed automatic transmission (set to Track mode to enable Performance Algorithm Shift calibration, providing optimal gear selection without the need to manually select gears)
FE4 Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control
Performance Traction Management
Forged 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires
Brembo brakes with front 15.4-inch rotors and six-piston calipers and rear 14.4-inch rotors and four-piston calipers
Lift-reducing front fascia elements with cooling ducts and Chevrolet “flowtie”
Full underbody shielding
ZL1-specific rear spoiler and diffuser
11 heat exchangers
“Many fast laps around the Nordschleife are dramatic, with lots of oversteer and steering input,” said Drew Cattell, Camaro ride and handling engineer and driver of the hot lap. “Not so with the ZL1, which is extremely planted and stable, almost calm. With Magnetic Ride and great overall chassis balance, the ZL1 is all about being inch perfect at every turn and carrying a lot of speed.”ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
