BREAKING: 2012 CAMARO ZL1 - 6.2L LSA Supercharged - 6MT Revealed!

[Mr. Wyndham]

Lots of assumptions in here......crazy assumptions.....

People were, and are, shocked when they took the sheet off of the ZL1 and told us "this is what we've got so far". Most expectations were blown away....Yet passions flared as GM didn't deliver precisely what was in some peoples' minds-eye. But what can be said.....'whoops'?

When it finally comes down to it, later this year...I bet everyone will be even MORE shocked when it finally goes down the strip...and yes, around a road course.

hehehe...very shocked, indeed.

On the surface? GM pulled every ace they've got publicly available to ensure the ZL1 will clean competitors' clocks. They've caused some sweat with their preliminary specs...and raised some eyebrows with the "wanna bet?" attitude they're building cars with right now.

Don't be so quick to discount it because of weight, or whatever else might seem convenient to bring up. No performance numbers have yet been released...and I wouldn't recommend either 'side' to get too cocky until they've got ammo in their pockets to argue with

What we know?

It's got specially developed tires specifically for the ZL1, and they're WIDE.

It's got the latest-generation Magnetic Ride Control with totally overhauled calibrations and its mated to a completely re-evaluated suspension system.

It's got one of the meanest factory exhaust systems in the Industry (much opinion in that statement...but go listen to an equipped Corvette and come back to me. )

It's got GM's second-most powerful engine...validated WELL beyond what everybody but the craziest hp-addicts are going to do to it...and chances are it'll impress those knuckleheads, too.

Those brakes might tear flesh from the bone,

It comes standard with looks to kill

And there's enough functional body work to rival even the ZR1. (Did you know the front brakes are ducted directly to the hubs, like the Corvette? Not "blow on the brakes" cooling like the CTS-V.)


Folks........we've got a winner. You may not like little things here and there...that's what opinions are for...but there's no denying this car is an absolutely AMAZING example of engineering and design.

[chain777]

@Pill,

You don't have to convince me of the strength of the MT82, it seems to hold up pretty good. It's one of the best manuals on the market. My only point was the ratings, and what they really mean. I have no idea if Ford/Getrag under rates or if Tremec doesn't, so you can only go by the past history of the manufacturers.

Have earlier Mustangs typically exceeded their transmission ratings, or is this a Getrag thing?

[htron50]

Originally Posted by thePill

The only way to truly defeat the king of the pony cars is not to just offer the 6L90 but to offer the automatic with an optional GT500 front fascia. Buyers will be confused....

THE ZL-500, or we can call it the ZLby GT500.

thePill: you continue to add some nice humor as well as scientific perspective. I enjoy the reads! Watch GM come out with the minimum 550HP on the auto and 585 on the manual! Probably planned!

[Shurenuff]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Lots of assumptions in here......crazy assumptions.....

People were, and are, shocked when they took the sheet off of the ZL1 and told us "this is what we've got so far". Most expectations were blown away....Yet passions flared as GM didn't deliver precisely what was in some peoples' minds-eye. But what can be said.....'whoops'?

When it finally comes down to it, later this year...I bet everyone will be even MORE shocked when it finally goes down the strip...and yes, around a road course.

hehehe...very shocked, indeed.

On the surface? GM pulled every ace they've got publicly available to ensure the ZL1 will clean competitors' clocks. They've caused some sweat with their preliminary specs...and raised some eyebrows with the "wanna bet?" attitude they're building cars with right now.

Don't be so quick to discount it because of weight, or whatever else might seem convenient to bring up. No performance numbers have yet been released...and I wouldn't recommend either 'side' to get too cocky until they've got ammo in their pockets to argue with

What we know?

It's got specially developed tires specifically for the ZL1, and they're WIDE.

It's got the latest-generation Magnetic Ride Control with totally overhauled calibrations and its mated to a completely re-evaluated suspension system.

It's got one of the meanest factory exhaust systems in the Industry (much opinion in that statement...but go listen to an equipped Corvette and come back to me. )

It's got GM's second-most powerful engine...validated WELL beyond what everybody but the craziest hp-addicts are going to do to it...and chances are it'll impress those knuckleheads, too.

Those brakes might tear flesh from the bone,

It comes standard with looks to kill

And there's enough functional body work to rival even the ZR1. (Did you know the front brakes are ducted directly to the hubs, like the Corvette? Not "blow on the brakes" cooling like the CTS-V.)


Folks........we've got a winner. You may not like little things here and there...that's what opinions are for...but there's no denying this car is an absolutely AMAZING example of engineering and design.

Preach on brotherman! This going to be an exciting year tracking the ZL1 and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by VcrusaderV

I love the car, and I am so happy it is coming. I like the ZL name, but it really should have been the Z/28. If they wanted a real ZL-1 they should have used a 1SS, stripped down and the true 427 from the Vette crammed in. In other words, stick to the roots but make it affordable by just making it a 1/4 mile beast. Dont get my wrong here, I love this car but I think the Z/28 would have been more appropriate since it is upgraded in every area (suspension, exhaust, braking). A ZL had NOTHING but a huge motor. No real creature comforts or improvements to suspension etc. Regardless I will still try and gather the $ to buy this car even though it will mean trading in my current car which is about as perfect a Camaro that you can buy.

The 69' ZL1 Camaro started as a 396 SS with an upgraded suspension and I believe it could be optioned out, some even had the RS package. It is just most wanted them for drag racing not road racing. Also the ZL1 engine weighed about the same as a 327.

[thePill]

Originally Posted by chain777

@Pill,

You don't have to convince me of the strength of the MT82, it seems to hold up pretty good. It's one of the best manuals on the market. My only point was the ratings, and what they really mean. I have no idea if Ford/Getrag under rates or if Tremec doesn't, so you can only go by the past history of the manufacturers.

Have earlier Mustangs typically exceeded their transmission ratings, or is this a Getrag thing?

Ford has had a short history of ignoring torque ratings or at least pushing it to the ceiling. In 1993 when the SVT Cobra was mated with the Borg-Warner T5, it was rated at 310lbs where the Cobra produced around 280ft lbs. As the Cobra improved, the T5 remained rated at 310ft lbs as the Cobra's began to exceed the rating. By the time the T45 (Borg rights were bought by Tremec) was decided on, the Cobra operated within the transmissions limits... It wasn't really until the '03-'04 Terminators that used the Tremec T56 with a 350lb rating that Ford started ignoring the ratings. The GT500 started with 480tq using a T56 and as improvements were made Tremec didn't offer a replacement until the 6060 with easily interchangeable gear sets. The Mustangs production run has always outlived the transmissions they used.... so it wasn't Tremec's doing, They just couldn't cater to the Mustang and make improvements year over year.

[thePill]

As for the 6L90 (rated at 550lbs), the LSA makes 551 and although it does exceed the rating, GM produces the Hydra-matic. They are in the same boat as Ford when transmission warranties are concerned. Only they know the real rating and they would absorb any cost involve for repair/replacement. Any mods that would increase the power of the LSA would not only void the engine warranty but void the transmissions warranty as well.

[2010 Bumblebee]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Lots of assumptions in here......crazy assumptions.....

People were, and are, shocked when they took the sheet off of the ZL1 and told us "this is what we've got so far". Most expectations were blown away....Yet passions flared as GM didn't deliver precisely what was in some peoples' minds-eye. But what can be said.....'whoops'?

When it finally comes down to it, later this year...I bet everyone will be even MORE shocked when it finally goes down the strip...and yes, around a road course.

hehehe...very shocked, indeed.

On the surface? GM pulled every ace they've got publicly available to ensure the ZL1 will clean competitors' clocks. They've caused some sweat with their preliminary specs...and raised some eyebrows with the "wanna bet?" attitude they're building cars with right now.

Don't be so quick to discount it because of weight, or whatever else might seem convenient to bring up. No performance numbers have yet been released...and I wouldn't recommend either 'side' to get too cocky until they've got ammo in their pockets to argue with

What we know?

It's got specially developed tires specifically for the ZL1, and they're WIDE.

It's got the latest-generation Magnetic Ride Control with totally overhauled calibrations and its mated to a completely re-evaluated suspension system.

It's got one of the meanest factory exhaust systems in the Industry (much opinion in that statement...but go listen to an equipped Corvette and come back to me. )

It's got GM's second-most powerful engine...validated WELL beyond what everybody but the craziest hp-addicts are going to do to it...and chances are it'll impress those knuckleheads, too.

Those brakes might tear flesh from the bone,

It comes standard with looks to kill

And there's enough functional body work to rival even the ZR1. (Did you know the front brakes are ducted directly to the hubs, like the Corvette? Not "blow on the brakes" cooling like the CTS-V.)


Folks........we've got a winner. You may not like little things here and there...that's what opinions are for...but there's no denying this car is an absolutely AMAZING example of engineering and design.

Well said ! Awesome !!

[lordfriday2]

why can't it have a navigation system!!!

[chain777]

Originally Posted by lordfriday2

why can't it have a navigation system!!!

That would require a complete redesign of the dash. They stated all along that the changes made for MY2012 interior would be minor.

[cars4827]

I have to admit it does look good in Blue!

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

You need a navigation system in a ZL1?? Surely no one is thinking of this car as a daily driver.

[91Z28350]

No but as a seriously bad ass GT, would be nice for those long weekends.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by lordfriday2

why can't it have a navigation system!!!

You can't navigate with arrows on a HUD pointing the way?