The year was 1969 and it was the heyday for American muscle cars but still no one predicted the impact the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was about to have. It was a hard-performing monster featuring an all-aluminum engine displacing 427 cubic inches that was originally only intended for racing purposes. Just 69 examples of the ZR1 were built and unsurprisingly, they remain much coveted by car collectors today. To relive the interest and uncompromising performance of the original ZL1 Chevrolet have resurrected the name plate for what it is calling the fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built.

While specifications haven’t been finalised, Chevrolet says that the new ZL1 Camaro will come packing an LSA 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine that will pump out an estimated 550 horsepower and a massive 745 Nm of torque. The heavyweight engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch system and a short-throw shifter. GM is staying closed-lipped on performance numbers for now, but with 550-ponies packed under the bonnet, the ZL1 will move with some pace.

Away from the supercharged V8 engine and the new transmission, the ZL1 also boasts a series of chassis upgrades including a reworked suspension setting with a Magnetic Ride Control system. Putting down the anchors is a high-performance Brembo brake system with six-piston calipers up front and four at the back. A brand new electric power steering system and 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels cloaked in Goodyear Supercar F2 tyres, finish off the package. Read the rest of this entry »