We may sound like broken records over here, but the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro was pretty dominating. It dominated sales, it dominated in variety of product offerings, it dominated in accessory offerings, and it dominated on the track. For many, it completely eclipsed the legacy left behind by the F-body, and shaped itself into a world-class performance car family in doing so. We may be waxing poetic right now, but anybody who has driven the fifth-generation SCCA-certified Camaro SS 1LE, 580 hp Camaro ZL1 or race-ready Camaro Z/28 knows how capable these cars are — despite being heavy in weight, big in size and somewhat crude on the inside.
The bar is indeed set high for the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. And it would be foolish to think that the engineers behind the car will set out to disappoint us. We’ve already driven the 2016 Camaro V6, and it was impressive to feel how much more dialed-in the car is compared to its respective predecessor. It’s smaller, lighter, faster and tighter, while being packed with more creature comforts and technology for day-to-day usability. All of that said, we’re itching to drive the LT1-powered 2016 Camaro SS, as well looking forward to seeing which Camaro variant is up next to be revealed.
Here at GM Authority, we believe it could be the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. And based on recent spy photos, it looks to be training for one epic barnburner against the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Pictured above is what we think it could look like.
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 should have the supercharged LT4 V8 engine, as seen in the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and C7 Corvette Z06. This should give the high-performance Chevy an output of 640-650 horsepower, which is a huge jump from the old ZL1. Still short of the Hellcat, yes, but we also expect the gen-six Camaro ZL1 to be lighter and to handle better than everybody’s favorite Motor City kitty. And as observed with the fifth-generation model, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 could be the have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too member of the sixth-gen family, with grand touring creature comforts abound. We could also see some cross-pollination between the ZL1 and the new CTS-V, such as the 8L90 eight-speed transmission and a huge Brembo brake kit. But we may also see a six- or seven-speed manual, as well.
Lastly, we anticipate that the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 could offer an optional aerodynamics downforce kit, again, based on spy photos. GM is already offering carbon fiber aero packages for Corvette Z06, Cadillac ATS-V and Cadillac CTS-V, so the educated guess is that the same strategy will be implemented with the Camaro. That said, the rendering represents what we think the new ZL1 will look like without the aerodynamics kit. For those that wonder what a carbon fiber aero-equipped Camaro will look like, have a look-see at our rendering of the sixth-generation Camaro Z/28.
Comments
The only thing this rendering says to me is Boulevard Muscle Cruiser . Lousy visibility and an overweight porker , the only model I’d buy is the convertible…be like a blind guy who gets his sight back after an expensive operation…..I can see , I can see !!!
You should really revisit what the new Camaro is all about as it’s by no means a porker.
Here’s a good place to start your self-educating:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/chevrolet/camaro/2016-camaro/
Specifically, I recommend checking out the Weight Savings and Specifications sections.
I’m gonna guess 645. Giving GMs past actions, I don’t see it having more power than a Z06, unless a change to the Corvette is close by.
I don’t have a rich dad or expect to hit the lottery soon, so this ZL1 is a dream. I am glad I got to own the 2010 LT2 V6 Camaro. What an awesome car this new ZL1 is. Chevy has too continue building faster and better cars as Ford and Dodge keep slamming the door on them.
Gonna try to trade in my 2014 Maro SS for the 2015 ZL1, If I don’t get it I know what I’m waiting for!!!!
Any news about the Corvette ZR1???
They shaved 200 lbs off the Camaro , big deal . Watch for the next gen and see how GM will using aluminum in a host of their models and carbon fiber . I’m going out on a limb here and will forecast the next gen Camaro will have a more sloping proper hood with a one piece grill , plus the windshield will be slightly more vertical and the interior will open up ! With carbon fiber and aluminum , you will see 500 lbs come off this little porker . While I’m at it , a smaller V6 around 2.7L twin scroll turbo charged engine will be the most popular seller . You can take this to the Bank of Nigeria , tell them Joe sent you !!
They already have a smaller v6tt that’s makes 400 hp and 400 tq I believe those are the power ratings for it. But as far as I know it’s only for the ct6. But I don’t see them replacing the the v8 with a tt v6 anytime soon.
Sorry to be off topic, but a $47,000 starting price for the new gt350, Ford must be losing a lot of money to produce a supposedly more superior car to the zl1. I’m from Canada I took a look through fords American websites car inventory and the average premium Gt was $43,000 and the gt350 was $69,000. In Canada a premium Gt averages around $51,000 the gt350 should be near $80,000. I love fords way of downing chev with gt350 starting price of $47,000, you will never find one for that price. The Canadian $60,000 starting price for the zl1is an out the door price. The Gt 500 in Canada was a $75,000, yes it maybe faster then a zl1 but that’s about it. Keeping $15,000 in your pocket seems a lot more satisfying.