2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Test – Review

Midway down the main straight at Inde Motor­sports Ranch outside ­Tucson, Arizona, the shift lights on the head-up display flash. At 106 mph, we grab fourth gear, and another wave of ferocious acceleration propels the car forward. We graze 130 mph before hitting the brakes and downshifting for Turn Three, a fast right-hand sweeper that puts the coupe’s stability—and our own intestinal fortitude—to the test. As soon as we get back on the throttle and glance at the windshield-projected speed, we’re already doing 110.

The car in this scenario is the new ­Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the long-rumored, much-hyped Killer Camaro. It features GM’s second-most-powerful engine: With 580 horsepower, it’s behind only  the truly absurd, 638-hp Corvette ZR1. No surprise that during its development it was known simply as the “HP.” And it carries the most sophisticated adjustable dampers and stability-control system any amount of money can buy. For this, GM asks a base price of $56,295, which includes a $1300 gas-guzzler tax; all the go-fast parts are standard issue.

via 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Test – Review – Car and Driver.