The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is officially in the “11-second” club, as engineers recently turned an 11.93-second/116-mph quarter-mile elapsed time run in a showroom-stock Camaro ZL1 automatic. A Camaro ZL1 manual ran an 11.96-second ET at 117 mph.

Only a few other production vehicles can run the quarter-mile as quickly as the ZL1. Fewer yet can also run 0-60 in 4 seconds, reach a top speed of 184 mph and lap the famous Nürburgring in 7:41.27 – all with the street-legal, factory-issued components and no time-consuming equipment adjustments at the racetrack.

“The ZL1 is great at everything and we’re very proud of that,” said Tony Roma, Camaro ZL1 program engineering manager. “You can take it to the drag strip and run 11-second quarter-miles all day long. You can also take it to a road course, where it’s balanced, handles well, and does exactly what you want – including lapping Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course in under three minutes – and yet the ZL1 is sophisticated enough to use as a daily driver. It’s a supercar you can drive every day.”

For perspective, the Camaro ZL1 is so quick that some drivers who experiment with “drag radial” tires or full racing slicks may find themselves going too quick for most NHRA-sanctioned racetracks, where a five-point roll bar is required for vehicles running 11.49 or quicker. The 11.93-second ET in a stock ZL1 tested by the engineers wore the factory-issued Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2  tires developed specifically for it, putting the car only a scant 0.44-second away from that additional racing safety requirement.

Tuned for the drag strip

The original, special-order 1969 Camaro ZL1s are still revered for their legendary performance on the drag strip and Chevrolet was keenly aware that customers for the new, 21st century edition would undoubtedly test its straight-line mettle in quarter-mile increments.

The Camaro team re-engineered 30 percent of a Camaro 2SS to make the ZL1, including special modifications just for the drag strip.

“We know many of customers will take their ZL1 to the drag strip,” said Gordon Rojewski, driveline development engineer – and who is also an experienced drag racer and owner of a turbocharged, 920-horsepower street car. “Some may just go once, to experience the full potential of the 580-horsepower LSA engine. Others may be more serious, going every other weekend with a set of slicks in the trunk. As such, we set out to make sure the ZL1 would perform for them – on the first pass and on the 100th.”

For example, to withstand the heavy loads of repeated hard launches, the ZL1 features a stout 9.9-inch rear differential mounted in a robust cast iron center section. It also features a standard differential cooler that can lower the temperature by 100 degrees F for improved performance and longevity.

The ZL1 also features asymmetrical half-shafts: a 60mm hollow shaft on the right and a 33mm solid shaft on the left. The different torsional stiffness rates of the shafts work in conjunction with the limited-slip differential to minimize the chance of wheel hop at launch. Engineers modified the rear suspension, as well, to accommodate an 18-inch wheel, for owners who want to fit a set of drag-radials with taller sidewalls to improve their ETs.

Even the ZL1’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) was tuned for the drag-strip. It integrates third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. Launch control (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction.

Mode 5 of launch control is uniquely calibrated for drag strips that use VHT or similar traction-enhancing compounds on the starting line. In addition to validating the system for the stock tires, engineers also tested it with 18- and 20-inch racing-type drag radial tires in anticipation of the specialty tires many drivers will use at the track. Drag radials are very soft and provide nearly the traction of a full racing slick, allowing the car to launch at a higher rpm without wheel spin, which can translate into an even quicker ET.

Proven with 1,000 hard launch tests

To test the chassis and suspension components to ensure they were up to repeated hard-start launches typical at the drag strip, engineers subjected the ZL1 to the grueling “Woodward Avenue Schedule” at the GM Milford Proving Ground.

Named for the famous cruising route that cuts north through Detroit’s suburbs and has been the venue for untold thousands of unofficial launch capability demonstrations since the 1960s, each test cycle is a hard-launch, standing-start drag race up to 100 mph. The ZL1 was subjected to 1,000 test cycles before its driveline was stamped “approved”.

“The Woodward Avenue Schedule was a really brutal test, but it told us the Camaro ZL1 would live up to the way we knew our customers would drive it on the track,” said Rojewski.

The Camaro ZL1 is on sale now with a suggested retail price of $54,995 – including a $900 destination charge. The 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission includes TapShift control and is a $1,185 option. The Camaro ZL1 convertible goes on sale this summer.

A special Military Tribute Camaro sold to an internet bidder for $175,000 Sunday during the final hour of the Barrett-Jackson auction. The money will help support the Achilles Freedom Team, which helps wounded veterans of all services overcome their injuries through athletics, including marathons.

With four members of the Achilles Freedom Team on the stage and several military personnel cheering from the audience, bidding quickly soared to six figures, then gradually climbed to the winning $175,000.

Before heading to Scottsdale, the car toured 30 military bases across the country, as well as the Pentagon. While introducing the 2010 Camaro SS on Sunday, award-winning artist Mickey Harris, whose airbrush designs adorn the car, joked that it was the only car that “burned rubber” in a Pentagon tunnel.

“The Military Tribute Camaro was designed to honor our armed forces heroes. Now, thanks to its generous new owner, it will help our injured veterans rebuild their lives through the excellent work of the Achilles Freedom Team,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy.

The Military Tribute Camaro was commissioned by the GM Military Discount program. It represents all five branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard) and some of the military’s highest individual awards and current campaign medals.

Its designer, Harris, grew up on military installations. He has been airbrushing for 33 years and has an extensive portfolio of military art that has earned him worldwide acclaim.

Sunday’s Camaro wasn’t the first to be auctioned to benefit military programs. Last June, a first-off-the-line, 2012 Honor and Valor Limited Edition Camaro SS sold for $100,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Orange County, Calif., with the sale proceeds going to the Cell Phones for Soldiers program.

Chevrolet’s support for military men and women includes:

Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans: In 2011, Chevrolet underwrote a portion of Achilles costs for participating in the Los Angeles, Boston and Detroit marathons, as well as other events. Chevrolet also has donated a Silverado HD truck and 20 hand cycles to the team.

GM Military Discount Program: Considered the most generous military discount program in the industry, GM offers GM Preferred Pricing (the same price extended to GM suppliers) on any Chevrolet (except Volt), Buick or GMC. On Jan. 19, Staff Sgt. Brian Nagy of Columbus, Ohio took delivery of a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ in the program’s Red White and Cruze Sweepstakes. In 2011, Chevy Silverado, Cruze and Camaro were the most popular vehicles sold.

Cell Phones for Soldiers: This program provides phone cards to service men and women. In 2011, Chevrolet raised $212,000 (worth 100,000 hours of talk time) from the auction proceeds of a 2012 Honor and Valor Camaro SS and Chevrolet donations of $100 for every car and truck sold during Military Appreciation Month in May. Since 2010, Chevrolet has collected more than 70,000 used cell phones, worth 70,000 hours of talk time.

Travis Manion Foundation: The GM Foundation provided $250,000 to this foundation that assists veterans and the families of fallen heroes. Its namesake is First Lt. Travis L. Manion, killed in 2007 in Iraq by sniper fire while defending against an enemy ambush.

Chevrolet also sponsors special activities throughout the year for active and retired military members and their families.

Chevrolet Performance announced its 2012 catalog of high-performance parts and accessories for Chevrolet cars and trucks, as well as crate engines and engine parts.

Featuring the new COPO Camaro concept vehicle on the cover, the catalog contains more than 300 pages of parts for Corvette, Camaro, Cruze, Silverado and other vehicles powered by GM’s LS, small-block and big-block engines – and almost every accessory and part is available for purchase online at gmperformanceparts.com. The catalog also includes a list of the authorized Performance dealers that specialize in high-performance parts sales.

Download the 2012 Chevrolet Performance Catalog: click here

Download the 2011 Crate Engine Catalog: click here

The industry-first Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems highlight the 2012 catalog. They are factory-engineered engine-and-transmission combinations, matched with all the electronic control modules, wiring harnesses and other key components. The first two from Chevrolet Performance include a 556-hp supercharged LSA engine/4L85-E transmission combo (part number CPSLSA4L85E) and the Corvette-based 430-hp LS3, which is matched with a 4L65-E automatic transmission (part number CPSLS34L65E). The specially calibrated controllers for the respective kits are designed for retrofit installations in older vehicles, for easier and quicker installation and operation without the need for third-party tuning.

Chevrolet Performance engineers matched the engines with their respective transmission, ensuring each was up to the task of channeling high horsepower with exceptional durability. The engine controller is specially calibrated to run the engine without some of the production-vehicle features that aren’t required in an older vehicle. That means no “theft” codes, no System OBD2 codes and, therefore, no need for third-party tuning. And the systems’ unique SuperMatic transmission controller is designed to work with the engine controller for a seamless, “plug and play” installation that is quick, easy and intuitive.

More details about the Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems are available in the catalog and at gmperformanceparts.com.

Additional highlights of new crate engines and parts found in the catalog include:

• LSX454R drag racing crate engine, which is now in production and available for ordering
• New E-ROD 5.3L engine, which now carries CARB EO number D-126-31
• LS376/525 crate engine – a new factory-engineered combination that matches the ASA camshaft with the LS3 V-8 for powerful street/strip engine
• New LSA and 5.3L controller kits, which are specially designed for installation in older vehicles

ZL1 fuel pump kit – a high-flow system for higher-performance Camaros, straight from the new Camaro ZL1 production model.

Along with descriptions and part numbers for all the engines, parts and accessories, the Chevrolet Performance catalog offers valuable information on selecting matching components for the best-performing combination, as well as detailed specifications on most components – including charts outlining cylinder head specs and camshaft specs. There’s also a special section for LS engine builders that provides an overview of the LS engine family and parts interchangeability.

It’s not often that you find a muscle car that can also be called one of the safest vehicles on the road. In fact, most companies will sacrifice safety for power and/or asthetics. The 2012 Camaro, however, is no such car.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe is the first vehicle to receive the highest possible five-star score in every individual safety rating segment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program since the federal testing procedures were revised for 2011.

“Camaro has always been about performance, and that includes safety performance,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “We always strive for five-star ratings, and the fact that we achieved them under more rigorous requirements is a great accomplishment.”

The Camaro is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs. Standard safety features include:

• New Rear Vision Package, which includes a new rearview camera system (standard on 2LT and 2SS; available on 1LT and 1SS).
• Six standard air bags include head curtain side air bags, which provide added head and torso protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact crash.
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control helps the driver maintain control by comparing the path being steered by the driver with the actual response and, when necessary, applying the brakes or adjusting the throttle or a combination of both.
• Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation and more resistance to brake fade.
• Pretensioners to reduce forward movement and load-limiting retractors to help manage forces during a collision are standard on front safety belts.
• Standard remote keyless entry system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash-avoidance technologies. Changes included a new side pole test simulating a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

In addition, new overall ratings which combine the results from the various tests, are provided. Under the revised program, the 2012 Camaro Coupe is the first vehicle to receive five stars in each individual rating segment and also receives five stars in the combined categories such as overall vehicle score.

The Camaro Convertible is not rated for the various crash segments since it has not yet been tested under the revised NCAP program, but it has received a five-star rollover rating.

“From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1.”

For the $54,995 price, including a $900 delivery fee, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars:

Supercar Performance

The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm) – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever.

The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers impressive performance:

“With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, and a top speed in excess of 180 mph, the power and acceleration of the Camaro ZL1 rivals many supercars,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “And, horsepower is only half of the story, as the most significant measurement of the ZL1’s potential is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That is a great testament to the power, braking, grip, and balance of the Camaro ZL1, and to the well-rounded performance of the ZL1 that sets the bar for the sports-car segment.”  

Exclusive, track-capable technologies

To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track-capable technologies that are exclusive to the segment.

For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions.

“Traditional suspension systems at some point compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise body control that makes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.”

Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management, which integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance.  The technology was first introduced on the Corvette ZR1. With Performance Traction Management, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and Performance Traction Management will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction.

In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500: 

Additional features and options

The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts and heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.

The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:

• Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
• 20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
• Power sunroof is $900
• Stripe package is $470
• Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
• The suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.

The SEMA Award was first handed out in 2010, which not only makes Camaro a two-time winner, but the only car to receive the award. Its selection reflects the aftermarket industry’s enthusiasm and continued investment in America’s most popular sports car.

Camaro posted 6,119 sales in October, again leading the segment and topping the next-closest competitor nine of 10 months so far in 2011 – with sales up nearly 7 percent in the first 10 months of this year.

“After more than two years on the market, the Camaro continues to inspire creativity and Chevrolet is thrilled to see that expressed in all the wonderfully personalized examples here at the SEMA Show,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy. “Camaro has always been a car customers love to personalize and we are doing all we can to support them and the aftermarket industry with parts and accessories that help turn their dreams into reality.”

Along with the examples displayed by aftermarket manufacturers and customizers at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet brought its own contingent of customized Camaro concepts to Las Vegas, demonstrating the diverse range of personalization and performance possibilities. They include:

COPO Camaro – A conceptual exploration of a factory-built Stock Eliminator race car and the spiritual successor to the legendary special-order models from 1969.

Camaro Hot Wheels^® – This full-scale interpretation of a Hot Wheels toy is inspired by the “Custom Camaro” model, which was part of the original release of 16 Hot Wheels toys in 1968 – including a modern take on the chrome-style “Spectraflame” exterior finish.

Camaro Red Zone – A design statement in the new-for-2012 Crystal Claret exterior color and achieved with current and future accessories – and it debuts a new, heritage-inspired stripe graphic that will be available soon.

Camaro Synergy Series Concept – Using the best of the best Camaro accessories matched with a distinctive silver exterior with red accents, it’s the latest in the Synergy concepts that have debuted at SEMA. Chevrolet will be listening to the reaction it receives at SEMA, as it could be brought to production.

Camaro 1LE Concept – The legendary 1LE designation returns to the Camaro as a concept intended to carve up road courses. While only a concept, it borrows production components from both the Camaro SS and forthcoming Camaro ZL1 to deliver a competition-ready package.

Camaro ZL1 Carbon Concept – This concept incorporates all the technology and performance of the Camaro ZL1 – which goes on sale in 2012 – with an added layer of carbon fiber to add a decidedly sinister-looking element of form to a car that’s all about function.

Just when you thought the Camaro couldn’t get an hotter.

Welcome to the dark side of Camaro ZL1. This concept incorporates all the technology and performance of the Camaro ZL1 – which goes on sale in 2012 – but with an added layer of carbon fiber to add a decidedly sinister-looking element of form to a car that’s all about function. Included on this concept is the new Ashen Gray exterior paint (available on all 2012 Camaro models).

Vehicle highlights:

• Chevrolet Accessories exposed-weave carbon fiber “Mohawk” hood insert
• Carbon fiber rear spoiler with stainless-steel wicker bill
• Carbon fiber inserts on the interior door and instrument panel
• Lightweight 20×10-inch (front) and 20×11-inch (rear) wheels in satin black with machined faces
• Brembo^® six-piston front calipers, with two-piece front rotors, and four-piston rear calipers (Chevrolet Official Licensed Product)
• Magnetic Ride Control
• Dual exhaust outlets with active exhaust and diffuser
• Jet Black leather interior with sueded microfiber seat inserts and Torch Red stitching
• ZL1 short-throw shifter with suede and carbon fiber-trimmed shift knob
• Suede-trimmed flat-bottom steering wheel
• ZL1 pedals

“This concept’s dramatic appearance matches the extreme performance capabilities of the Camaro ZL1,” said Tony Roma, program engineering manager for the Camaro ZL1. “And even if its styling doesn’t intimidate you, its performance on the track will.”

Keep in mind, the image above, for now, is only a concept design. But even so, you can still hear the collective hearts of Shelby Mustang fans all across America breaking at the mere sight of this beast.

Chevrolet announced today the brand’s most-powerful convertible ever – the 2013 Camaro ZL1 – will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. When it goes on sale in late 2012, it will deliver more performance and technology than many exotic cars and ultra-luxury convertibles.

“The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas.”

Like the coupe, the Camaro ZL1 convertible features a supercharged 6.2L “LSA” engine, SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). That’s enough to exceed the output of 2+2 convertibles of many performance icons, including:

■2012 Aston Martin DB9 Volante – 470 hp / 443 lb.-ft.
■2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG – 518 hp / 465 lb.-ft.
■2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S – 530 hp / 516 lb.-ft.
■2011 Ford Shelby GT500 – 550 hp / 510 lb.-ft.
The Camaro ZL1 convertible’s power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance on the road or track. In fact, it’s the same balance of acceleration, handling and ride quality that enabled a Camaro ZL1 coupe recently to lap the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife course in 7:41.27 minutes.

From Day One, the architecture for the fifth-generation Camaro was designed to accommodate a convertible model, which gives the ZL1 convertible coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to quell the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles. They include:

■A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
■A transmission support reinforcement brace
■Underbody tunnel brace
■Front “X” brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody “V” braces.
Additional structural reinforcements in the ZL1 convertible are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also reducing unwanted ride and body motions. They include a hydroformed tube in the A-pillars, an inner reinforcement bracket in the windshield header, a reinforced front hinge pillar and reinforcements inside the rockers.

The suspension of the ZL1 convertible uses the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. New, twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners enable faster response, with damping levels now adjusted up to 1,000 times per second – about one adjustment per inch of vehicle travel at 60 mph – making the system exceptionally responsive to changing driving and road conditions.

The Camaro ZL1 convertible will also offer Performance Traction Management as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, it is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance both launch-acceleration performance and corning.

The result is a convertible designed to preserve nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro ZL1 coupe, which goes on sale in early 2012.

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.”

The first 2012 Camaro ZL1 offered to the public sold for $250,000 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Las Vegas on Saturday evening.

The car was offered by Fairway Chevrolet-Buick-GMC in Las Vegas, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds benefitting the YMCA of Southern Nevada.

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, placed the winning bid and is expected to take delivery of his new Camaro in the first quarter of 2012. His will be the only 2012 Camaro ZL1 coupe produced with a Carbon Flash Metallic exterior. It will be the 69^th ZL1 produced at the Oshawa Assembly Plant, in tribute of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1, of which only 69 were produced. 

“Our family has been involved with the YMCA for more than 25 years,” said Greg Heinrich, president of Fairway Chevrolet. “In that time, I have seen firsthand how the ‘Y’ helps young people, families, and seniors in our community. Today, the community’s dependence on the YMCA of Southern Nevada is greater than ever, with the Y sponsoring one out of four members.

Hendrick’s generosity will allow the YMCA of Southern Nevada to open its doors many more people who need a helping hand.

 “Like the original, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 introduces a performance benchmark for the street and the track,” said Russ Clark, marketing director for Chevrolet performance cars. “Offering the 69^th Camaro ZL1 at auction was a fitting tribute to the 1969 model, and a great way to benefit such a worthy cause as the YMCA.”

The 1969 is the most exclusive and elite Camaro in history. That year, “ZL1” was the code name for the 427-cubic-inch, all-aluminum big-block engine developed for Corvette race cars in the late 1960s, but found its way into 69 Camaros in 1969. The ’69 Camaro recently was voted the “best Chevy of all time” in an online contest.

The engine was originally developed as a racing engine for the Can Am series, where early all-aluminum 427 engines had delivered encouraging results in vehicles such as the groundbreaking Chaparral 2F race car. It was similar to Chevrolet’s L-88 427 engine, which had an iron engine block and aluminum heads, but the ZL1’s aluminum block reduced the engine’s overall weight by more than 100 pounds. The ZL1 engine was officially rated at 430 horsepower, but it was known to produce more than 500hp.

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is equipped with a supercharged 6.2L LSA V-8 engine that delivers 580 horsepower, and 556 lb.-ft. of torque. The ZL1’s power is complemented by track-ready, advanced technologies including exclusive Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.