650bhp Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 runs the Nürburgring in 7m 29.60s, almost 12 seconds faster than the model it replaces. Watch the insanity in full from on-board.
Another day, another Nürburgring video. This time our star is the new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which has just run 7m 29.60s, nearly 12 seconds quicker than its predecessor. If you want some perspective on that blistering time, it’s just two seconds slower than a BMW M4 GTS, just over a second behind the Ferrari 458 Italia, and just half a second slower than the Porsche Carrera GT.
Other than data acquisition equipment, a roll hoop and Sparco racing seats with six-point harnesses installed for the lap itself, the Camaro ZL1 ran stock, an impressive indictment of the changes over the fifth generation model. Power for instance has jumped to 650bhp from the LT4-spec 6.2-litre supercharged V8, torque doing likewise to 650lb ft. Magnetic Ride Control suspension – judging by the way the ZL1 dances through the corners – has been equipped for flatter cornering and improved balance, while Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3-clad 22in alloys offer additional bite over the previous generation compound. Behind these lie 15.4in and 14.4in Brembo brakes (six-piston front, four-piston rear), while changes to the front fascia and underbody, plus the addition of a ZL1-specific rear spoiler and diffuser, mean more aerodynamic bodywork.
Perhaps most interesting though is the new ten-speed 10R90 automatic gearbox, which is left in automatic throughout the lap. Though we’ll wait for a more extensive test drive before passing judgment, that’s an impressive achievement. Oh, and did we mention the supercharged V8 soundtrack? It’s really quite good.
