2017 Camaro ZL1 Available With Paddle Shift 10-Speed Transmission, 640hp

Chevrolet has been making the Camaro ZL1 for a while now and the car is aimed directly at the driver who wants to be able to take on the road course or drag strip on the weekend and be able to drive to work during the week. For 2017, the ZL1 is all new and in the guise of the 6th generation Camaro it looks fantastic to boot. Power for the ZL1 comes from a 6.2L V8 that makes an estimated 640hp and 640 lb-ft of torque.

Often when an automaker says estimated, the car will actually have more power when it hits dealerships. That LT4 V8 is supercharged as it was in previous generations of the ZL1. The standard transmission is still a row your own 6-speed manual, but for the first time the ZL1 has a 10-speed paddle shift transmission as an option. That 10-speed auto has a 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears to keep the big V8 in its optimum RPM range more of the time.

That makes laps around the track or passes down the drag strip quicker. The new ZL1 is ready for the track with 11 heat exchangers to keep the beast cool. Inside the car are standard Recaro seats and a suede flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob. The car can be optioned with the Chevy Performance Data Recorder.

Chevy fits the car with upgraded Magnetic Ride suspension, Performance Traction Management, electronic LSD, launch control and driver select mode. The new ZL1 has 60 more hp and 80 lb-ft more torque while weighing 200 pounds less than the previous version. Brembo brakes with 6-piston front calipers are standard and the car is fitted with Eagle F1 supercar tires in 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear. The car goes on sale later this year with pricing unannounced.

SOURCE: Chevrolet