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2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 First Test: The Ultimate Pony Car Showdown
Raising Hell, Killing Tires, and Feeling the Heat
By Jonny Lieberman | Photography by Robin Trajano | Updated December 21, 2016
The automotive world has long been fascinated by extremes. From the legendary 1,001-horsepower Bugatti Veyron, a marvel of engineering that required ten heat exchangers to manage its colossal power output, to the raw, unfiltered aggression of American muscle cars, manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of performance to satisfy the insatiable appetite of driving enthusiasts. In this landscape of automotive excess, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 emerges as a formidable contender, a machine that redefines what’s possible in the pony car segment. With a staggering 650 horsepower and a sophisticated suite of performance enhancements, the ZL1 isn’t just an evolution of its predecessors; it’s a complete reimagining of what a Camaro can be.
Chevrolet’s marketing tagline for this new beast, #ZL1triplethreat, encapsulates its ambitious mission: to dominate the drag strip, conquer canyon roads, and master the racetrack. This trifecta of performance objectives is a monumental task, one that requires a perfect storm of engineering prowess, technological innovation, and a deep understanding of what makes a truly exceptional driver’s car. Fortunately for Camaro boss Al Oppenheiser and his team, they had the right ingredients to make a compelling case for glory.
The Alpha Platform Advantage
The foundation of the 2017 Camaro ZL1’s success lies in the sophisticated Alpha platform, a lightweight, rigid architecture that also underpins the Cadillac ATS and CTS families. This advanced chassis provides a level of refinement and handling capability that was previously unthinkable in a Camaro. While horsepower has increased by 70 ponies compared to the previous-generation ZL1, the new model benefits from a significant weight reduction of 169 pounds. This reduction in mass, combined with the platform’s inherent stiffness, translates to sharper reflexes, improved agility, and a more connected driving experience.
The exterior design of the ZL1 is a testament to form following function. The front fenders are flared to accommodate the massive 285-width Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, shared with the Camaro SS 1LE. On the 1LE, these tires provide exceptional grip, but on the ZL1, they’re just the starting point for a comprehensive aerodynamic package that includes a redesigned front splitter, a prominent rear wing, and strategically placed heat extractors to manage the car’s immense thermal load.
The Heart of the Beast: The LT4 Engine
At the core of the 2017 Camaro ZL1 lies the legendary LT4 engine, a 6.2-liter, direct-injected V-8 that has become synonymous with American muscle car performance. This supercharged powerhouse shares its basic architecture with the Corvette Z06’s LT4, but with a few key differences. The Z06’s engine features a dry-sump oiling system, while the Camaro ZL1 employs a wet-sump design, which helps reduce weight and packaging complexity.
The numbers are, quite frankly, astounding. The LT4 produces a monumental 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Camaro ever offered to the public. This power is delivered through a massive 1.7-liter intercooled supercharger that forces air into the cylinders, creating a level of performance that rivals exotic supercars.
One of the most significant engineering achievements on the ZL1 is its cooling system. The Corvette Z06’s LT4 engine is known to suffer from heat soak during aggressive driving, where the engine’s temperature rises to the point where performance begins to degrade. The Camaro ZL1, however, features an array of 11 heat exchangers, including two redesigned and repositioned intercoolers that flank the supercharger. This comprehensive cooling package ensures that the ZL1 can withstand the rigors of track driving without succumbing to thermal issues. During our testing, even after six sets of rear tires in four days, the thunderous V-8 never so much as simmered.
The Transmission Revolution: 10 Speeds of Fury
A significant technological leap for the 2017 Camaro ZL1 is the debut of GM’s 10-speed automatic transmission. Co-developed with Ford, this advanced gearbox features unique gearing, valving, and control software tailored specifically for the ZL1’s performance characteristics. The first six gears are tightly spaced to keep the engine in its optimal powerband, seventh gear is direct drive, and eighth through tenth are reserved for highway cruising, providing exceptional fuel efficiency for a car of this caliber.
The transmission’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. Shifts are executed with lightning speed and precision, whether in automatic or manual mode. The downshift programming is particularly impressive, anticipating the driver’s intent and delivering the perfect gear for any situation.
The transmission’s impact extends beyond performance to fuel economy. While the manual version of the ZL1 is subject to a $1,300 Gas Guzzler tax, the 10-speed automatic’s additional overdrive gears could potentially reduce this burden. Initial EPA estimates suggest that the automatic ZL1 may only incur a $1,000 tax, or potentially none at all, making it a more attractive proposition for buyers seeking a blend of performance and efficiency.
Drag Strip Dominance
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a formidable force on the drag strip. Chevy claims that the 10-speed automatic version can reach 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph. While our independent testing managed a slightly slower 11.5-second quarter mile at 125 mph, this is still an extraordinary achievement. The discrepancy is likely due to California’s 91-octane premium gasoline, which is less potent than the 93-octane fuel used in other regions.
Regardless of the exact numbers, the ZL1’s performance is undeniable. It outpaces the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, which requires 11.7 seconds to cover the quarter mile, and even rivals the performance of some exotic supercars. The ZL1’s ability to put its 650 horsepower down effectively, thanks to its advanced traction control system and exceptional tires, is a testament to the engineering team’s focus on real-world performance.
For those who prefer to row their own gears, the six-speed manual version of the ZL1 delivers a more engaging driving experience. While slightly slower than the automatic in a straight line, it offers a level of driver involvement that many enthusiasts crave. The manual transmission is a joy to use, with a precise shifter and a clutch that provides excellent feedback.
Canyon Carving Excellence
Beyond the drag strip, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 truly shines on challenging canyon roads. The car’s exceptional handling, thanks to the Alpha platform and sophisticated suspension system, allows it to carve through corners with surprising agility. The ZL1’s electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) works tirelessly to optimize traction, managing power delivery between the rear wheels to maximize grip through turns.
The magnetic ride control suspension, a hallmark of Camaro performance, can be adjusted through four distinct modes: Wet, Sport 1, Sport 2, and Race. Each mode alters the damping characteristics to suit different driving conditions, providing a level of versatility that’s rare in a car of this caliber.
In Sport 2 mode, the throttle opens more slowly to provide greater control, a design choice that was actually suggested by our resident pro racer, Randy Pobst. This counterintuitive approach to throttle mapping actually improves driver smoothness and precision, allowing the ZL1 to be driven with more confidence and control on challenging roads.
Racetrack Domination
The ultimate test of any performance car is its performance on a racetrack. The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 tackles this challenge head-on, delivering lap times that rival some of the best sports cars in the world. At Willow Springs Raceway’s Big Track, the ZL1 with the 10-speed automatic recorded an unofficial lap time of 1:25.87, a time that rivals the $250,000 McLaren 650S Spider.
While this lap was unofficial due to a lack of Vbox data, it demonstrates the ZL1’s incredible potential. Even the manual version of the car is a formidable track machine, posting a blistering 1:26.16 lap time, outperforming the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, a 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, a 2015 Porsche Turbo S, and a 2017 McLaren 570S prototype.
The ZL1’s performance on the track is a testament to its all-around engineering excellence. It’s not just a drag car or a canyon car; it’s a complete performance package that can handle anything thrown at it. The car’s ability to maintain consistent performance lap after lap, thanks to its advanced cooling system and sophisticated chassis, is what sets it apart from the competition.
The Verdict: A New Benchmark
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is, without question, one of the most remarkable performance cars of its generation. It successfully combines the raw power of American muscle with the refinement and handling of European sports cars, creating
