Chevrolet claims more than 30% of the Camaro SS was re-engineered for the Camaro ZL1.
A 2012 Camaro ZL1 recently ran a 7:41.27 lap at the Nürburgring, almost 40 seconds quicker than a Camaro SS tested at the German track in 2009. The Camaro ZL1 used for the lap was a production-intent model, with no performance modifications, driven by Camaro Performance Engineer Aaron Link. The Camaro ZL1 recorded its time of 7:41.27 from a flying start.
The Camaro joins a production Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) that posted a 7:12.13 lap time on the12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife last month, that was faster than a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which posted a lap time of 7:19.63 back in June.
“The Nürburgring is unlike any track in the world,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Each lap includes fast straights, sweeping off-camber turns, hairpin corners, and elevation changes. In order to do well on the ‘Ring, the car has to do everything well – including acceleration, braking, and lateral grip. Breaking an eight-minute lap in a 2+2 production car is a tremendous accomplishment, and validates that the Camaro ZL1 will truly be track-ready from the showroom.”
Chevrolet claims more than 30% of the Camaro SS was re-engineered for the Camaro ZL1, which arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2012.
The Camaro ZL1 features a supercharged 6.2L “LSA” engine SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. (See also Audi, Nissan, and Chevrolet Corvette Win Le Mans)
