The new Chevy Camaro ZL1 has one of the most sophisticated computerized traction management systems ever fitted to a production car to help get all 580 horsepower to the pavement. ZL1 Performance Manager Tony Roma explains how each PTM mode works, and takes us for some hot laps around Virginia International Raceway.
2012 Camaro ZL1 - Right off the Hauler: Hank Graff Davison
First look at our first all new 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1. This all new Camaro was just delivered to our new Chevrolet dealer early this April. We are thrilled to finally see the Camaro ZL1 finally hit our lot. The Yellow Camaro featured is loaded with many great options including the premium 20" wheels, Automatic transmission, and the stripe package. This Camaro features a supercharged LSA engine with a 6 speed automatic transmision, carbon fiber hood scoop, and upgraded tires and suspension compared the the Camaro SS. Be the first one to see the new ZL1 Camaro at Hank Graff Chevrolet in Davison, MI.
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2012 Camaro ZL1 Joins the 11-second Club Camaro ZL1 Joins the 11-second Club
2012-05-04
DETROIT -- The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is officially in the "11-second" club, as engineers recently turned an 11.93-second/116-mph quarter-mile elapsed time run in a showroom-stock Camaro ZL1 automatic. A Camaro ZL1 manual ran an 11.96-second ET at 117 mph.
Only a few other production vehicles can run the quarter-mile as quickly as the ZL1. Fewer yet can also run 0-60 in 4 seconds, reach a top speed of 184 mph and lap the famous Nürburgring in 7:41.27 -- all with the street-legal, factory-issued components and no time-consuming equipment adjustments at the racetrack.
"The ZL1 is great at everything and we're very proud of that," said Tony Roma, Camaro ZL1 program engineering manager. "You can take it to the drag strip and run 11-second quarter-miles all day long. You can also take it to a road course, where it's balanced, handles well, and does exactly what you want -- including lapping Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course in under three minutes -- and yet the ZL1 is sophisticated enough to use as a daily driver. It's a supercar you can drive every day."
For perspective, the Camaro ZL1 is so quick that some drivers who experiment with "drag radial" tires or full racing slicks may find themselves going too quick for most NHRA-sanctioned racetracks, where a five-point roll bar is required for vehicles running 11.49 or quicker. The 11.93-second ET in a stock ZL1 tested by the engineers wore the factory-issued Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires developed specifically for it, putting the car only a scant 0.44-second away from that additional racing safety requirement.
Tuned for the drag strip
The original, special-order 1969 Camaro ZL1s are still revered for their legendary performance on the drag strip and Chevrolet was keenly aware that customers for the new, 21st century edition would undoubtedly test its straight-line mettle in quarter-mile increments.
The Camaro team re-engineered 30 percent of a Camaro 2SS to make the ZL1, including special modifications just for the drag strip.
"We know many of customers will take their ZL1 to the drag strip," said Gordon Rojewski, driveline development engineer -- and who is also an experienced drag racer and owner of a turbocharged, 920-horsepower street car. "Some may just go once, to experience the full potential of the 580-horsepower LSA engine. Others may be more serious, going every other weekend with a set of slicks in the trunk. As such, we set out to make sure the ZL1 would perform for them -- on the first pass and on the 100th."
For example, to withstand the heavy loads of repeated hard launches, the ZL1 features a stout 9.9-inch rear differential mounted in a robust cast iron center section. It also features a standard differential cooler that can lower the temperature by 100 degrees F for improved performance and longevity.
The ZL1 also features asymmetrical half-shafts: a 60mm hollow shaft on the right and a 33mm solid shaft on the left. The different torsional stiffness rates of the shafts work in conjunction with the limited-slip differential to minimize the chance of wheel hop at launch. Engineers modified the rear suspension, as well, to accommodate an 18-inch wheel, for owners who want to fit a set of drag-radials with taller sidewalls to improve their ETs.
Even the ZL1's exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) was tuned for the drag-strip. It integrates third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. Launch control (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction.
Mode 5 of launch control is uniquely calibrated for drag strips that use VHT or similar traction-enhancing compounds on the starting line. In addition to validating the system for the stock tires, engineers also tested it with 18- and 20-inch racing-type drag radial tires in anticipation of the specialty tires many drivers will use at the track. Drag radials are very soft and provide nearly the traction of a full racing slick, allowing the car to launch at a higher rpm without wheel spin, which can translate into an even quicker ET.
Proven with 1,000 hard launch tests
The Camaro ZL1 is on sale now with a suggested retail price of $54,995 -- including a $900 destination charge. The 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission includes TapShift control and is a $1,185 option. The Camaro ZL1 convertible goes on sale this summer.
2012 Camaro ZL1 As Fast As Porsche or Lamborghini? Afraid So.
All of the naysayers out there that think American cars are junk, think again. This stock Camaro ZL1 turned times at the Nordschleife last week that were right there with Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari, all for 60,000 USD. Even Jeremy Clarkson has a Corvette ZR1, after he laughed at...then drove it.
Motoramic Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The first independent video of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 on the track. Visit us for more at Motoramic, the Yahoo Autos blog: http://www.motoramic.com
2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 vs. Mark Stielow's Red Devil '69 Camaro - HOT ROD Unlimited Episode 13
On this episode of HOT ROD Unlimited, David Freiburger meets up with Pro Touring legend Mark Stielow to compare old and new Camaros head to head. Mark Stielow is a GM engineer with a long history of building vintage, street-worthy Camaros with amazing handling prowess. His latest is the Red Devil, a '69 model powered by a 427ci, supercharged LS9 that tops 750 hp and 800 lb-ft. It runs a six-speed trans and complete suspension from Detroit Speed, and has won a number of shootouts with similarly built Pro Touring cars. But can his modified muscle car outrun the technology of the Magnetic Ride suspension on the new, 580hp, 2012 Camaro ZL1? We head to GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan to find out.
HOT ROD Unlimited appears every other Friday on the new Motor Trend channel. http://www.youtube.com/motortrend
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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Review
Hello and welcome to Saabkyle04! YouTube's largest collection of automotive variety! In today's video, we'll take an up close and personal, in depth look at the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
MSRP pricing for the 2012 ZL1 starts around:
$54,095
***Prices may vary depending on options
During this presentation, we will take a 1st person look at what the vehicle is all about beginning with the start up, performance data, fuel economy, the occasional track data, and build quality. Also, I will teach you how to use most of the interior and exterior features in a detailed fashion, that before, you could only get from going to a dealership yourself! Throughout the video, I will highlight key styling and unique differences about the vehicle, any available options, and of course it would not be an enthusiast car video without the good ole engine portion with rev and Exhaust note with interior and exterior perspectives. A thorough tour/review of this car designed to give others a greater overall appreciation of the vehicle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHANNEL SEE BELOW: In this channel you will find in depth educational videos of automobiles from all over the world, presented in a more detailed fashion than ever before. Basically, this gives the viewer the chance to view the most detailed 1st person look you can get without going to an actual dealer yourself! Every video is consistent in the way I present so viewers know what to expect in my presentations. I treat every vehicle with the same respect whether a 1960 Chevrolet Impala SS or the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador. I film all types of vehicles from past, present, and future while broadening the knowledge of the automotive enthusiast. You will see everything from vintage, brand new, exotic, mainstream, old, etc. I am very proud of this channel and have built it up from amateur videos years ago to what you see today. I wanted to share my love for the automotive world with the rest of the world. Be sure to explore the massive video variety, have fun and enjoy The Driver's Seat of YouTube!
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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe Interior Scenes
2012 Camaro ZL1 Features Technically Advanced 6.2L Supercharged V-8
CHICAGO -- The all-new, 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is powered by the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that produces an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (745 Nm).
The LSA is the most powerful engine ever offered in a Camaro, eclipsing even the original ZL1 engine from 1969 that inspired the name of the new, maximum-performance model. Built on GM's legendary small-block V-8 architecture, it features an intercooled Supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement.
"The LSA is the ultimate engine for the ultimate Camaro," said John Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for small-block engines. "It has a broad power band that matches the Camaro ZL1's performance capabilities at every notch on the tachometer."
Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA's performance include:
■Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
■High-strength hypereutectic pistons
■Sixth-generation Eaton Supercharger with four-lobe rotors
■Center-feed fuel system
■Piston oil squirters.
A Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission is matched with the LSA. It uses a 240-mm dual-mass flywheel matched with a 240-mm twin-disc clutch system to provide excellent shift smoothness.
Compared to the Cadillac application, the LSA used in the Camaro features the following unique components and details:
■Black Intercooler housing with unique heat exchanger and plumbing to accommodate the Camaro engine compartment
■Cast stainless steel Exhaust manifolds for enhanced thermal management
■Camaro-specific oil pan
■Revised accessory drive with unique alternator and air conditioning compressor
■Idler pulley in place of the conventional power steering pump pulley, because of the use of electric power steering
■Special engine cover in red.
Supercharged power delivery
The LSA engine's sixth-generation Eaton Supercharger, with high-helix, four-lobe rotors, enables a broad range of power through the rpm band, giving the engine great low-end torque and excellent horsepower at higher rpm.
"The design of the Supercharger's rotating internal components extends its effective range, giving the engine a wide, flat power band that is usable at all rpm levels," said Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer. "Whether at low speeds or on the highway, the feeling of power is instant, strong and sustained."
Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support the engine's high-rpm, supercharged performance. The parts are housed in an aluminum cylinder block that features nodular iron, six-bolt main caps. Cast iron cylinder liners -- measuring 4.06 inches (103.25 mm) in bore diameter -- are inserted in the aluminum block and they are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.
Nestled inside the LSA's deep-skirted cylinder block is a forged steel crankshaft that delivers a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. It features an eight-bolt flange -- the outer face of the crankshaft on which the flywheel is mounted -- that provides enhanced clamping strength. Other non-supercharged GM 6.2L engines have a six-bolt flange. A torsional damper mounted to the front of the crankshaft features a keyway and friction washer, which is designed to support the engine's high loads.
Connected to the crankshaft is a set of lightweight powder-metal connecting rods and hypereutectic pistons, which, when combined with the cylinder heads, delivers a 9.1:1 compression ratio. The alloy of the pistons was selected for its strength and heat resistance properties, while the cast design provides inherent quieting advantages over other piston materials, such as forged aluminum.
Exceptional airflow
High-flow cylinder heads based on GM's proven L92 design channel incoming air into the combustion chambers. They are made with a premium A356T6 alloy that offers excellent heat resistance, particularly in the bridge area of the cylinder head, between the intake and Exhaust valves. Additionally, each head is manufactured with a roto-casting method.
2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Exterior at 2012 New York International Auto Show
2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Exterior at 2012 New York International Auto Show
Welcome to AutoMotoTube!!!
On this channel you will find videos of cars, motorcycles, motorboats, yachts, motor homes and everything that moves on wheels or in the water. In most of my short videos (2-5min), I take a look at the exterior design and interior arrangements of the vehicle, so you can receive general idea and appreciation of certain brand or model. My coverage is from Auto, Moto, Boat shows and dealerships from New York, Toronto and Montreal City areas and I have more than 950 High Definition videos, organized in playlist. To find a video of a certain model in my channel, just write the brand and model name in the search bar above, or have a look in my playlist. I am trying to constantly improve the quality of my videos, so you can enjoy in a better way all these beautiful pieces of machinery!
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Underbelly Of The ZL1 Chevy Camaro with Al Oppenheiser
http://www.jimellischevy.com - Team Rogue spends a good bit of time with the Chief Engineer of the Chevrolet ZL1 Camaro, Al Oppenheiser. They flip the ZL1 Camaro on its side and you get to see the underbelly of the beast as Al explains what's so special about this amazing car.
