Once a year, Car and Driver rounds up the best performance cars on the market and has them do one simple thing: clock a hot lap at Virginia International Raceway.
Last year, the Camaro SS 1LE and V6 1LE showed what they were made of, but all eyes were on the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE this year. Eyes will widen at these results: the Camaro ZL1 1LE was just two seconds shy of the top dog, a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R.
The German brute clocked a 2:43.4 time around VIR, while the Camaro ZL1 1LE managed a 2:45.7. Not only did the Camaro ZL1 1LE dust every other car in its price category, but it also managed to three other cars in the top-price class. The Camaro ZL1 1LE was quicker than a 911 Turbo S, Nissan GT-R Track Edition and an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to name a few.
Meanwhile, the regular Camaro ZL1 managed a 2:50.1 time, which was also enough to place it ahead of some very formidable opponents, including the GT-R Track Edition.
Other than the raw times, the Camaro ZL1 1LE came out on top in a few performance data points. The muscle car turned track toy returned some of the highest average speeds around VIR. Let’s not forget, all of this comes with a price tag of just $69,995. Expensive for a Camaro? Sort of, but the data provides a value proposition.
Comments
When I win the lottery 🙂 …., this will be my first purchase, that and some time at mid Ohio raceway! I lost my ’10 SS in a traffic accident driving to work, but that car made me a die hard chevy believer and it was not even on the alpha platform my ATS is on. I can only imagine how great these cars have to be. GM and especially the Camaro team are on fire and I just enjoy watching them destroy the competition. Thanks for keeping me entertained!
The AMG GT R is a beast…
This is proof that American sports cars like the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE have changed for the better and they are not designed to perform only in a straight line as placing second to the 2018 Mercedes AMG GT-R that is almost $200K is a fantastic achievement.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/lightning-lap-2017-every-lap-time-and-full-data-feature
I’d like to know if the track conditions were similar when the AMG and ZL1 ran. I know the AMG has a great 7 stage traction control system, but so does the ZL1. But the AMG seems to be able to put down the power better. Didn’t expect that. Is the suspension that much better on the AMG?
American iron!