2017 Camaro ZL1: Track ready is an understatement – GT Speed

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is here, and it’s superbly focused on everything.

The oxymoron above is quite intentional, as Mark Reuss, GM product development chief promptly describes the new 2017 Camaro “The ZL1 is designed to excel at everything,” he then adds, “It stacks up against any sports coupe at any price point.”

These bold statements are backed up by the hardware sitting under the hood, a supercharged 6.2 liter V8, outputting 640 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque definitely has the grunt to whip around the 2017 Camaro ZL1, as for a gearbox, the 10 speed automatic oddity inside the transmission tunnel was developed jointly by GM and Ford, it promises performance as well as fuel economy. Alternatively, a six speed manual option is available should the customer desire it.

“There’s no need to purchase a track package to make the ZL1 track ready”

Innovative magnetic dampers and 20 inch Goodyear F1 Supercar rubber provide optimum grip, and an electronic limited slip differential, the same one in the Corvette, takes care of applying the power to the rear wheels, 15.35 inch Brembo brakes with six pot calipers at the front are up for the gigantic task of stopping this supercharged behemoth.

Aesthetically, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 is beyond aggressive, the aerodynamic enhancements are both fierce in appearance and purposeful. The entirety of the ZL1 screams unhinged raging speed, uncompromising handling, and sheer acceleration. Will it deliver once it hits the dealerships?

Only time will tell, but the promise is good enough to crank the hype up to eleven.

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 has shed its conceptual cocoon, and is now a Swiss army knife with high potential.

No longer a pure muscle or pony car, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has gloriously jumped into the handling bandwagon, and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

ALSO DON’T MISS: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport: 404 Supercharger not found