Delivered! ZL1 owners first driving impressions - Page 22 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

AlexM · 04-16-2012, 07:51 AM

Great writeup OldScoolCamaro and congrats on your new Beast! Is yours automatic or stick? I would love to hear some driving impresions from an automatic ZL1 owner

AlexM · 04-16-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickey123456

Come on guys! There are tons of you posting pictures, but there needs to be more of you posting your driving impressions! I know what it looks like! I don't know how it drives

1954 Belair-man · 04-16-2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAM....ZL1

Are you just here to criticize...or maybe you have some helpful input.
Have you had the opportunity to look at ones tail lights yet......if
not i'll bet you soon will...Lol

THIS

CCM52 · 04-16-2012, 09:29 AM

Took ownership of #455 CRT, manual, Sunroof, and Black ten spoke wheels Saturday 14 April 2012, the car was sitting in the show room for all to see. The first thing I noticed was the way the car stood, low and aggressive. I immediately check for the front spring spacers, and they were still installed, also checked for front bumper outer valance panels and they were not installed. The first time starting the beast up and hearing that rumble was a moment in time that can never be repeated. The customary drive to fill the tank up with gas I noticed how stiff the clutch was, it’s been a while since driving a manual and the first time driving something with this kind of power. I was absolutely amazed. I even stalled out several times because of the stiff clutch and engaging so close to the floor. It could be me but I noticed a little clank when engaging the clutch and shifting gears but only at low speeds and when it’s quiet. This car is turning heads and I noticed that by driving a ZL1 you kinda become a spokesman for Chevrolet. Pulled up on a Vert Camaro and gave a little rev but not to exceed the 4k break-in and he rev’d back and before long we were revving back and forth at a red light while everyone else looked on. Also had several GT500 turn heads and I’m not sure if it was in fear or admiration (probable both). Bottom line is I’m HAPPY, I don’t care for all the back and forth about ¼ mile times and 580hp vs. 650hp, I’m a true Camaro fan and as such a fan I promise to learn to fully benefit from all the ZL1 has to offer so I don’t shame other TRUE Camaro fans.

Normally I hate to see long post.

Z4me · 04-16-2012, 09:36 AM

Awesome old school makes me even more anxious to get my ZL1. I hope my dealer has some good news this Thursday and gets an allocation for me.

tmandoug1 · 04-16-2012, 10:31 AM

All I can say about my new ZL1 is that everything seems very tight, the clutch, steering. Shifting (took a little getting used to). I seem to remember from my last clutch eons ago that it was a lift and shift. However i find the ZL1 shifts smoother with a little extra on the gas pedal. Does that maked sense to anyone,,,, It seems if I let up a little on the gas when I shift it gets a little clunky, but if I accelerate just a little bit extra it is very smooth. I have no issues seeing anything out of the windows, however adjust the side mirrors alot to get around that big fat a-- of hers. Tall cups in the center console don't bode very well for shifting,,,, I know trivial. The stitching on the shifter is giving me a blister on my right ring finger, Just have to remember to keep that finger higher up guess. Just fing beautiful to drive. Wife got challenged on the way to window tinting on Saturday by a mustang convertible, he came along side then slowed and went behind then up along the other side and gave the thumbs up and said beautiful ride. She was under strict guidance not to go over 4000rpms and stay in tour mode at all times,,,lol.

KKreme15 · 04-16-2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmandoug1

All I can say about my new ZL1 is that everything seems very tight, the clutch, steering. Shifting (took a little getting used to). I seem to remember from my last clutch eons ago that it was a lift and shift. However i find the ZL1 shifts smoother with a little extra on the gas pedal. Does that maked sense to anyone,,,, It seems if I let up a little on the gas when I shift it gets a little clunky, but if I accelerate just a little bit extra it is very smooth. I have no issues seeing anything out of the windows, however adjust the side mirrors alot to get around that big fat a-- of hers. Tall cups in the center console don't bode very well for shifting,,,, I know trivial. The stitching on the shifter is giving me a blister on my right ring finger, Just have to remember to keep that finger higher up guess. Just fing beautiful to drive. Wife got challenged on the way to window tinting on Saturday by a mustang convertible, he came along side then slowed and went behind then up along the other side and gave the thumbs up and said beautiful ride. She was under strict guidance not to go over 4000rpms and stay in tour mode at all times,,,lol.

So basically, no lift shifting feels smoother than shifting normally?

SVT Murrocket · 04-16-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.R

I'm actually starting to get scared of how powerful this car is. Not kidding. Cold tires are really bad news - it has to be treated like you're walking on ice or you might lose it. You can't really accelerate very strong until you're in third, unless you like to go sideways. Be careful not too accelerate too much even in third gear when you turn - it will go from under you. I have a manual - I believe it gives you the true feeling of a sports car. I can't wait for warmer weather = warm tires.

LOL! Nothing that GT500 owners haven't been going through for YEARS. Might want to invest in a good set of DR's. Don't worry - you'll get used to it and when you do, there will ALWAYS be a smile on your face. Enjoy your ride!

Mr.R · 04-27-2012, 01:49 PM

So I experienced the first ride on wet / light rain yesterday. It was in the 40's, the car was in standard mode - PTM2, I was going 2000rpm in 4th gear on a smooth road and guess what: I push the accelerator (not floor it) and it starts to fishtail.....WOW!!! I can't believe the power of this beast! I then put it in PTM1: wet and it really cuts down the power - it doesn't slip anymore. Very nice job!

Also, it looks like I've been riding with the spacers on for the first 200 miles - no wonder why it was so stiff and was even completely sliding in curves on rough pavement. Now it's like butter, especially on Tour mode. I love it. Thanks to fellow members for mentioning this issue! If I didn't check it myself, I could have been going like this at least until the next oil change - if the technician would have been awake.

I also took out the exhaust fuse - it sounds AWESOME, crackles when you lift, louder when you accelerate, probably a bit more power too, just a blast! However, I don't lik the dron on the highway so I ordered an Exhaust Commander. Can't wait for it!

Hope to see impressions from other people too!

04-16-2012, 09:29 AM	#298
CCM52 Rebirth of muscle Drives: 2012 ZL1, 2004 Denali, 2001 Jetta Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 36	Took ownership of #455 CRT, manual, Sunroof, and Black ten spoke wheels Saturday 14 April 2012, the car was sitting in the show room for all to see. The first thing I noticed was the way the car stood, low and aggressive. I immediately check for the front spring spacers, and they were still installed, also checked for front bumper outer valance panels and they were not installed. The first time starting the beast up and hearing that rumble was a moment in time that can never be repeated. The customary drive to fill the tank up with gas I noticed how stiff the clutch was, it’s been a while since driving a manual and the first time driving something with this kind of power. I was absolutely amazed. I even stalled out several times because of the stiff clutch and engaging so close to the floor. It could be me but I noticed a little clank when engaging the clutch and shifting gears but only at low speeds and when it’s quiet. This car is turning heads and I noticed that by driving a ZL1 you kinda become a spokesman for Chevrolet. Pulled up on a Vert Camaro and gave a little rev but not to exceed the 4k break-in and he rev’d back and before long we were revving back and forth at a red light while everyone else looked on. Also had several GT500 turn heads and I’m not sure if it was in fear or admiration (probable both). Bottom line is I’m HAPPY, I don’t care for all the back and forth about ¼ mile times and 580hp vs. 650hp, I’m a true Camaro fan and as such a fan I promise to learn to fully benefit from all the ZL1 has to offer so I don’t shame other TRUE Camaro fans. Normally I hate to see long post. __________________ GBE, B92, MN6, CF5 VIN: 2G1FS1EP3C9800455

04-16-2012, 09:36 AM	#299
Z4me Drives: 2013 ZL1 IOM Vin #169 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,953	Awesome old school makes me even more anxious to get my ZL1. I hope my dealer has some good news this Thursday and gets an allocation for me. __________________

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04-16-2012, 07:51 AM	#295
AlexM Drives: Used to be 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS L99 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Northern VA Posts: 636	Great writeup OldScoolCamaro and congrats on your new Beast! Is yours automatic or stick? I would love to hear some driving impresions from an automatic ZL1 owner

04-16-2012, 10:31 AM	#300
tmandoug1 Deep Sea Drives: 2012 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. Posts: 969 View My Garage	All I can say about my new ZL1 is that everything seems very tight, the clutch, steering. Shifting (took a little getting used to). I seem to remember from my last clutch eons ago that it was a lift and shift. However i find the ZL1 shifts smoother with a little extra on the gas pedal. Does that maked sense to anyone,,,, It seems if I let up a little on the gas when I shift it gets a little clunky, but if I accelerate just a little bit extra it is very smooth. I have no issues seeing anything out of the windows, however adjust the side mirrors alot to get around that big fat a-- of hers. Tall cups in the center console don't bode very well for shifting,,,, I know trivial. The stitching on the shifter is giving me a blister on my right ring finger, Just have to remember to keep that finger higher up guess. Just fing beautiful to drive. Wife got challenged on the way to window tinting on Saturday by a mustang convertible, he came along side then slowed and went behind then up along the other side and gave the thumbs up and said beautiful ride. She was under strict guidance not to go over 4000rpms and stay in tour mode at all times,,,lol.

04-27-2012, 01:49 PM	#303
Mr.R Drives: ZL1, Genesis, Grand Cherokee Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cleveland Posts: 232	So I experienced the first ride on wet / light rain yesterday. It was in the 40's, the car was in standard mode - PTM2, I was going 2000rpm in 4th gear on a smooth road and guess what: I push the accelerator (not floor it) and it starts to fishtail.....WOW!!! I can't believe the power of this beast! I then put it in PTM1: wet and it really cuts down the power - it doesn't slip anymore. Very nice job! Also, it looks like I've been riding with the spacers on for the first 200 miles - no wonder why it was so stiff and was even completely sliding in curves on rough pavement. Now it's like butter, especially on Tour mode. I love it. Thanks to fellow members for mentioning this issue! If I didn't check it myself, I could have been going like this at least until the next oil change - if the technician would have been awake. I also took out the exhaust fuse - it sounds AWESOME, crackles when you lift, louder when you accelerate, probably a bit more power too, just a blast! However, I don't lik the dron on the highway so I ordered an Exhaust Commander. Can't wait for it! Hope to see impressions from other people too!