Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 ready to take on Shelby GT500

For the longest of times, Ford pretty much had the market of 500hp-plus muscle cars all to itself with the Shelby GT500 – no more.  Chevrolet has unleashed its latest weapon aimed squarely at conquering Ford in the muscle car game, and it’s called the Camaro ZL1.

Unveiled at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, many car geeks were expecting the next high-performing Camaro to be named Z28, as a way of paying tribute to previous high-performing Camaros.  The ZL1 comes equipped with the same engine found in the Cadillac CTS-V, an aluminium 6.2 litre supercharged V8 producing 550hp and 550 lb ft of torque, matching the Shelby in terms of power but exceeding it in torque. 

Those American ponies are then channelled through a six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission, and though Chevrolet haven’t given any acceleration or speed figures, the ZL1 should be good for a 0-60mph time in the mid 4 sec range and a quarter-mile time in the low 12s or high 11s.

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The ZL1 will feature electric power-steering as well as the Magnetic Ride Control system, found in the Corvette models and the Cadillac CTS-V, with drivers being able to choose between “Tour” and “Sport” modes.  The ZL1 also comes with a stronger driveshaft, as well as a heavy duty limited slip differential.

An active exhaust system with dual modes, à la Corvette, will also feature in the ZL1.  Depending on engine speed the noise levels alter, giving a sporty note at high rpms but a more subdued note at lower rpms.

Stopping power comes from six-piston Brembo brake callipers clinging on to two-piece 14.6 inch discs at the front, while the rear features four-piston callipers attached to discs measuring 14.4 inches.  Five-spoke 20-inch wheels come as standard, with new Goodyear Supercar F2 tyres (developed specifically for the ZL1) being in contact with the pavement.

There will be no mistaking the ZL1 for the “normal” Camaros though, thanks to a unique carbon-fibre insert on the raised aluminium hood. Apart from giving the car a colour-contrasting theme, the hood also helps in decreasing weight.  There is also a front splitter, a rear spoiler and diffuser to aid aerodynamics, while HID headlamps and fog lamps are standard.

The driver can expect a redesigned steering wheel, head up display and alloy pedals.  While he and his passengers are treated with six way power-adjustable seats, Bluetooth compatibility, a USB port, and a rear-parking assist system with a camera.

An on-sale date and prices have yet to be announced, but expect it to be in the same price range as the Shelby GT500 – around $50,000.

Alex Kisiri