2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Test %u2013 Review %u2013 Car and Driver

Looks promising, though it's a bit irritating that they apparently tested it away from their usual test site, on a "cold and dusty track" that was "less than ideal for acceleration runs."

0-60 = 4.1 s
1/4 mile = 12.3 s @ 119 mph
Skidpad = 0.98 g (on a "dusty skidpad"!)
Braking 70-0 = 165 ft

I'm hoping for a 3.9 and closer to 12.0 in the quarter on a better surface, just for bragging rights. I think a regular SS can put up similar braking numbers with far less tire (though a bit less weight too); that too could be an indication that this test surface was indeed not ideal.

I can already see the comparison between the ZL1 and the GT500 going in favor of the Shelby, even if the Camaro is the better handler. And apparently it is indeed pretty damn good:

Still, they'll complain that the Camaro feels "too big" (an illusion created, IMO, by the gun slit windows and sitting-in-a-bunker driving position) compared to the relatively open and airy shelby. Fortunately there is no contest in the looks department. The ZL1 is just wicked! Not that it matters a whole lot, as most buyers of these cars probably have their minds made up and won't be comparison shopping...

Anyway, pretty awesome to see a Camaro running damn near 120 mph in the quarter and putting up some serious handling talent too.

On the other hand, if you don't need a back seat, you could probably get a new Z06 for similar out-the-door money...

 

Oops, I guess I should have put this in the 5th gen forum, not the future vehicles forum (though it ties in to the future GT500... ).

 

Specs - 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca - Motor Trend Looks like Motor trend got 3.8 to 60mph and 12.1 in the 1/4 mile. Pretty good read, looks like the regular Boss 302 might be the best bang for the buck on the planet right now at $41k, the Laguna Seca is ugly as sin. It is nice to see the portly ZL1 take the Laguna Seca around a track though!

 

Nice find. Looks like that was the same facility (Inde) where Car and Driver ran their test, but they did not mention a comparison...

Of note is the 4051 lb measured weight of the Camaro. That is better than the 4120 Chevy published, though I was still hoping for something in the 39xx range. Still, and I've mentioned this before, even though the Camaro was 413 lbs heavier (4051 vs 3638), it only carried an extra ~100 lbs over the front wheels because of its better weight distribution. Couple that with a better suspension system and 285 series front tires and you get a 4051 lb Camaro that apparently carried more speed through the corners (not just on the straights) than the Boss.

That is DAMN impressive, especially since this is the freaking Boss Laguna Seca, not the GT500 we are talking about here. Unless Ford changes things, the GT500 will have similarly sized tires, and it too will have a ~55/45 weight split (but with more weight than the Boss).

I am thinking the ZL1 vs. GT500 fight is going to surprise some people. I think the ZL1 will be dang close to the GT500 up to the 1/4 mile mark thanks to superior traction (might even get ahead early on, and maybe hold the lead longer than expected). It won't be until the higher speeds, when traction and weight are smaller factors, that the horsepower of the Mustang will take over. And if the Boss LS couldn't hang with the ZL1 in the corners, the GT500 is really going to have its hands full!

EDIT: And if the ZL1 really can outhandle the Boss, maybe there is hope yet for Car and Driver to pick it in a comparo against the GT500. That would be a pleasant surprise.

 

Is that a good thing?

 

GM doesn't like lateral support in the sports cars. They only put it in the G6.

 

To be fair...

They probably picked that track for a reason, (availability, preference, whatever) scheduled and rented the track for a day ahead of time for when they would have the car, Barring a downpour or rain delay equivalent track conditions are likely on an as is basis.


Im pretty impressed with that car!

 

Yes it is.

On another note, I think you called it early on HAZ with the MRC dampers making a good bit of difference. I wish Ford would liscence the technology. As I read it the dampers on the Boss LS were more of a hinderence when it came up to using the curbs on the track.

 

I would bet GM has refused to sell it to them. Audi and Ferrari are one thing. Ford is their most direct competition.

 

I guess if I ponied out the dough for the most powerful Camaro ever built, I wouldn't want to forget what I'm driving.

 

I think you are taking that comment a bit too literally.

 

Ya maybe.

I've also read 5th gen owners say that their car doesn't "feel" as fast as it is... due to smoothness and refinement supposedly.

That being said, I'm sure if I had the chance to drive a ZL1, I'd look like this for a while ->

 

Maybe, or maybe Ford stubbornly refuses to adopt this GM technology? I know they've liscenced GM tech in the past (which escapes me at the moment).

Frankly, I'd take a Mustang with a live axle and the MRC dampers over a Mustang with IRS any day, but oh well, maybe Ford might take a good look at Tenneco's Kinetic H2/CES technology. It seems very promising?

 

why didnt they put some better holding seats in the ZL1? i agree that the SS style seats suck on a road course. they dont hold you in for jack. they should have turned to Recaro for some stock 4 point, adjustable racing seats. something to keep you planted better. they are comfortable...but tight seats are comfortable too.

 

Yea it's odd GM didn't put some Recaro seats in the ZL1. But in GM's world it's ok to put Recaro seats in a Cobalt SS and CTS-V but not in the ZL1, Z06 or ZR1....