What led you to the ZL1?

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Someone may have started a similar thread before but I can’t find it and there are so many new members so here goes. What was your car list that led to you getting a ZL1? Even if it wasn’t a ZL1 (ex: GT500, Boss, etc etc) but the ZL1 was on your list, what led you to the other vehicle over a ZL1. Here’s my list.
5. Camaro SS: Could accomplish ZL1 performance with modding but never could get past the fact that I felt I would always be saying “I should have” every time I would see a ZL1. Awesome car otherwise.
4. CTS-V: Wasn’t the best looking of my top choices but definitely had the best interior. The ride was comfortable but I felt I could get the same and more from the ZL1 for less.
3. Corvette Grand Sport: IMO the best looking car of the bunch but every “new” GS I looked at was 70K+ and if I’m going to pay that much I might as well get a Z06 and call it a day. Other than that this car may have been my #1 but from what I researched it wasn’t worth the extra money and it wasn’t leaps and bounds over the ZL1 performance wise.
2 13’ GT500: Man it was hard to turn away from this car. Finally got a chance to ride in one and it isn’t as plush as a ZL1 but isn’t as harsh as I thought it would be. You definitely feel the power and it’s more aggressive than any car on this list. The interior is better than the ZL1 IMO but I’ve never been a fan of the mustang looks exterior wise. It all came down to the fact that I liked to exterior of the ZL1 better and I knew I was going to mod it so the hp disadvantage wasn’t an issue.
1. Camaro ZL1: After seeing this car in person and hearing it I was sold. Rides as smooth as the CTS-V but sounds better and looks better. Loved the little touches like the exposed CF insert and the suede interior. So glad I went with the Z and looking forward to many good times in it.

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Oh and thanks MR. R you were the inspiration for this thread!

[charlietuna]

The first car I purchased was a 82 Z28 Red T-Top used. I loved it, I was 18 and spent all my time detailing it while listening to REO Speedwagon. When I graduated college in 94 I wanted the new Z28 had to wait for the 1995 ordered it.... Red T-Top it was new and scared small children you could hear it before you saw it borla exaust and every bolt on part I could afford at that time. The 95 is the one car in a list of many, including some Corvettes and other fine toys that i regret to this day I sold. The ZL1 I hope provokes all the good times that I have shared in my past with friends and family. I cant wait till its in my garage to make some new memories.

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Originally Posted by charlietuna

The first car I purchased was a 82 Z28 Red T-Top used. I loved it, I was 18 and spent all my time detailing it while listening to REO Speedwagon. When I graduated college in 94 I wanted the new Z28 had to wait for the 1995 ordered it.... Red T-Top it was new and scared small children you could hear it before you saw it borla exaust and every bolt on part I could afford at that time. The 95 is the one car in a list of many, including some Corvettes and other fine toys that i regret to this day I sold. The ZL1 I hope provokes all the good times that I have shared in my past with friends and family. I cant wait till its in my garage to make some new memories.

I think you'll be more than satisfied when it arrives.

[JLambCWU]

Test drove a SS and couldn't stand seeing the exhaust cans peaking out under the bottom from behind. It didnt have quite enough power either. Heard rumors of a possible Z28 and started searching the net, 4 months later the ZL1 was unveiled in Chicago. Pretty sure I wanted it, but needed to see some reviews and numbers. Flew down to the LA auto show to see the AGM convertible, and was sold. Took delivery of #203 AGM 2013 MY coupe 4 days ago. Drove 500 miles from Buffalo to Indy for Camaro Fest the day I bought it. Best handling car I've ever driven bar none.

[htron50]

Simple for me.

The Camaro that came out in 2010 was/is the best design I have seen in years. Don't make me date myself, but lets say best car in 40 yrs.

The CTS-V engine just let me know GM was putting HO in more than just Corvettes. So... for me it was just a waiting game.

When the HO Camaro was announced, I knew it would have a tremendous factory engine. Might it be a Z/28 with an LS7? LS9? LSA? They surprized us with the ZL1 monicker. So... there it was. A LEGEND coming back to life. In the best design in years.

Then, it simply came down to allocation, getting in line.

Do I care that the GT500 has since come out with 650+ HP? NO. It's still the same ol "mustang".... with a performance package tacked on. It is special since it is the best factory package they have ever produced in a muscle car... but I just do not identify with a "mustang", never will and could care less about not having the same HP. The rags have validated my buying decision. The Camaro ZL1 is simply the most brutish looking, artfully designed concept that has come to fruition.

Would I ever reconsider? Not at this point. Not unless GM comes out with a Z/28 that makes me drool even more. But I sense the smaller frame Apha may not be quite the same feel. I have been the most pleased with this ZL1 as any car in my life and it has shown me NO DEFECTS in materials or workmaship. So ...... yeah, it wasn't a contest for me. To be honest, I like what I saw so much, I bought it without ever having driven in a new Camaro!

So.... Blind Faith that worked out for me! And, my wife is happy too! Imagine!

[Paulg680]

I actually had a 2013 Shelby GT500 on order since the end of March, but after selling my 2009 CTS-V, I got tired of waiting and picked up a Victory Red ZL1 instead. My Bowie sanity prevailed and I love this car!

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Originally Posted by Paulg680

I actually had a 2013 Shelby GT500 on order since the end of March, but after selling my 2009 CTS-V, I got tired of waiting and picked up a Victory Red ZL1 instead. My Bowie sanity prevailed and I love this car!

How is your ZL1 compared to the CTS-V you sold?

[Sven59]

I bought new and currently drive a 1985 AMC Jeep Cj7. My Mom and Brother both had Camaro's back in the 70's and I loved them then. Then along came Transformers and I saw what ended up being Gen 5. I loved them but knew they would bring back the Z28 so I patiently waited and the Z28 became the ZL1 and I never looked back. I originally had an allocation back in November and have been through all the turmoil associated with it. I am currently waiting for my car, but I think they lost it. Just kidding, you have to be humorous at this point. Anyway I have never looked back and judging from all the grins here I will be smiling soon.

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Originally Posted by Sven59

I bought new and currently drive a 1985 AMC Jeep Cj7. My Mom and Brother both had Camaro's back in the 70's and I loved them then. Then along came Transformers and I saw what ended up being Gen 5. I loved them but knew they would bring back the Z28 so I patiently waited and the Z28 became the ZL1 and I never looked back. I originally had an allocation back in November and have been through all the turmoil associated with it. I am currently waiting for my car, but I think they lost it. Just kidding, you have to be humorous at this point. Anyway I have never looked back and judging from all the grins here I will be smiling soon.

Man you've been waiting for a long stretch but once your foot touches the gas pedal all will be forgotten.

[htron50]

I heard a CTS-V owner say that every time he walked out to the car he smiled.... because of the interior, the package. But, like me, he felt it just didn't have the "it" factor.... the LEGENDARY appeal the ZL1 has.

I still can't believe GM did this! ONLY if they do something EXTREME when/if they come out with a Z/28 will I ever look for another car to replace my ZL1. I think I will have this ZL1 until I am gone!

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Originally Posted by htron50

I heard a CTS-V owner say that every time he walked out to the car he smiled.... because of the interior, the package. But, like me, he felt it just didn't have the "it" factor.... the LEGENDARY appeal the ZL1 has.

I still can't believe GM did this! ONLY if they do something EXTREME when/if they come out with a Z/28 will I ever look for another car to replace my ZL1. I think I will have this ZL1 until I am gone!

I agree but I can't see myself parting with this car. I told my wife yesterday that our next house has to have a 3 car garage lol.

[Paulg680]

Originally Posted by Taser Deployed

How is your ZL1 compared to the CTS-V you sold?

It's better for what I wanted out of a performance vehicle. The CTS-V was an incredible car with lots of bells and whistles that I rarely used. In short, the car was too nice to use as a sports car. The ZL1, on the other hand, has the familiar and powerful LSA motor, but also includes many of the best features from the Corvette such as the 6-speed manual transmission, heads-up display, and dual-mode exhaust.

CTS-V = Mike Tyson in a tuxedo with his mouth taped shut - Brutal power, but dressed too nice, and too quiet.

ZL1 = Chuck Norris with brass knuckles - Equipped to administer a beating with no frills.

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Originally Posted by Paulg680

It's better for what I wanted out of a performance vehicle. The CTS-V was an incredible car with lots of bells and whistles that I rarely used. In short, the car was too nice to use as a sports car. The ZL1, on the other hand, has the familiar and powerful LSA motor, but also includes many of the best features from the Corvette such as the 6-speed manual transmission, heads-up display, and dual-mode exhaust.

CTS-V = Mike Tyson in a tuxedo with his mouth taped shut - Brutal power, but dressed too nice, and too quiet.

ZL1 = Chuck Norris with brass knuckles - Equipped to administer a beating with no frills.

Lol that's a good analogy!