Camaro ZL1 proprietary technology providing 580 horsepower

In a case of automotive striptease, Chevrolet continues to reveal more about the 2012 Camaro ZL1 and updated ZR1 Corvette. Only unseasonal rain today at Chevy’s Milford Proving Grounds prevent us from gushing about the super-‘vette’s glue-like stick thanks to new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires.

It’s coupled with painstakingly applied red highlights and ghosted matt black insignia. More coy is the ZL1 Camaro. Built on a production line (in Mexico) the LSA might be described as an assembly line version of the hand-built 638 bhp LS9 powerhouse found in the ZR1 Corvette. Missing is the hydraulic power steering pump; the ZL1 uses electrically assisted power steering to free up power and provide an expanded range of variable assist and steering ratios.

It’s part of an upgraded fuel system that accesses even the last cup of fuel during high-g track action.

Manual and automatic transmissions are both in store. The manual is a 6-speed TR6060 with a stronger output shaft and an extra mainshaft roller bearing for 30 percent more torque capacity than the Camaro SS version. Chevy says the auto is a sweetie on the street, launching in second gear and shifting smoothly, but is a tiger on the track with aggressive, high-speed shifts in either auto or the truly manual control. Durability is enhanced by standard oil coolers for both transmissions and the differential, along with the ZR1 ‘vette’s engine oil cooling system carried over intact.

Chevy stresses these modes provide significantly different performance, ranging from a rain mode to a barely-there track aid. In all, Chevy says 30 percent of the Camaro has been upgraded in the ZL1.

The designated hitter against the Ford Shelby GT500 and Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 drastically elevates General Motor’s performance game. Chevrolet initially pegged the supercharged 6.2 liter V-8 engine under the hood of the Camaro ZL1 at 550 horsepower. Even before the first Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 lands on showroom floors, the performance of this super pony car receives an extra gallop.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s engine power will come to life through either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The SAE Certified Power measurement for engine performance is a relatively new but growing trend by auto manufacturers. SAE certification provides customers with an outside, independent test of engine performance. With the presentation of higher than forecasted horsepower becoming a common theme with General Motors vehicles, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is just the latest vehicle perking up the SAE Certified Power program.

Offering greater in-depth details other than horsepower, General Motors revealed the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s Performance Traction Management system. Catered for tour, sport and drag strip driving, the electronically-control handling on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 provides some electric performance.

The ZL1’s outstanding power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including exclusive Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.

“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. The 2012 Camaro ZL1’s surpasses the advertised power of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1’s 427 cubic-inch big block by more than 150 horsepower– while meeting modern emissions requirements.

For the Camaro ZL1, the LSA features a unique induction system, with a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths, and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. Other changes include a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering system, which consumes less engine power than hydraulic-steering systems.

The ZL1 will be offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. To make the ZL1 perform equally well on street and track, the 6L90 features three distinct drive modes:
Drive: The shift pattern is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, including second-gear starts, while the shift feel is tuned for a smooth driving experience. Engaging the tap-shift feature on the steering wheel or shift lever engages temporary manual mode.
Manual: Here, the 6L90 offers the driver true manual control, with no automatic up shifts, and staged upshifts for incredibly fast shifts and maximum performance.

Other track-ready features of the ZL1 include:
A high-performance fuel system delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any performance driving condition. Magnetic Ride Control 3.0 adjusts damping 1,000 times per second
The Camaro ZL1 will feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC).

The Camaro ZL1 will also offer Performance Traction Management (PTM) as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance performance on the racetrack and drag strip.

Then, the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. Five PTM performance levels or modes are available to accommodate the given ambient and track conditions, driver experience/vehicle familiarity and driver comfort levels.

 Mode 1 – Traction control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.

Mode 2 – Traction control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.

Mode 3 – Traction control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.

Mode 4 – Traction control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.

Mode 5 – Traction control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track. Launch control tuned for VHT-prepped drag strips.

“Like the Magnetic Ride Control, the Performance Traction Management system improves the ZL1 experience as a daily driver and on the track,” said Oppenheiser.