2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 unveiled at Chicago

The battle of the modern muscle cars continues with Chevrolet unveiling their answer to the Shelby GT500 at the Chicago auto show called the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1.

The Camaro ZL1 is the highest performing Camaro ever built, and Chevrolet is claiming that it is also the most technically advanced muscle car ever developed. The ZL1 name was chosen to honor the limited production, aluminum block racing engine that was available for 1969 Camaros. Only 69 of these Camaros were ever built, but the cars achieved near mythical status.

The Chevy camaro ZL1 is powered by the same 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine that sits in the Cadillac CTS-V. Chevrolet have tuned this motor down a little but it still kicks out a powerful 550 horsepower and 550 ft lb of torque.

Some of the new features on the ZL1 includes superb Magnetic Ride Control suspension, dual-mode exhaust and Brembo brakes (developed especially for the Camaro). The ZL1 also gets an entirely new electronic steering system, which should provide better feedback and control than hydraulic systems.

As you’d expect, virtually everything in the driveline and suspension has been beefed up to handle the additional power and capabilities of the car. The ZL1 gets a stronger driveshaft, a cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and a heavy duty limited slip differential. Stabilizer bars are increased in diameter, and the rear bar gets drop links repositioned to the outside of the control arms to further reduce body roll.

The car rides on a set of 20 inch forged aluminum wheels (lighter than those used on the Camaro SS) wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Supercar F2 tires developed specifically for the ZL1.

On the outside, the ZL1 is distinguished by a unique front fascia and aluminum hood with carbon fiber insert, featuring air extractors to control airflow over the car. The front fascia includes vertical fog lamps and air intakes for brake cooling, and well as a front splitter for improved aerodynamics. Out back, the rear gets a spoiler and a diffuser equipped rear fascia.

The interior of the ZL1s is kitted out with a black leatherand features heated front seats, suede microfiber inserts and ZL1 logos on the headrests. The inside also gets a unique look thanks to a revised steering wheel, unique instrument panel, ZL1 sill plates, alloy pedals, a heads-up display and “four pack” auxiliary gauges in the center console.

Chevrolet hasn’t released any prices yet, but as its going to compete with the Shelby GT500 Mustang it will probably be in the same price range of around $50,000.