2012 Camaro ZL1 laps the 'Ring in 7:41.27.... same as current 911 Turbo S
 

I'm not a fan of the new Camaro, even though I've owned a few of the previous generations.

But the supercharged ZL1, with 580 horses from the factory, is one hot piece of kit. May even give a well-set-up Mustang a run for the money.....

The 7:41.27 time puts it in some serious company.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8mhjGERugh0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

what kind of tires were used in the test? Those don't seem like stock tires ....

GM is known to supply test cars with slicks, as they did in a recent shootout with their corvette.
They're from the gubmint so they can get away with it ;)

Define 'stock'.

LOL, the kind they put on showroom stock ZL-1s.

I'm going to go on record as saying a showroom stock ZL-1 would take at least 20 seconds more to do the ring with a pro driver than that car did.

THEY WEIGH OVER 4000 LUBS!

The stock tire on a ZL1 was specifically engineered for the ZL1 by Goodyear
They're not slicks, but they're definitely closer to slicks than all-season tires
Goodyear Eagle Supercar F2 285/35-20 front and 305/30-20 rear
The car was run with these tires, just like they'll come off the showfloor

BTW, your claim of slicks on Corvettes is BS
However, the Z06/Z07 and ZR1 come with Michelin Pilot Cup Sports which are all but DOT legal slicks.... same as some Porsche RS models :D
That's what was used in the tests your referring to
Just like off the showfloor

As far as weight and times, remember that the current Cadillac CTS-V has been confirmed at 7:59..... the CTS-V has the same motor as the ZL1 but detuned 20+hp. And the CTS-V doesn't have nearly as much tire as the ZL1

Mind-blowing performance from all of these new supercars. And that thing is definitely a supercar with those #s. I don't like the car but there is no arguing with that performance.

Awesome performance!!!

I just cannot seem to like the new Camaro even though I owned previous models. I remember when the last model appeared. I thought it look silly but over a couple of years and seeing some modified versions, I came to dig them and then bought a 94. It was a really capable car I made better with some aftermarket goodies.:D

The new ones do absolutely nothing for me, though. They are certainly fast and handle better than the last generation but something about them just turns me off.

I'm not a Dodge person nor have I ever owned one but a Challenger is a car I would buy.

Tires were doing a lot of talking in that video. More than most others. One wonders how long they would last if in a multi lap race.

Wow! Impressive!!

Can someone describe the suspension that comes on this ZL-1? That was impressive!! How about cost? I don't like the looks of it, but man, what a rocket!

JA

................



face!

Eh, probably $50K. I'd take a used vasserpumper 997 over that any day. Nice performance, though. I think you have to have tats to drive one. And you have to roll on at least 21s.

lolz. Well said.

Hasn´t the performance of today´s cars passed the performance of their drivers to the limit where most of the vehicles have a surplus that very few people on even fewer occasions are really able to exploit and take advantage of?

Me, I would most likely have more fun in a Miata around the 'Ring.

Jesus, what a loser.

Sammy, you and I are on the same page. But your accusation that the 'slicks' weren't 'stock' is completely invalid, as evidenced by the article you pasted. They're not ringers. They are offered from the factory. Just like a Porsche GT3 RS....

The Camaro ZL1's tires, however, would never be confused for slicks. Look at the photos. But I wouldn't want to be caught in inclement weather with them.

I don't get it, why do guys on here get all pissy and accusatory when an American made car performs well? :confused:

Chevrolet News - United States - Camaro ZL1

"Tech overview
Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, which will produce an estimated 580 horsepower (430kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (677 Nm), with specific features for the Camaro. Built on GM’s legendary all-aluminum, small-block V-8 architecture, the LSA features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement. Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA’s performance include:
■Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
■High-strength hypereutectic pistons
■Sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors
■Piston oil squirters.

Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. This enhances performance, because no engine power is used to turn a steering pump pulley.

Camaro ZL1 is a complete high-performance car, not just a Camaro with more power. Key technical highlights include:

Transmission – The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. It is the “MG9” version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easy operation and shift smoothness. A new, shorter-throw shifter actuates the gear changes.

Exhaust – ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the legendary Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a signature sound.

Drivetrain – It is revised with a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger and stronger cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1’s tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.

Suspension – The suspension features completely revised tuning and the inclusion of segment-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control. ZL1’s Magnetic Ride system will include driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It uses advanced magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations. This technology appears on only a small roster of some of the world’s finest performance cars. Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car’s high-performance limits. Rear stabilizer bars have drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This makes the bars more effective in controlling body roll in turns, with crisp response to driver commands.

Brakes and Steering – Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. The large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. It is being developed to ensure precise control and feedback to the driver, with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving.

Wheels and Tires – New-design, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires developed specifically for the ZL1."


**BTW, these GM magnetorheological shocks are exactly the same as the Ferrari 599 GTO**

I'm going to go against the grain and and say I like the new Camero.

But like motion said for that money you could get a super nice used P car (or someting like).

However it would be great fun to get a Camero and post lots of pics on this site :p

Performance is great, but I still like the looks of the Challenger better....I'm not going to be going to the Ring anytime soon, but I would be looking at it everyday.

I'm ok when an American car performs well...Now, about the fat Japanese video game car...I'll never be happy about that.

And it comes with OnStar, so when you ball it up those speeds you can "press the blue button".

Couldn't have said it better myself. Amazing times we're in...

Impressive. Maybe we'll see a track-version of that in a race.

Sherwood

I like the looks of the new camaro - albeit a little 'cartoonish'. But I can't get over the weight!! Not that I would ever own one, but it ain't so bad to look at. IMHO

My favorite Camaro song..... the best starts at the two minute mark:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UQ994o9vj1Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Weighs almost exactly the same as a Porsche Panamera Turbo

Awesome car, I love to see an American company do something well.

But, the video also is a very clear reminder to me of why I drive an old 911 when for the same amount of money I could drive a much faster car. Watch the relative ease, quiet and comfort of that incredibly fast lap in the Camaro, then watch this slower lap in an old 911. Ok, a "well set up" old 911. ;)

<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_8gW_J3-vd8?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_8gW_J3-vd8?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

That was fun to watch. Great sounds. Looked mighty fast!

Camaro is still a huge, beauty-less mass-produced with cheap materials car. I'd rather see a Fiat 500 in my garage any day....or a 22 year old 951 with 1/3 the power.

I sat in my friend's new ZR1 last year: I thought the overwelming smell of cheap plastic cement would make me pass out: got out within 5 seconds. That crap's gotta be a carcinogen.

Dare we say elitism? :D

Pretty amazing performance, I don't care who you are.

I think the new Camaros, Mustangs and Challengers are good looking cars and are pretty faithful to the original "Pony Car" concept as it fits in the automotive world today.

In my eyes, the Mustang is currently the star of the bunch with the others following in a close 2nd and 3rd.

Frankly, I prefered the looks of the previous gen mustang to this current body. I don't like the new front and rear ends as much as the previous, but the performance of the new car is impossible to argue with.

The Camaro is OK, but I don't like it as well as the mustang (previous body).

I do like the Challenger better than the Camaro.

The folks that are buying these cars and spending a bunch of $$$ on these cars want THESE CARS. They don't want a Porsche or something else. They probably grew up driving or dreaming of driving the camaros and mustangs of the 60s and early 70s. This is their chance to have what they couldn't back then. More power to 'em. THe fact that these new cars perform an order of magnitude better than the best of the originals is even better.

Let them enjoy their dream, their baby. We can enjoy our automotive mistresses.

I don't see why more "car guys" can't appreciate the mind numbing performance coming out of the big three these days.

Man, I'd love a ride in a ZR1, plastic be damned. Who cares, it's a freakin' rocketship!

Bingo! :) My '09 got me to the pool hall & back yesterday just fine...think I'll call the nearby dealership this morn, see if they'd like to do a 7,500 mile service this afternoon, then I'll top her off with 92 octane premium with no alcohol gas.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318004593.jpg

Gottlieb's "Big Red" is still, to this day, my dream car

It was recently updated / rebuilt and featured in some magazine I subscribe to

Amazing car
bigredcamaro.com

Untitled Document

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1318005249.jpg

1st I've heard of "big red"...loved the video. The guy has balls to drive that fast on a public road designed for much slower speeds.

+1 I had a Hot Rod or Car Craft or something like that talking about this thing way back in the day. Amazing car. I want to say that they had 2 tachs in the car. One for the engine and another for the driveshaft so they'd know if they were getting wheel spin.