Camaro ZL1 Laps Nuburgring in 7:41.27
DETROIT, MI and NEW CANAAN, CT
In the first quarter of 2012, Chevrolet will introduce one of the most powerful cars it has ever built – the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Recently, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 recently recorded a 7:41.27 lap at the Nurburgring. That is nearly 40 seconds quicker than a Camaro SS tested at the legendary German track in 2009.
The video below will give you a tour of the track, which measures 12.9 miles (20.8km) and includes some 154 turns. The Nurburgring’s Nordschleife (“north loop”) is widely considered the world’s most-demanding course.
The Camaro ZL1 used for the lap was a production-intent model, with no performance modifications, driven by Camaro Performance Engineer Aaron Link, who recorded its time of 7:41.27 from a flying start. “The Nurburgring is unlike any track in the world,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Each lap includes fast straights, sweeping off-camber turns, hairpin corners, and elevation changes. In order to do well on the ‘Ring, the car has to do everything well – including acceleration, braking, and lateral grip. Breaking an eight-minute lap in a 2+2 production car is a tremendous accomplishment, and validates that the Camaro ZL1 will truly be track-ready from the showroom.”
More than 30 percent of the Camaro SS was re-engineered for the Camaro ZL1, which arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2012. The Camaro ZL1 features a supercharged 6.2L “LSA” engine SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The ZL1’s power is complemented by exclusive performance technologies, including the thirdgeneration of Magnetic Ride suspension and Performance Traction Management. Additional track-ready features standard on the Camaro ZL1 include coolers for the engine, transmission and rear differential, cooling ducts for the Brembo brakes, and a high-performance fuel system delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any performance-driving condition.
“The ZL1’s full capability is evident at the Nurburgring,” said Link. “One of the best moments is coming through ‘Fuchsröhre’, or Foxhole. The ZL1 accelerates at an unbelievable rate down through the tunnel of trees, and into a sweeping left-hand corner flat out in fifth gear. You have to have an extremely well-mannered, confidence-inspiring car to take any corner at 160 mph without lifting off the throttle – and the ZL1 was just brilliant.”
While Chevrolet is definitely bringing this incredible performance machine to market, production of the Camaro ZL1 will be limited. We expect to see just a couple of these amazing cars here at Karl Chevrolet, so buyers who are interested should definitely get in line now!
The video below was shot inside a 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 as it takes hot laps at the famous Nurburgring track in Germany. Aside from being an awesome tour of this incredible track (anyone want to take a ride?!), the most breathtaking aspect of this footage is simply how well mannered the Camaro is under the forces of racing. The stability is remarkable…. check it out….
So how does the Camaro ZL1 stack up agains the Ford Mustang GT500? We think Chevy’s got a winner!