Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The return of the ZL1 nameplate in 2012 was a statement of intent. Where the original 1969 ZL1 was an all-aluminum drag racing weapon, the modern ZL1 was a sophisticated grand touring missile that could devour racetracks, destroy drag strips, and cruise comfortably on the highway — all in the same afternoon.
The LSA engine — a supercharged 6.2-liter OHV V8 shared with the Cadillac CTS-V — produced 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque. The Eaton TVS R2300 supercharger delivered boost with a linear, progressive character that made the power manageable despite its enormity. The engine was paired with either a six-speed manual (Tremec TR6060) or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Chevrolet threw everything it had at the ZL1's chassis. Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) continuously adjusted damping force using magneto-rheological fluid, providing a supple ride on the street and iron-fisted control on the track. The enormous Brembo brakes (six-piston front, four-piston rear) provided tireless stopping power. And the electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) managed traction with remarkable sophistication.
The ZL1 proved its credentials at the Nürburgring, lapping the 20.8-km circuit in 7 minutes, 41.27 seconds — faster than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 599 GTB, and Lexus LFA. For a car based on a muscle car platform and costing $55,000, the number was astonishing.
Despite its 4,120-pound curb weight, the ZL1 felt surprisingly agile. The magnetic dampers and wide Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires gave it genuine handling precision, and the supercharged V8 could overwhelm the rear tires at will when the electronics were relaxed. It was a muscle car in the finest tradition — brutally fast in a straight line while also capable of embarrassing expensive European sports cars on technical circuits.
The fifth-gen ZL1 is an extraordinary performance value on the used market. Check for proper Magnetic Ride Control operation — MRC shocks are expensive to replace. The supercharger is generally reliable but listen for bearing noise. The Tremec manual transmission is robust but the clutch is heavy. Verify the differential hasn't been abused. Track-driven examples are common — check for signs of heat damage, brake rotor scoring, and tire wear patterns.
The ZL1 was available from 2012-2015 in the fifth-generation Camaro. Both coupe and convertible body styles were offered. A 1LE performance package was available on the standard SS but not the ZL1. The ZL1 was the flagship Camaro until the sixth-generation car arrived for 2016.