Chevrolet launches the high-performance ZL1 variant of its sixth generation Camaro muscle car for the 2017 model year. The brand says that the 2017 Camaro ZL1 delivers unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability, and straight-line acceleration.
“The Camaro ZL1 is designed to excel at everything,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a 2+2 coupe offering incredible performance – acceleration, handling and braking – with the highest levels of technology and perfect chassis damping, making it suitable for everyday driving. It will compare well to any sports coupe, at any price and in any setting.”
2017 Camaro ZL1 highlights include:
- Power and acceleration:
- Supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 Small Block engine with tailored intake and exhaust systems making 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 pound-feet of torque (868 Nm)
- Two transmission choices:
- Standard six-speed manual with active rev matching
- Available paddle-shift 10-speed automatic with 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears, enabling the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration
- Ride and handling:
- Lightweight, stiffer structure of the all-new sixth-generation Camaro known as the Alpha platform
- Updated Magnetic Ride suspension
- Performance Traction Management
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector
- 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor while offering roughly 60 more horsepower and 80 more pound-feet of torque, thereby delivering a more favorable power-to-weight ratio
- Unique 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear tires
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a compound and construction developed exclusively for the Camaro to offer exception grip on the track
- Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc front calipers — featuring the ZL1 logo — and massive 15.35-inch (390 mm) two-piece front rotors
- Two body styles:
- Two-door hardtop coupe
- Two-door soft-top convertible
Functionality defines the Camaro ZL1’s form, with the exterior shaped during more than 100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and on-track validation to improve aerodynamics and cooling for track use. Accordingly, its exterior elements all play a part in managing airflow over, under and through the ZL1.
“The design supports the Camaro ZL1’s exceptional performance and does so with compelling style,” said John Mack, Camaro exterior design manager. “From every angle, the elements coalesce to give the car a purposeful, super aggressive attitude.”
The lower grille opening, for example, offers greater airflow compared to the Camaro SS, and the upper grille incorporates a new version of the “flow-tie” open bowtie insignia. There’s also a new hood, with a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor that pulls hot air from the engine compartment. Additional changes include a larger front splitter, unique rockers, a wing-style rear spoiler and wider front fenders – all tuned to improve aerodynamics for greater high-speed stability.
The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 will be available in two body styles:
- Two-door hard-top coupe
- Two-door soft-top convertible
2017 Camaro ZL1 colors currently unavailable. We will update this section when we receive info on exterior and interior colors and color combinations.
Inside, there are standard Recaro front seats, along with a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob. Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder is available.
This section coming soon.
The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter Small Block V8 LT4 engine mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmissions.
Engine
The 2017 Camaro ZL1 features GM’s supercharged LT4 6.2L V8 Small Block engine rated at an estimated 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 lb-ft of torque (868 Nm).
The car’s intake and exhaust systems were specifically tailored  for the vehicle.
Transmissions
The supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 in the 2017 Camaro ZL1 is mated to either the standard six-speed manual transmission or all-new ten-speed paddle-shift automatic.
Six-Speed Manual
Stay tune for details about the 2017 ZL1’s standard six-speed manual transmission.
Ten-Speed Automatic
The 10-speed automatic has 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts.
This is the first Chevrolet application of the new quick-shift 10-speed, with unique calibrations and hardware developed exclusively for the ZL1. By the end of 2018, GM will introduce the new 10-speed automatic in eight vehicle models.
Drivetrain
Like all sixth-generation Camaros, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 is exclusively a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
Cooling
The 2017 Camaro ZL1 features 11 heat exchangers for optimal powertrain cooling.
The 2017 ZL1 is track ready from the factory thanks to an impressive 11 heat exchangers for optimal powertrain cooling. This is in stark contrast to some competitors, who offer optional packages to make their vehicles track ready.
Stay tuned as we update this section with more 2017 Camaro ZL1 performance information.
Like all sixth-generation Camaros, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 rides on GM’s Alpha platform.
A cohesive suite of performance technologies tailors the performance of the ZL1 for street and track. Features include:
- Updated Magnetic Ride suspension
- Performance Traction Management
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector
The 2017 ZL1 also has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor, weighing 200 pounds less, while offering approximately 60 more horsepower and 80 more pound-feet of torque. The result, says Chevy, “is a one-of-a-kind driving experience.”
“Driving the Camaro ZL1 is best described as ‘fast with finesse,’” said GM product chief Mark Reuss. “It is beautifully balanced, with perfect damping and isolation for optimal performance and driver confidence in virtually any situation – from the Pacific Coast Highway to Willow Springs to Pomona.”
Additional chassis features include:
- Unique 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear tires
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a compound and construction developed exclusively for the Camaro to offer exceptional grip on the track
- Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc front calipers – featuring the ZL1 logo – and massive, 15.35-inch (390 mm) two-piece front rotors.
The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Coupe was announced online on March 16th, 2016 ahead of the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible was announced on March 24th, 2016 at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
Both body styles of the ZL1 made their official public debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.
Where
The 2017 Camaro ZL1 will be available in select markets. The following have been confirmed upon the model’s unveiling:
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
When
The 2017Â Camaro ZL1 goes on sale late in 2016, according to Chevrolet.
2017 Camaro ZL1 price has not yet been announced. We will update this section when Chevy announces it.
Like all sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaros, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 is produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River assembly plant.
Coming soon.
Some things we expected about the 2017Â Camaro ZL1 before it was officially announced:
- GM’s 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 engine making roughly 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque
- 8-speed 8L90 automatic transmission or Tremec TR6070 six-speed manual transmission
- 200-300 pounds lighter than the fifth-generation Camaro ZL1
- Magnetic Ride Control
- Performance and Traction Management systems
- Highly-bolstered seats
- A significant amount of aerodynamic components for significant downforce at high speeds and cooling of powertrain, brakes, and other components
- ZL1 Coupe and ZL1 Convertible variants, with the Convertible arriving later on in the model year
In addition, we expect the 2017 Camaro ZL1 to share the majority of its handling equipment with the 2017 Camaro 1LE.