2016 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 6.2 V8 10AT (650 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Chevrolet created the 2017 Camaro ZL1 to continue the successful story of this version that had its roots all the way back to 1969, and the result was a track-weapon vehicle and a fearsome quarter-mile runner.

The ZL1 was created to show its taillights to everyone on a drag strip back in 1969 due to the ambition of an Illinois dealer named Fred Gibb. He wooed Chevrolet to install a 427 engine under the hood of a first-gen Camaro, and that option was named by GM the ZL1. That car was built in 69 units and was officially rated at 430 hp (436 hp). However, unofficial measurements showed more than 520 hp (527 PS). Then, during the Malaise Era and after, the ZL1 option was no longer available until 2011 when the fifth generation of the Camaro received it for the 2012 model year, and customers were thrilled. GM considered that the sixth generation of its pony car had to have that version, so in 2016, it launched it for the 2017 model year.

When it made the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the automaker spent over 100 hours in the wind tunnel to fine-tune the car’s aerodynamics. That also affected the front of the car, which sported a narrow upper grille flanked by wide headlights underlined by LED signature lighting. At the same time, the lower bumper received a broad grille that sported the ZL1 badge. A pair of angular-shaped side scoops housed the additional LED daytime running lights and channeled air to the massive front Brembo brakes. In addition, Chevrolet put a lip spoiler below the apron to increase downforce.

From its profile, the car looked different than its siblings. The hood sported a power dome adorned by the ZL1 badges on the sides and a massive vent in its carbon-fiber mid-section. Chevrolet dared to install a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with ten twin-spokes and a black finish. Like the rest of the range, the low-slung greenhouse had a raked windshield at the front, followed by the same short roof and the raked-forward rear window. A short deck adorned by a functional wing at the back completed the car’s look. GM also focused intensively on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s rear fascia and installed a set of wide taillights on the upper side, while below the bumper, the coupe received quad-round exhausts that flanked a large diffuser.

Inside, customers found a race-inspired interior featuring a set of Recaro sports seats at the front. The flat-bottom microfiber-covered steering wheel framed an instrument cluster where an eight-inch configurable display showed all the data a driver needed on a muscle car like this. In addition, an eight-inch touchscreen sat atop the center stack and featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A nine-speaker Bose audio sound system could indulge the driver’s ears when the LT4 engine under the hood had to be kept on a short leash.

But after all, GM didn’t make the ZL1 as a commuter vehicle. It was built for high performance, and that’s where the supercharged 6.2-liter engine carried over from the Corvette shined. Many considered its 640 hp (649 PS) rating as an understatement, continuing the tradition with its 1969 ancestor. The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was available with a six-speed manual transmission for the three-pedal setup lovers or a more efficient ten-speed automatic gearbox. Both versions sent power to the rear wheels via an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.