Below is what we
KNOW of the 2012 CAMARO ZL1. Included is information from
GM media, statements, and employees, but final details have not been set in stone. GM reserves the right to make changes at their discretion, and these posts will be revised to reflect such revisions. All features are to be considered standard unless otherwise noted.
Stay up-to-date - straight from Chevrolet's website here 
A whole bunch more cool stuff to read from GM
General Overview:- $54,995 inc. $900 DFC
- 0-60 MPH = 3.9/4.0 SEC. (A6/M6)
- 12.0 @ 119/12.1 @ 119 (A6/M6)
- 184 MPH Top Speed
- 1.0g MAX Lateral Grip
- CAMARO ZL1 will be the most powerful and highest performing production CAMARO in history
- Performance data will be given around the summer of 2011
- Testing venues include: Nurburgring (7:41.27), extensive Autobahn testing, VIR track testing, Spring Mountain, Beaver Run, Milford and Yuma Proving Grounds
- A deliberate effort was made to control mass (i.e. wheels/tires are 22 pounds less than those on SS)
- 1/3 of the SS was upgraded for ZL1
- Look for some "purposeful features" in the DIC and HUD
- Hours of actual wind tunnel-testing for various exterior aero' components net downforce
- ZL1 is the 1st GM car to have either "zero neutral lift or negative lift"
- The Ford Mustang Cobra GT500 is the primary competitor - anything with 550 horsepower is also a consideration
- ZL1 content builds on 2SS package
- Team CAMARO continues to look into configurations
- Built on the same production line as SS/LT/LS & convertible
- Color palette to be the same as the rest of the models
- Convertible is being introduced in 2013
- CAMARO Facebook listed as a great place for input
Drivetrain and Performance:- 580 horsepower @ 6000 RPMs and 556 foot pounds of torque @ 4200
- 6.2L supercharged V8 LSA engine from CTS-V, with minor changes specific to ZL1
- Eaton TVS 1900 rotors with unique black upper plenum with ribbing for noise control and cowl clearance
- Unique induction system including a high-flow air filter, dual inlet path air cleaner, lower-restriction upper SC plenum, and a higher efficiency intercooler complement the Eaton 1900
- Cast stainless steel exhaust manifolds for enhanced thermal management
- Active exhaust (with dual modes - similar to Corvette ZR1 & Z06)
- Upgraded 6L90E 6-speed automatic transmission (MYD) has been enhanced with strengthened input gearsets, two additional planetary gears, an additional clutch plate, and strengthened output shaft
- MYD has three distinct driving modes:
DRIVE: fuel economy and smooth shifts are desired, featuring 2nd gear start
SPORT: shift pattern is more aggressive including 1st gear start programming and an algorithm that holds the transmission in lower gears
MANUAL: full manual control, with no automatic up-shifts but staged up-shifts for incredibly fast and maximum performance "Based on throttle inputs, the transmission anticipates the next gear much like a dual-clutch variety, but without the costly hardware of DCT. GM estimates the “staged upshifts” trim shift times by upwards of 50%"
- Upgraded TR6060 6 speed manual transmission (MG9) with: dual-mass flywheel, twin-disc clutch, strengthened output shaft, high-strength rear tailshaft housing, additional roller bearing, triple syncros' & factory short throw shifter with improvements to efforts and gates
- Engine oil cooler identical to that of ZR1, exclusive-high-efficiency automatic transmission and rear differential cooler lower temperatures up to 100* for high performance and track driving (transmission fluid is pumped to the differential sump to cool diff' oil)
- High-performance fuel delivery system with multiple pick-ups for extended high-lateral G driving
- Larger lower front grille opening contributes to aid cooling, work with the hood extractors to increase downforce, and house integrated front brake cooling ducts
- Underbody belly pan purposefully directs air around, under ZL1, for heat management and reduces front-end lift
- Upgraded driveshaft
- Upgraded limited-slip differential, featuring race-ready cast iron diff' housing, clutch packs and axle shafts (patent pending)
- Upgraded cradle bushings
- 3.73 rear gear ratio (M6) / 3.23 rear gear ratio (A6)
- 52/48 weight distribution
- 7mm lower ride height than SS
- Shorter front springs and variable rate rear springs
- New 25mm solid front sway bar; new 28mm solid rear sway bar
- Heavy duty wheel bearings
- Third Generation Magnetic Ride Control Suspension (MR) introduced on ZL1 (a generation after current MR on ZR1/CTS-V) uses new twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all corners calculates dampening up to 1000 times a second allowing a greater range from softest to firmest settings for exceptionally responsive handling on the street or at the track
- There are three settings for MR: Tour, Sport, and Track
- Performance Traction Management (PTM) will be standard equipment incorperating the best blend of MR, Launch Control (LC), Traction Control (TC), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for the racetrack or dragstrip
- PTM will have FIVE settings:
- MODE 1: [I]TC for wet conditions, with ESC "On" and MR on "Tour"
MODE 2:[I] TC for dry conditions, ESC "On" and MR on "Tour"
MODE 3:[I] TC on "Sport 1", w/ESC "On" and MR set to "Sport"
MODE 4:[I] TC on "Sport 2", ESC "Off" and MR on "Sport"
MODE 5: TC on "Race", w/ESC "Off" and MR on "Track" for tracks with VHT
- Launch Control will be standard for M6 models that modulates engine torque 100 times a second for consistantly fast launches
- Redesigned rear stabilizer bars (about 4X more effective) now have drop links placed on the outside-end of the control arms for "crisper" control (4X more effective than SS)
- Next generation Variable Ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) tuned for optimum performance
- Brembo brakes - Front : 6-piston 14.6" 2 piece rotors / Rear: 4-piston 14.4" rotors
- Light weight forged aluminum wheels - F: 20"x10" / R: 20"x11"
- 10-Spoke black low-gloss "SSX"-style wheels (standard and optional wheels are 11-pounds lighter than SS wheels)
- Goodyear Supercar F1:G2 tires - F: 285/35/20 / R: 305/35/20 (specific to ZL1 and lighter than SS wheels by 11 pounds per car)
- Functional front lower splitter and underbody tray
- Front fender wheel opening and rear facia air deflectors manage air flow around the wheels and tires
Appearance Details:- ZL1 badging on grille, hood, brake calipers, decklid, instrument panel, headrests, and sill plates
- HID headlamps with LED "Halo" rings
- Functional front bumper facia with upper DRLs and lower projector fog lamps
- Unique grille specific to ZL1
- FUNCTIONAL raised vented-aluminum hood with a carbon fiber (exposed-optional) air extractor "Mowhawk"
- Functional rocker extensions that aid in managing air-flow and deflect stones thrown off the front tires
- Functional rear spoiler works in conjunction with the front splitter
- Functional rear diffuser
- Black center stripe will be optional
- Quad stainless steel exhaust tips
Interior Details:- ZL1 logo stitched into headrests
- Standard interior is black and lined in leather
- Micro-fiber suede accents in seats, dashboard, steering wheel, shifter and boot (some elements are optional)
- Alloy pedals make heal-and-toe shifting easier
- Dual heated 6-way power front seats
- Door and dash inserts are Carbon Flash with Red accent lighting
- New steering wheel that's smaller in diameter and has a flat bottom
- Premium Boston Accoustics audio system
- ZL1-specific door sill plates
- Parking Assist
- Rear camera in rearview mirror
- DIC/HUD will include helpful additions including boost pressure
- 4-Pack now includes a boost guage
- Wireless PDIM and USB-port
- Bluetooth connectivity
Options:
- Exposed-weave CF hood heat extractor $600
- Power sunroof $900
- Stripe Package $470
- 6-speed Automatic (MYD) with TAP-Shift $1,185
- Sueded microfiber interior package - steering wheel, shirt knob and shift boot $500
- Forged 5-spoke polished aluminum with high-gloss clearcoat $470
Specifications:
Exterior Colors:- Black
- Ashen Gray
- Inferno Orange Metallic
- Rally Yellow
- Silver Ice Metallic
- Summit White
- Victory Red
- Crystal Red Tintcoat
Model
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Body style / driveline: four-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe
Construction: unitized body frame, one and two-sided galvanized steel
EPA vehicle class: coupe
Manufacturing location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Key competitors: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Engine
LSA 6.2L Supercharged V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 / 103.25 x 3.62 / 92 mm
Block material: cast aluminum (319-T5)
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum (roto-cast - A356T6)
Valvetrain: overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: 1.9L supercharger with intercooler; sequential fuel injection
Compression ratio: 9.1:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 580 / 410 @ 6000 (SAE certified)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 556 / 745 @ 4200 (SAE certified)
Recommended fuel: premium required
Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6200
Transmission
Hydra-Matic 6-Speed Automatic with TAP-Shift 6L90E (MYD)
Gear Ratios:
First: 4.03
Second: 2.36
Third: 1.53
Fourth: 1.15
Fifth: 0.85
Sixth: 0.67
Reverse: 3.06
Final drive ratio: 3.23
Tremec 6-Speed Manual TR6060 (MG9)
Gear ratios:
First: 2.66
Second: 1.78
Third: 1.30
Fourth: 1.00
Fifth: 0.80
Sixth: 0.63
Reverse: 2.90
Final drive ratio: 3.73
Chassis / Suspension
Front: double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; with Magnetic Ride Control
Rear: 4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; with Magnetic Ride Control
Steering type: electric power steering with variable-ratio, variable-effort rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio: 17.1:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.5
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 37.7/11.5
Brakes
Type: four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated two-piece front and one-piece rear rotors; six-piston fixed Brembo aluminum front and four-piston rear calipers
Rotor diameter, front (in / mm): 14.6 / 370
Rotor diameter, rear (in / mm): 14.4 / 365
Rotor thickness, front (in / mm): 1.26 / 32
Rotor thickness, rear (in / mm): 1.1 / 28
Wheels / Tires
Wheel size and type: Forged 20 x 10-inch aluminum (front) 20 x 11-inch aluminum (rear)
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Supercar F1 G2s P285/35ZR20 summer (front) P305/35ZR20 summer (rear)
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm): 112.3 / 2852
Overall length (in / mm): 190.4 / 4836
Overall width (in / mm): 75.5 / 1918
Overall height (in / mm): 54.2 / 1376
Track, front (in / mm): 63.7 / 1618
Track, rear (in / mm): 63.7 / 1618
Curb weight (lb / kg): 4120 Weight balance (% front / rear): 52 / 48
Coefficient of drag: .387
Interior
Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 2
Headroom (in / mm): front: 37.4 / 950 rear: 35.3 / 897
Legroom (in / mm): front: 42.4 / 1077 rear: 29.9 / 757
Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 56.9 / 1444 rear: 42.5 / 1080
Capacities
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 11.3 / 320
Fuel tank (gal / L): 19 / 71.9
Engine oil (qt / L): 8.9 / 8.5
Miscellaneous
TIP:
ZL1 performance parts have a break-in period. For the first 1,500 miles (2,414 km), avoid full-throttle starts and abrupt stops, do not exceed 4,000 engine rpm, avoid driving at any one constant speed, and do not drive above 80 mph (129 km/h). Following these break-in period guidelines will result in better performance in the long run.
Dual-Mode Exhaust:
The dual-mode exhaust of the ZL1 provides refined tuning (optimal noise and vibration characteristics) at low engine speeds and a low-restriction exhaust (enabling peak horsepower performance) at high engine speeds in one exhaust system. It utilizes a vacuum system similar to Corvette, coupled with twin valves located at the exhaust tailpipes.
Although both Corvette and Camaro use vacuum actuated exhaust valves, there are differences. In the Camaro, the control software resides in the chassis control module that contains other software, to reduce the number of modules in the vehicle.
The Corvette is calibrated to open the exhaust valves only during aggressive driving, when engine rpm and throttle position exceed certain values. The Camaro is also calibrated to be open during aggressive driving. In addition, it is calibrated to open the valves at engine idle and up to 1,000 rpm.
Electrically Assisted Steering
Electrically Assisted Steering (EAS) is an innovative power-assist system connection between the ZL1 steering system and the engine. The assist power is applied directly to the rack with a belt drive and a ball nut mechanism. This design allows for lower inertia, lower friction and more direct steering feel, as well as superior response.
Brembo® Brakes
The ZL1 is equipped with a large, extremely robust, Brembo brake system (Fig. 4) with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers and ventilated two-piece front and one-piece rear rotors.
TIP:
Due to the floating design of the brake rotor, the front brake rotor cannot be refinished. If the front brake rotor is found to be at or below the minimum specification, it must be replaced.
TIP:
The Goodyear Eagle® F1 Supercar® Generation 2 (G:2) tires have been developed and optimized specifically for the ZL1 to yield outstanding handling while maintaining requisite street-tire performance for wet handling, tread wear, noise, mass and rolling resistance.
It is not recommended to use the high-performance summer tires when temperatures drop to approximately 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) or below. It is recommended these tires be stored indoors at temperatures above 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) when not in use.
The ZL1 tires should not be rotated. They are corner specific by design. These tires are unique in their wear patterns. The outside shoulder may appear worn as compared to other tires.
Underbody Belly Pan
The ZL1 underbody incorporates a belly pan that helps reduce front lift. The shape was enhanced to draw air upward into the underbody area. This highly energized air provides extra cooling for underbody components affected by the additional exhaust thermal energy of the high-powered LSA engine.
The underbody belly pan will need to be removed before performing service work, including oil and filter changes.
TIP:
The black painted carbon fiber "mohawk" requires unique care when cleaning. Do NOT apply wax or polish to the flat black portion of the hood or extractors. Applying wax or polish to this portion of the hood will result in a cloudy haze to the finish. The optional exposed carbon fiber weave version can be waxed like the rest of the surface of the car.
Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
During PDI, remove the spring spacers (Fig. 7) from the front suspension and place them in the glove box for the customer. If the car is to be on a trailer for any reason, the spacers need to be placed back in the front springs to obtain ground clearance.
TIP:
Initially, the Camaro front spring spacers will be black. In April, they will be made yellow for easier visibility.
The ground clearance of ZL1 is similar to a Corvette ZR1. This requires care when lifting, driving on inclines and approaching curbs.
Before delivery, hand wash the car. Due to the larger width wheels, most car wash tracks will not accommodate the wider wheels
Information from Autoweek:
-Control algorithms are adjusted specifically for the ZL1, prefilling hydraulics for the next gear to speed upshifts and allowing full manual gear selection, no automatic override.
-The Gen III MRS gets a faster processor and four smaller magnets in each shock, rather than two larger ones. The objective is quicker reaction time.
-The ZL1 suspension starts with the same spring rates as the SS in front, slightly higher rates in back, and adds stiffer bushings, bearings and tie rods. Already billed as the world's fastest-reacting suspension, the MRS magnetorheological shocks get even faster in the ZL1. Gen III decreases response time 40 percent, according to Chevy, and actually pulls electric current out of the shocks when they need to get softer, rather than just waiting for the current to dissipate. Using data from 18 different sensors, accounting for steering angle and brake application, MRS reads and adjusts damping rates every inch of travel at 60 mph.
-The ZL1 gets a variable-rate steering rack, average ratio 16.1:1 and variable-assist electric boost.
-A key element is the carbon-fiber insert in the ZL1's high-dome hood, which Chevy calls the Mohawk. The combination of an extended front splitter, taller lower grille and an extractor in the Mohawk generates 265 pounds more front aero force than the Camaro SS at 150 mph (that's 65 pounds of downforce with the ZL1 v. 200 pounds of lift with the SS). The ZL1 has two belly pans to reduce turbulence and cool mechanicals underneath, extended rockers for stone protection and a taller rear spoiler with integrated brake light (this spoiler would hide the rear-window CHMSL in the SS).
-The ZL1 has an active exhaust system with vacuum-controlled valves borrowed from the Corvette ZR1; it delivers the full rumble only above 3,000 rpm and 50 percent throttle, or at idle to impress your friends.
-
Price and Ordering Details:Media References:
Camaro5 ZL1 Announcement @ 2011 Detriot Autoshow with a TON of pictures!!!
Complete GM ZL1 press conference link
GM ZL1 Announcement
Webchat with GM Communications: Mr. David Caldwell, Chief Engineer: Mr. Al Oppenhesier, and Marketing Manager: Mr. John Fitzpatrick
GM Media Information for ZL1's LSA
GM Media - "ZL1: Tracing The Legacy Of The Ultimate Camaro" (A history into RPO ZL1)
cheersandgears.com - GM Press Release
Technical Referrences:
'father's comments (Post #132) regarding SSX wheels
Camaro5.com LSA & MG9 Quick Reference
GM Media
Updated: ZL1 Makes 580 Horsepower (transmission information included)
Goodyear Eagle F1 G2 thread
The company that manufactures the CF hood Mohawk (deBotech) care of: BigBlock427
Chevy Camaro ZL-1 Geared for Shift to Automatic Transmissions
Info MS3DALE found