Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The potent ZL1 Convertible is the high-performance variant of the reborn, retro-flavored Camaro Convertible. Also available in slightly more practical coupe form, the heavy drop-top balances aggressive looks and a 580 horsepower supercharged V8 with surprisingly good handling dynamics and ride quality thanks to GM’s trick Magnetic Ride Control system.

The ZL1 packs a more powerful version of the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 commonly found under the hood of the Cadillac CTS-V. In the ZL1, the motor is good for 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque, beating out the 1969 ZL1’s 427 cubic inch V8 by more than 150 horsepower. Helping make those impressive power figures is a 1.9-liter Roots-style supercharger that crams air into the engine with a pair of four-lobe rotors and the aid of an intercooler.

Chevrolet specially modified the LSA engine specifically for the ZL1, with upgrades including a less restrictive air filter, dual inlet paths and improved airflow throughout the supercharger housing. Other changes include a more efficient intercooler and electric power steering system.

Specially designed transmissions were necessary to the stress of all that power. Chevy beefed up its Tremec TR-6060 to MG9-spec for ZL1 duty, which means the transmission can handle 30 percent more torque. This is achieved through the use of a strengthened output shaft, high-strength rear housing and additional roller bearing.

One unique feature of the ZL1 among high-performance muscle cars is the availability of an automatic transmission. While the notion of adding an automatic transmission may make some enthusiasts cringe, the reality is some consumers with pockets deep enough to purchase this car may very well prefer a six-speed automatic transmission over a do-it-yourself box.

The clutch-less option is a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission, which benefits from two additional pinion gears, an additional clutch plate and strengthened output shaft and gearset. There are also three drive modes: Drive, Sport and Manual, depending on the driver’s preference at the time.

“Drive” is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, which even includes second-gear starts, along with smoother shifting points for comfort. This is for drivers simply looking to get from point A to point B without earning themselves a ticket or squandering $60 worth of premium fuel.

“Sport” is, as expected, a sport-minded setup that makes use of faster, tighter shift points and a tendency to hold gears longer for optimal power.

The final mode, “Manual,” takes away any automatic upshifts, adds staged upshifts when demanded and puts all focus on performance at the cost of comfort and economy. This is the mode for those lucky and bold enough to enjoy their ZL1 on the track.

Outside, the ZL1 boasts an aggressive body kit along with a unique “mohawk-style” hood, which features a functional air extractor and is made of a carbon fiber composite. The cabin is dressed up with a sueded microfiber-accented instrument panel and an available (and highly recommended) sueded microfiber wrap on the special flat-bottom steering wheel and shifter.

Source: LeftLaneNews