How quickly do you think the Porsche 911 Turbo S can make its way around the Nürburgring? How about the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, or the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? The Ferrari 430 Scuderia? Would you believe all those amazing machines have been timed at around seven minutes, forty seconds around the famous German race track.
And so has the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Driven by GM test driver Aaron Link, using a production-spec car with no performance modifications, the 580-horsepower (and 556 pound-feet of torque) ZL1 proved 40 seconds faster than the regular-grade Camaro SS, says the automaker. It's also a bit quicker than the 7:59 recorded by GM for the Cadillac CTS-V, though not quite as blistering as the Corvette Z06 and ZR1.
You might be saying that such timing exercises are meaningless, and for the most part, you'd be right. There is no official production car lap board kept anywhere but in enthusiasts' heads and hearts (oh, and on Wikipedia...), but fast times are invaluable marketing material and are at least an interesting comparative mental exercise.
Know what's even better than a press release (or a tweet) touting a notable 'Ring performance? A video. You'll find both patiently waiting right after the break.
And so has the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Driven by GM test driver Aaron Link, using a production-spec car with no performance modifications, the 580-horsepower (and 556 pound-feet of torque) ZL1 proved 40 seconds faster than the regular-grade Camaro SS, says the automaker. It's also a bit quicker than the 7:59 recorded by GM for the Cadillac CTS-V, though not quite as blistering as the Corvette Z06 and ZR1.
You might be saying that such timing exercises are meaningless, and for the most part, you'd be right. There is no official production car lap board kept anywhere but in enthusiasts' heads and hearts (oh, and on Wikipedia...), but fast times are invaluable marketing material and are at least an interesting comparative mental exercise.
Know what's even better than a press release (or a tweet) touting a notable 'Ring performance? A video. You'll find both patiently waiting right after the break.
Camaro ZL1 Laps Nuburgring in 7:41.27
2011-10-06
DETROIT – The 2012 Camaro ZL1 recently recorded a 7:41.27 lap at the Nurburgring. That is nearly 40 seconds quicker than a Camaro SS tested at the legendary German track in 2009. Measuring 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and including some 154 turns, the Nurburgring's Nordschleife ("north loop") is widely considered the world's most-demanding course.
The Camaro ZL1 used for the lap was a production-intent model, with no performance modifications, driven by Camaro Performance Engineer Aaron Link. The Camaro ZL1 recorded its time of 7:41.27 from a flying start.
"The Nurburgring is unlike any track in the world," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "Each lap includes fast straights, sweeping off-camber turns, hairpin corners, and elevation changes. In order to do well on the 'Ring, the car has to do everything well – including acceleration, braking, and lateral grip. Breaking an eight-minute lap in a 2+2 production car is a tremendous accomplishment, and validates that the Camaro ZL1 will truly be track-ready from the showroom."
More than 30 percent of the Camaro SS was re-engineered for the Camaro ZL1, which arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2012.
The Camaro ZL1 features a supercharged 6.2L "LSA" engine SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The ZL1's power is complemented by exclusive performance technologies, including the third-generation of Magnetic Ride suspension and Performance Traction Management.
Additional track-ready features standard on the Camaro ZL1 include coolers for the engine, transmission and rear differential, cooling ducts for the Brembo brakes, and a high-performance fuel system delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any performance-driving condition.
"The ZL1's full capability is evident at the Nurburgring," said Link. "One of the best moments is coming through 'Fuchsröhre', or Foxhole. The ZL1 accelerates at an unbelievable rate down through the tunnel of trees, and into a sweeping left-hand corner flat out in fifth gear. You have to have an extremely well-mannered, confidence-inspiring car to take any corner at 160 mph without lifting off the throttle – and the ZL1 was just brilliant."
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
2011-10-06
DETROIT – The 2012 Camaro ZL1 recently recorded a 7:41.27 lap at the Nurburgring. That is nearly 40 seconds quicker than a Camaro SS tested at the legendary German track in 2009. Measuring 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and including some 154 turns, the Nurburgring's Nordschleife ("north loop") is widely considered the world's most-demanding course.
The Camaro ZL1 used for the lap was a production-intent model, with no performance modifications, driven by Camaro Performance Engineer Aaron Link. The Camaro ZL1 recorded its time of 7:41.27 from a flying start.
"The Nurburgring is unlike any track in the world," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "Each lap includes fast straights, sweeping off-camber turns, hairpin corners, and elevation changes. In order to do well on the 'Ring, the car has to do everything well – including acceleration, braking, and lateral grip. Breaking an eight-minute lap in a 2+2 production car is a tremendous accomplishment, and validates that the Camaro ZL1 will truly be track-ready from the showroom."
More than 30 percent of the Camaro SS was re-engineered for the Camaro ZL1, which arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2012.
The Camaro ZL1 features a supercharged 6.2L "LSA" engine SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The ZL1's power is complemented by exclusive performance technologies, including the third-generation of Magnetic Ride suspension and Performance Traction Management.
Additional track-ready features standard on the Camaro ZL1 include coolers for the engine, transmission and rear differential, cooling ducts for the Brembo brakes, and a high-performance fuel system delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any performance-driving condition.
"The ZL1's full capability is evident at the Nurburgring," said Link. "One of the best moments is coming through 'Fuchsröhre', or Foxhole. The ZL1 accelerates at an unbelievable rate down through the tunnel of trees, and into a sweeping left-hand corner flat out in fifth gear. You have to have an extremely well-mannered, confidence-inspiring car to take any corner at 160 mph without lifting off the throttle – and the ZL1 was just brilliant."
About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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