2012 Camaro ZL1 shows up at Oshawa homecoming

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Camaro’s most powerful model, the ZL1, which debuted this winter at the Chicago auto show, is destined to be compared to Mustang’s most powerful model, the 550-horsepower Shelby GT500. Chevrolet said the Camaro’s LSA 6.2-litre supercharged V8 would produce an “estimated 550 horsepower”.

Photo: General Motors

The ZL1 made a welcome appearance the Camaro Homecoming held June 9 to 11 at the Oshawa Assembly Plant, where the fifth-generation Camaro is produced. Camaro’s chief engineer, Al Oppenheiser, was also on hand and hinted that when the vehicle is ready to launch in early 2012, it may actually have more than 550 horses on tap.

Which makes sense; why would you make a retaliatory strike if it can’t get better your main rival? Chevrolet also confirmed in Oshawa that a 6-speed automatic would be available alongside the previously announced 6-speed “dual-clutch” manual transmission.

Other high-tech technologies will include a performance traction control system (based on the Corvette ZR1’s), Magnetic Ride Control and a vented carbon fibre hood insert. Only one other Camaro has ever used the model designation ZL1 (besides a limited-run, 750-hp 2011 SLP Camaro).

The 1969 ZL1 featured an aluminum version of the 427-cubic-inch V8, and made close to 500 hp. Only 69 examples were ever built. This 1969 ZL1 was intended for racing; in order to do that, Chevrolet had to produce at least 50 “street legal” copies. Since then, it has become one of the most collectible and coveted muscle cars on the planet.