An image depicting a prototype Chevy Camaro draped in camouflage and sporting a large rear wing has been making the rounds lately, leading to whispers that GM is cooking up a new high-performance Z/28 model. However, according to a recent report, the image in fact shows a new Camaro ZL1 or Zl1 1LE model equipped with a few bits and pieces plucked from the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
In a new post, MotorTrend claims that “according to a source deep inside GM,” the final two model years of the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro ZL1 and ZL1 1LE will come with enhanced specs courtesy of the latest-and-greatest track-pounding Cadillac. Some of the upgrades floated include a power bump for the supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine, putting output in the vicinity of 668 horsepower to match the CT5-V Blackwing. To note, the current ZL1 throws down with 650 ponies.
The publication also lists the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing’s newer Magnetic Ride Control suspension and optional carbon ceramic brakes as possible future upgrades. It’s possible the changes will arrive for the 2023 model year, and will remain in place until the end of the sixth-generation Chevy Camaro’s lifecycle.
To note, the current Chevy Camaro ZL1 is equipped with Magnetic Ride Control 3.0, whereas the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is equipped with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0. For those wondering what the difference is, GM Authority explored the advantages of the latest 4.0 system in a previous post.
Check out spy photo that sparked all this below:
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As GM Authority covered previously, the timeframe for discontinuation of the sixth-gen Chevy Camaro remains a moving target. Originally expected to sunset around the 2023 calendar year, GM Authority sources have confirmed that the discontinuation timeline remains fluid at this point, with no firm date with regard to when the current generation will be put to bed.
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Comments
Nice now can we see it run, I see lots of stuff on trailer that’s all show. Love it anyway.
I agree.
If it gets the 4.0 shocks i’m wondering if the SS will get them too. At least they are giving the possible last Camaro 2 door a good send off.
Add the 7 liter
seems odd that GM cannot squeeze at least 50 more ponies out of that motor. they may never get used, but certainly it hurts the shellability of these to be perennial underdogs tot he ancient cat and the temperamental Horse.
The problem with alpha platform vehicles is that any more power they brake loose. The C7 Z06 was a handful because all the power. The LT4 can go 900hp with massaging Easy. Where to put it though? This is the good side of GM’s parts bin, quality parts make quality machines
Someone haven’t seen the vid of the CT5 going around VIR. Night and day compared to the CTS and the new suspension tuning is what the Camaro team is jealous of. They should have fought harder for the flat plane.
It doesn’t fit in the Alpha chassis. It literally won’t package.
Camaro getting performance parts from Cadillac. Times have changed. Still no performance sedan from Chevy to challenge Charger.
It doesn’t really matter now but I’ve always felt Cadillac needed more powertrain exclusivity so the notion of taking what few unique Cadillac parts they have on the 6.2 and giving them to Chevy for the Camaro is wrong-headed to me. I understand the need for a higher performance Camaro and I understand it could be done cheap by stealing from Caddy but such an approach harms gm’s higher-end brand.
It doesn’t really matter now though because any hopes I once had for a reborn Cadillac with class-leading exclusive powertrains like the ill-fated 4.2 L 32 V Blackwing are now dashed. If Cadillac has a future at all, it is to ride on a common gm skateboard with generic electric motors and no distinction at all mechanically between a “luxury” Cadillac and anything else in the gm stable. I think that’s why gm is so giddy about electrics; they can do them really cheaply with fewer parts and everything shared across the product portfolio.
For the last gasp of the Camaro, I suppose it wouldn’t do much harm to steal from a dead-ender Cadillac but at one time, I would’ve felt very strongly that such a move diminishes Cadillac.
Who cares about the high quality mechanical bits that are not share, as long as the car rides comfortably and has a high quality interior it’s great. Almost every brand is doing the same thing to there higher end brands. The electric platform is gonna do Cadillac justice, Cadillac was all about big, long, and wide, ultra luxury sedans but they where restricted because of fuel economy and drive capability, more people wanted small nimble BMW or Mercedes with luxurious interiors. The new platform will allow Cadillac to go back to there heritage with new editions like the v series and more without any compromises like the fuel economy or weak driving dynamics.
Nobody cares about that charger thing. The Impala was superior anyway, just underpowered.
I find this pretty interesting. I hope this actually happens. I was going to order a ZL1 1LE this Winter. It would be worth the wait to get one with BW components.
A small capacity multi cam engine that doesn’t make any power til 5000 rpm.
No thanks…it’s a Camaro not a 90s Cobra.
Too little; too late.
The Camaro needs about 770 hp to sell like hotcakes on a cold dreary morning. They wouldn’t know how to act when the orders come in.
Loving my new ZL1 1LE. Feels like I am back in high school again cruising the boulevard. I drove the Challenger, Charger and the Mustang. Nice vehicles but nothing came close to the Camaro in how it handled and made me feel while driving it. Not everyone will agree but the Camaro just had more soul.
Camaro is hands down a superior driver’s car.
Nice man… that is an absolute dream of a car. I bought my first new car, and it’s just a 2.0l turbo Camaro because that’s what I could afford at the time. And although it doesn’t have as much power as I wish it had, the handling and steering is amazing. The car feels like an extension of my body, and it’s so nimble, it doesn’t feel like I’m driving a boat.
I would love it if this is a preview for the 7th gen Camaro… because it would absolutely break my heart into a million pieces if the 7th gen Camaro was a full out BEV.
If the 7th gen Camaro ends up becoming a full blown Battery Electric Vehicle, I’m going to make the switch to a Mustang for my next car </3
the problem is factory settings. Gears need changing, fuel mix with E85 and such Trans needs rework. Catch me if you can.
Here’s a thought, how about putting the twin turbo V6 Cadillac in to lesser Camaro model, like the 3LT.
It requires a desire to sell vehicles for this to occur. All gm cares about is selling cars with faulty transmissions.
Lets be real here folks, any significant changes done to the current Camaro is just wishful thinking.
Everything is stacked against this car. I would love to be proved wrong, but the writing is on the wall that you can see from another continent.
Always hated that rear wing! I’d rather have a traditional rear deck spoiler, plus I’d be scared to take it through a car wash and have the soft cloth get tangled in that wing and tear it up.
Taking your Camaro through an automated car wash is a form of child abuse.