2012 Camaro ZL1 Packs More Power than a Ferrari 458

It’s official! Although GM officially unveiled the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 earlier this year, the official power figures were not released. Today GM has announced that the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 packs 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft. of torque from its supercharged 6.2L V8. This 2012 ZL1 is the most powerful production Camaro ever! “The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

According to GM the ZL1 has more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS. The ZL1 uses GM’s third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), which has three settings : Tour, Sport, and Track. “Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.” The ZL1 also gets GM’s Performance Traction Management (PTM), which integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance performance on the racetrack and drag strip.

Lastly the ZL1 is offered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. GM has yet to confirm the pricing for the 2012 ZL1, but it’s expected to start in the low $50,000 range when it arrives early next year.