The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 continues to find praise wherever it goes. Motor Trend is the latest to take the most powerful Camaro from the factory and put it through its paces.
In the process, the review finds validation for the Camaro’s teams main goals: decimate at the drag strip, devour backroads and crush the race track. Through the 15-minute long review, all of those seem to be proven.
With power coming from the 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8 engine, sent through the all-new, 10-speed automatic, delivery and response was deemed excellent. The electronic limited slip differential and Magnetic Ride Control are also credited for not beating up the driver and creating a fairly comfortable experience, despite the Camaro ZL1’s beastly intentions.
What’s most intriguing is the fact Randy Pobst actually clocks a quicker time around Willow Springs in the six-speed manual equipped Camaro ZL1, rather than the 10-speed auto ZL1. This could be due to many things (tires, comfort, etc) but it’s still interesting.
But, when all is said and done, there’s no denying the Camaro team has cooked up quite a car with the 2017 Camaro ZL1. We’re eager for what’s yet to come.
Comments
GM hit it out of the park when they unveiled the ZL1 in 2012. An ultra-powerful car that can multi-task. It can compete at the strip and on road courses all in one weekend. It is a well balanced, surgical tool. My Dad bought his ’12 ZL1 new in June of that year and it is very, very impressive. Even with all of the mods I have on my SS, the ZL1 is still in a different league. From what I hear of this new ZL1 and the LT4 it is packing…GM stepped up their game yet again. An automobile with supercar goodies all for a price of ~$62k. Wow!
I love how the guy reviewing this is having such a good time driving it. I’m envious of him. I’d love to drive one.
> This “base” ZL1 was 3 seconds slower than Porsche 918, in this track.
> GM says the ZL1 1LE is 3 seconds faster than the “base” ZL1**
> Could that mean that the ZL1 1LE would be in Porsche 918 territory, in this course?
** at GM Milford Proving Grounds (which is ~1/2 mile longer than this course)
Disclaimer: (I know the courses are different so this is just WILD SPECULATION (& fantasization) on my part here.)
I’m expecting 1 to 1.5 sec increase with the zl1 1le over the zl1 at willow springs. Which I’m expecting to be as fast or a few tenths quicker than a z06 with the z07 package which unofficially the z06 got a 1:25 flat with a manual. But that’s not bad when it being compared to a car that costs almost 1 million dollars.
Unfortunately the extra power doesn’t fix the ugliness of this car!
Appearance is subjective. Take a nap.
And what do you drive ?
If you don’t like the cars looks then I say close your eyes and just feel the force . To each there own. I love the new 2016 / 2017 Camaros that’s was I bought one, haven’t seen a car I could fall In love with till the six gens came out . We all have our own taste this is mine. Thanks GM Chevy for my new love affair, my old love affair was a 1967 Chevelle Malibu.
My wife and I got a drop top Best looking Convertible ever IMO and because we bought one that’s all that matters and boy does she sound mean. Wanted a rag top since I was 11 years old when my uncle took me and my brother for a ride in his 63 Impala SS converible . Enjoy your rides ..