Chevrolet promised big things when it debuted the new, 650-HP Camaro ZL1 earlier this year. It seems the company is making good on its promises, because an automatic-equipped ZL1 just set a 7:29.60 lap at the Nurburgring, 11.67 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Chevy's got the video to prove it, and you need to watch.
This Nurburgring run was done by Drew Cattell, the ride and handling engineer for the Camaro. Interestingly, he leaves the car in full automatic mode for the whole lap, never touching the paddles once. Chevy's making a big deal about the ZL1's new 10-speed automatic, and this run serves to prove its point. Of course, you can still get the ZL1 with a six-speed manual.
The ZL1 was spotted testing at the Nurburgring a few months ago, and it looked incredibly fast. That's not surprising given how sophisticated the new Camaro's chassis is, and the fact that it shares its supercharged V8 with the Corvette Z06 certainly helps. Base price for the 2017 ZL1 is $62,000, and given what the car is capable of, that seems like a bargain to us.
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Just Remember, We ALL Told You So.
25 October 2016, 21:47
Brice
Hi Opus1: Ya gotta' be kidding me! Left in full auto? Stock? $62,000? Poor old Enzo!
You may have guessed that I'm not real knowledgeable on this modern iron. Back when I was messing about with such things it was all about cubic inches, go fast, and turn left (if you could). Next thing you know, the NASCAR rides will be real Impalas prepped at the dealerships.
Thanks very much for the added info. Brice
25 October 2016, 22:17
Brice
A few more questions: What are the clicks I'm hearing? And the throttle blips? I thought those were being done automatically by the sequential shifter. Obviously not. There's a tab/box on the stock monitor that changes sometimes. Couldn't zoom in to read that.
Bloody amazin'!
25 October 2016, 22:22
Idaho Sharpshooter
Wow!
I wonder if Ford will take a GT350R there and try it out...?
26 October 2016, 02:11
Opus1
They did and got a 7:32.19 in the 2016 version.
Comparing the two, the GT350R is more of a dedicated track car and not the more street version.
But I am sure Ford will be gunning for this time.
___________________
Just Remember, We ALL Told You So.
26 October 2016, 04:56
Idaho Sharpshooter
Yes, the Ford is more of an Extremely Limited Edition collector car. That has always been the Ford tradition.
They did not want head to head comparisons back in the Boss 429 VS 426 Hemi era in Torino VS Road Runner reviews.
There are two GT350R's for sale in Dupont Registry. Asking price is $150,000. You could buy the Camaro and a new Corvette convertible for that kind of money.
And, you could actually buy one...
29 October 2016, 01:54
butchlambert
So the 10 speed paddle shifted trans is a partnership with Ford.
29 October 2016, 08:51
Idaho Sharpshooter
I gotta confess, I have never been a camaro fan. That said, this is a car I could live with...
29 October 2016, 18:23
Woodrow S
I seen my first one in a small town about 8 miles from my home...darn nice car. Plain white and very unassuming...a fine "sleeper". The ZL1 with 650hp is also 200lbs lighter than the other Camaro SS model with the 450hp....makes a big difference in power and handling. Very nice, powerful car for the money.....right there with the Hellcat in useable power and price.
29 October 2016, 22:28
jens poulsen
The Americans are getting better and better technical to build cars that will stay on the twisting roads at high speeds.
Great video
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30 October 2016, 06:44
Woodrow S
Yep, and without charging a quarter million dollars or more. Same sporty looks, same wonderful ride, same awesome handling and better engine performance...at one quarter the price! GM hit the ball out of the park with the new ZL1 and Z06. Both awesome cars and both way under 100 grand!!!!
16 February 2017, 00:43
silkyoaks
The throttle 'blips' can be built into an auto trans. Some of the latest Aston Martins have the same programming. Would love to see these cars with standard suspension settings and engine tune compete on a Targa and various race circuits without special prep. or changes. I'd bet results would vary.
People Sleep Peacefully in Their Beds at Night Only Because Rough Men Stand Ready to Do Violence on Their Behalf.
16 February 2017, 20:40
TexKD
I am a Porsche guy through and through - -
But that is damn good on any level and it is fantastic for the price.
Of course they had the engine, transmission, tires, suspension tuned for the run - but why so does Porsche. Good work by Chevy there.
17 February 2017, 19:52
Snowwolfe
Came really close to buying one of these last month. Then I forced myself to go sit in one at the dealership. I doubt there is a car made that has worse outside visibility than the Camaro except maybe some of the Lambo's. Its an amazing car with the Z06 supercharged engine and the 10 speed auto. Purchased a new 2017 Corvette instead for about $17K less.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
