Nostalgia buffs step aside: the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 outstrips even the legendary 1969 ZL1's big block 427: the 2012's supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) - making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.
"The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.
The ZL1's power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including exclusive Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.
"The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies," Oppenheiser said, "to offer the best of all worlds - including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip, and the comfort of a daily driver."
The most-powerful production Camaro ever
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 surpasses the advertised power of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1's 427 cubic-inch big block by more than 150 horsepower (112 kW) - while meeting modern emissions requirements. And, the new ZL1 is backed by General Motors' five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
"The torque is going to make the ZL1 a car you won't want to get out of," said John Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for small block engines. "Not only will the ZL1 have more power and torque than the competition, we're making it available with an optional automatic transmission, to appeal to a wider group of sports car enthusiasts."
The all-aluminum LSA supercharged V-8 is part of GM's legendary small-block engine family. For a solid foundation, the engine's lower end uses six-bolt main bearing caps that clamp and lock in the forged steel crankshaft to the deep-skirt block. Its 1.9L Roots-style blower uses an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler to deliver boosted air into the high-flow cylinder heads.