After years of speculation, Australians will be graced with the most-powerful Chevrolet Camaro offered from the factory today. On Friday, Holden Special Vehicles revealed the re-engineered Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the company’s lineup.
Holden Special Vehicles teased a mystery vehicle scheduled for a reveal today earlier this week. Then, we suggested HSV was ready to unleash the 650-horsepower Camaro ZL1 on local roads. Our guess was right. The Camaro ZL1 is the latest model HSV plans to convert from left-hand to right-hand drive for Australia. It joins the Camaro SS and Chevrolet Silverado HD lineup.
Aussies will also be treated to the same goodies Americans have experienced with the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for years. Features include Magnetic Ride Control, an eLSD, 6-piston Brembo brakes, a bi-modal exhaust system, and Recaro seats.
Crucially, HSV has upheld its promise to bring the manual transmission to the Camaro; the Camaro ZL1 will offer both the 10-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission.
However, the Camaro ZL1 wasn’t the only news from down under today. The refreshed 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS itself also joins the lineup with its somewhat controversial looks. It too will be offered with either the 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Again, the same upgrades Americans saw when the model launched last year are present for the HSV Camaro. An updated infotainment system, line lock system, rear-camera mirror, and forward collision alert are all part of the package now. The only Camaro model offered remains the 2SS.
Production of the automatic-equipped cars will begin first in April with 6-speed manual cars coming one month later in May. Prices were not included for the Camaro SS, but those who want the almighty Camaro ZL1 will need to pay up. The car will cost $113,000 USD based on current exchange rates.
Comment
When you see the 2019 next to the non face lifted ZL1, it really looks visually challenged. Every time I get used to the 19 SS in pictures, I see it in real life and almost throw up in my mouth…the only face lifted SS that somehow works is the SS 1LE. Something about the black hood, bigger lip spoiler and wider wheels and stance just make it so aggressively ugly that it looks cool.
On the other hand, the non v8 2019 Camaros look decidedly handsome if not “good” when I see them on the street. So much so that I could see owning one.
But the 16-18 base through SS Camaros seem to be lightning in a bottle for the 6th gen. I hope the 7th gen returns to a universally sporty and aggressive look like the 5th and 16-18 6th gens were.
Even better if the ‘retro cues’ go away completely and we get a all modern 7th gen with minor heritage touches – if any.