GM has officially announced the specs for the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1. The 2012 Camaro ZL1 was unveiled early this year, but GM failed to release the official specs for the ZL1, until now. The 2012 ZL1, which borrows its name from the 1969 model packs 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft. of torque from its 6.2L supercharged LSA V8. Those numbers are more than was originally planned and more than the Cadillac CTS-V, which packs the same engine.
Those official specs means that the ZL1 also has more power than the Mustang GT500. The ZL1 beats the GT500 by 30 horsepower and 46 lb-ft. of torque.
“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “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.
To get all that power the ZL1 uses a unique induction system, with a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths, and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. It also uses a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering system, which consumes less engine power than hydraulic-steering systems.
ZL1 buyers can choose either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
“The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies,” Oppenheiser said, “to offer the best of all worlds – including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip, and the comfort of a daily driver.”
The Camaro ZL1 gets GM’s third-generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), which has three settings : Tour, Sport, and Track. The ZL1 also gets the Performance Traction Management (PTM) that was first offered in the Corvette ZR1. The system integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance performance on the racetrack and drag strip.
GM hasn’t announced the pricing for the 2012 ZL1, which by the way is the most powerful production Camaro ever! How much will it cost? It’s expected to start around $50,000.
