The Chevy Camaro’s ZL1 moniker, dates back to the 1st generation days. The ZL1 was an engine option for the COPO Camaros. The 7.0L 427 V8, specifically used for drag racing was used in the COPO’s and this series of COPO Camaros are know as the original ZL1. The 5th generation Camaros brought the name back but with a different flare, which was more than just an engine. The 5th gen ZL1, which is on my favorite cars list, was the most powerful Camaro during its time, with a supercharged 6.2L LSA engine making a monstrous 580HP. Outside of the ultra-powerful engine, this was probably the most advanced Camaro, with technologies such as Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management. The CamaroSix ZL1, takes what the 5th gen did, and added 70 horses and more goodies. So how can the ZL1 1LE, surpass the ultimate Camaro? Simple.
The 1LE option basically takes the standard Camaro (RS, SS and now ZL1) and optimizes it for use on the track. That means the performance gets turned up in all areas. So basically, take everything the sixth gen ZL1 does and combine it with the fifth gen Z/28, and you get the ZL1 1LE. So basically, the ZL1 1LE is the supercharged z/28 we wanted. The ZL1 1LE still retains the normal models 6.2L Supercharged LT4 pushing out 650HP and 650lbs-ft of torque. The V8 is mated to a six speed manual, so don’t expect a automatic here.
The ZL1 1LE adds wider Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, with 305 wide in the front and 325 wide in the rear. This specific series of the Eagle F1’s are specifically designed for the ZL1 1LE, which means that they are the sickest to ever appear on a Camaro, straight off of the assembly line. The suspension takes cues from the fifth gen Z/28 using DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampeners, which not only save weight but allows for suspension adjustments. The suspension features an adjustable ride height and an adjustable rear anti-roll bar, just as a few pieces.
Aerodynamically, the ZL1 1LE is dramatic, but highly functional. The rear wing is made of carbon fiber, the front splitter is different from the standard ZL1, and all of the ducts and vents contribute to cooling and air flow as this is the ultimate Camaro. The rear wing has the letter “X” on each side to show that this is the most extreme Camaro ever. Also, another z/28 carryover is the “Flowtie.”What is the “Flowtie?” Basically, the infamous Chevy bow tie emblem, with the center cut out, which leaves a silhouette of the badge.
S0 what is all of this work good for? Apparently, Chevy reported that this ZL1 was faster than the normal one around their test track by 3 seconds. Might not seem like a lot of time, but we all know that 3 seconds can be the different between a win or a loss.
While the Challenger SRT Demon looks to be a monster in a straight line, Chevy took the Camaro ZL1 1LE in the opposite direction. Best believe the ZL1 1LE is meant to be the track monster we all will love. This doesn’t mean the z/28 is dead. Chevy will probably, resurrect the z/28 but only have it as a naturally aspirated model, which is fine by us. Also, the COPO will make a return too. The COPO will bang with the SRT Demon, so it seems like Chevy has all its bases covered.
The ZL1 1LE is going to be the track monster that Chevy will most likely release towards the middle of the year. The ZL1 1LE will hopefully be the beast we are expecting. From it’s 650HP engine, to the extreme aerodynamic work, the ZL1 1LE is the ultimate Camaro, and like the title says, the ZL1 1LE is the ZL1 on copious amounts of steroids.
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