Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
03-02-2012, 06:35 AM
#1
Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to a Camaro ZL1 Media Event being put on by Chevrolet, at the Virginia International Raceway. I was super stoked! Having a 2012 Camaro ZL1 on order (and built already), I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. The trip ended up being a quick one, about a day and a half - but a memorable one. Here in my story…
I flew in from Detroit, MI to Raleigh, NC to meet up with the Chevrolet team as part of Wave One of the Media coming into town for the Camaro ZL1 Event. I arrived into Raleigh around noon on Sunday and was shuttled over to a nearby hotel for lunch and instructions. I met up previously during the trip with Joe Bella from Camaro5, and we teamed up for the trip to Virginia International Raceway (VIR). We were given the choice of a few different Chevrolet vehicles for the 90 minutes’ drive from Raleigh to VIR - we chose a 45th Anniversary Camaro SS Coupe.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946108945/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946108945/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
We arrived at VIR and checked in to our hotel at The Lodge. We received our agenda and goody bag from the Chevrolet folks and went to rest for a few minutes. I couldn't rest for long because there were Camaro ZL1's just sitting outside of the hotel, just ripe for the picking. Joe and I picked a nice Orange ZL1 6 speed manual to play with and use for some photography. We were able to drive around the track area and the outside country roads to get some pictures. I was immediately impressed with the growl of the dual mode exhaust. It was very comfortable to drive around, and I was able to play around between sport and touring mode to feel the differences. Even though this car put on a few pounds, it seems lighter and more nimble to drive around compared to a regular 5th Gen Camaro SS. We found a nice big open piece of concrete and proceeded to “test” out the G-meter. I was able to push the car to a 1.07 by driving it in a circle, never breaking the tires loose once. This was our most scientific experiment with the car.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946113181/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946113181/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
In the evening, the Chevrolet folks shuttled us over to a barn-like building called The Gallery for a presentation and dinner. Upon entering the building, we were surprised with the many Camaro ZL1 cars inside; including the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible. Appetizers and drinks were served while we mingled and looked over the cars. A presentation was given by some Chevrolet folks, including Al Oppenheiser (Camaro Chief Engineer) and Tom Peters (GM Design). Dinner was then served. Good conversation continued through dinner, as well as after. We were then shuttled back to the hotel, and the evening events concluded.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118967/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118967/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118805/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118805/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117481/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117481/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117305/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117305/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
Morning came nice and early as we had to be ready for breakfast at 7:30am. Once again, we were shuttled over to another building on the track property for breakfast and to stage for the events of the day. We were split into two groups, group one (which I was part of) got to take the Camaro ZL1's out onto the track to put them through their paces. Group two took another set of Camaro ZL1's out for general driving and photography.
The VIR Track Experience
We were lead on the track by GM Pro Drivers, Aaron Link and Tony Romo. The track was cold, 39 degrees out and the cars were making a lot of power. We set PTM (Performance Track Management) on 2 and went at it. After warming up the track and the tires, we started to really get going. I have to say that this is the first time I ever raced on a racetrack like VIR; most of my experience in the past has all been straight line drag racing. This was by far the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever felt! Simply incredible! This car was designed for racing on a track like this. This was by far the best part of the entire trip.
[autostream]http://autostream.com/camaroz28/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=2568& transactionid=1330691741-21602472&posted_by=ChrisFrez_www.camaroz28.com&you tube_video_id=LpJZiyJAyrs[/autostream]
The second part of the morning allowed us to take out another Camaro ZL1 on the country roads for driving and photography. At this point in time, it had started to rain. We took a leisurely cruise around town for an hour and then came back to the track. Upon arriving back at the track, we noticed one of the red Camaro ZL1's on the track had obviously been in an accident and was being hooked up to a tow truck. Thankfully the driver was not injured at all; however the ZL1 looked like it has its front facia bungee corded back together.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946123207/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946123207/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
We had lunch, and then chose a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco to drive back to the hotel in Raleigh. We were then taken to the airport where I flew back home to Detroit. I was back home and able to tuck my 4- year-old son into bed by 8pm that night.
What a whirlwind trip! The Camaro ZL1 is a beast of a car – quite possibly the best Camaro ever produced to date. I can't wait to receive mine.
A special thanks goes to the whole Chevrolet Team, Joe Bella from Camaro5, and Boyd Jaynes.
For all my pictures from the event, check out my Flickr page at
/
A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to a Camaro ZL1 Media Event being put on by Chevrolet, at the Virginia International Raceway. I was super stoked! Having a 2012 Camaro ZL1 on order (and built already), I couldn't wait to get my hands on one. The trip ended up being a quick one, about a day and a half - but a memorable one. Here in my story…
I flew in from Detroit, MI to Raleigh, NC to meet up with the Chevrolet team as part of Wave One of the Media coming into town for the Camaro ZL1 Event. I arrived into Raleigh around noon on Sunday and was shuttled over to a nearby hotel for lunch and instructions. I met up previously during the trip with Joe Bella from Camaro5, and we teamed up for the trip to Virginia International Raceway (VIR). We were given the choice of a few different Chevrolet vehicles for the 90 minutes’ drive from Raleigh to VIR - we chose a 45th Anniversary Camaro SS Coupe.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946108945/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946108945/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
We arrived at VIR and checked in to our hotel at The Lodge. We received our agenda and goody bag from the Chevrolet folks and went to rest for a few minutes. I couldn't rest for long because there were Camaro ZL1's just sitting outside of the hotel, just ripe for the picking. Joe and I picked a nice Orange ZL1 6 speed manual to play with and use for some photography. We were able to drive around the track area and the outside country roads to get some pictures. I was immediately impressed with the growl of the dual mode exhaust. It was very comfortable to drive around, and I was able to play around between sport and touring mode to feel the differences. Even though this car put on a few pounds, it seems lighter and more nimble to drive around compared to a regular 5th Gen Camaro SS. We found a nice big open piece of concrete and proceeded to “test” out the G-meter. I was able to push the car to a 1.07 by driving it in a circle, never breaking the tires loose once. This was our most scientific experiment with the car.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946113181/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946113181/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
In the evening, the Chevrolet folks shuttled us over to a barn-like building called The Gallery for a presentation and dinner. Upon entering the building, we were surprised with the many Camaro ZL1 cars inside; including the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible. Appetizers and drinks were served while we mingled and looked over the cars. A presentation was given by some Chevrolet folks, including Al Oppenheiser (Camaro Chief Engineer) and Tom Peters (GM Design). Dinner was then served. Good conversation continued through dinner, as well as after. We were then shuttled back to the hotel, and the evening events concluded.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118967/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118967/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118805/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946118805/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117481/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117481/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117305/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946117305/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
Morning came nice and early as we had to be ready for breakfast at 7:30am. Once again, we were shuttled over to another building on the track property for breakfast and to stage for the events of the day. We were split into two groups, group one (which I was part of) got to take the Camaro ZL1's out onto the track to put them through their paces. Group two took another set of Camaro ZL1's out for general driving and photography.
The VIR Track Experience
We were lead on the track by GM Pro Drivers, Aaron Link and Tony Romo. The track was cold, 39 degrees out and the cars were making a lot of power. We set PTM (Performance Track Management) on 2 and went at it. After warming up the track and the tires, we started to really get going. I have to say that this is the first time I ever raced on a racetrack like VIR; most of my experience in the past has all been straight line drag racing. This was by far the biggest adrenaline rush I have ever felt! Simply incredible! This car was designed for racing on a track like this. This was by far the best part of the entire trip.
[autostream]http://autostream.com/camaroz28/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=2568& transactionid=1330691741-21602472&posted_by=ChrisFrez_www.camaroz28.com&you tube_video_id=LpJZiyJAyrs[/autostream]
The second part of the morning allowed us to take out another Camaro ZL1 on the country roads for driving and photography. At this point in time, it had started to rain. We took a leisurely cruise around town for an hour and then came back to the track. Upon arriving back at the track, we noticed one of the red Camaro ZL1's on the track had obviously been in an accident and was being hooked up to a tow truck. Thankfully the driver was not injured at all; however the ZL1 looked like it has its front facia bungee corded back together.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946123207/http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisfrez/6946123207/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/chrisfrez/, on Flickr
We had lunch, and then chose a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco to drive back to the hotel in Raleigh. We were then taken to the airport where I flew back home to Detroit. I was back home and able to tuck my 4- year-old son into bed by 8pm that night.
What a whirlwind trip! The Camaro ZL1 is a beast of a car – quite possibly the best Camaro ever produced to date. I can't wait to receive mine.
A special thanks goes to the whole Chevrolet Team, Joe Bella from Camaro5, and Boyd Jaynes.
For all my pictures from the event, check out my Flickr page at
03-04-2012, 06:39 AM
#5
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
This Camaro is the best one ever built!
03-04-2012, 02:20 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eaton Rapids Michigan
Posts: 54
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
Chris,
Truly one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Thanks for sharing the great pictures and video. Now the hard part waiting for yours to be delivered. It won't come fast enough. I am looking forward to seeing your new ZL 1.
Truly one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Thanks for sharing the great pictures and video. Now the hard part waiting for yours to be delivered. It won't come fast enough. I am looking forward to seeing your new ZL 1.
03-04-2012, 02:46 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 801
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
Chris,
It was a pleasure teaming up with you for the weekend! What a great time - and what a great car!! I love the pictures, the article - and the podcast! Wonderful job!
I can't wait to see pictures of your car when you get it!
-Joe
It was a pleasure teaming up with you for the weekend! What a great time - and what a great car!! I love the pictures, the article - and the podcast! Wonderful job!
I can't wait to see pictures of your car when you get it!
-Joe
Last edited by Dragoneye; 03-04-2012 at 02:48 PM.
03-04-2012, 07:31 PM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: D-Town
Posts: 7
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
Chris,
Nice write up and podcast. What a great opportunity. I also read Joe's write up on C5. Sounds like you guys had an experience of a lifetime. Like you, I have a ZL1 on order. This will be my third fifth gen in 3 years and hopefully my last. I'm right up the road from you in Shelby Twp. Maybe I will see you on the road this spring/summer. Maybe the Bakers meet.
Regards,
Andy (aka bluclyde)
Nice write up and podcast. What a great opportunity. I also read Joe's write up on C5. Sounds like you guys had an experience of a lifetime. Like you, I have a ZL1 on order. This will be my third fifth gen in 3 years and hopefully my last. I'm right up the road from you in Shelby Twp. Maybe I will see you on the road this spring/summer. Maybe the Bakers meet.
Regards,
Andy (aka bluclyde)
03-04-2012, 07:51 PM
#9
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
Chris,
Nice write up and podcast. What a great opportunity. I also read Joe's write up on C5. Sounds like you guys had an experience of a lifetime. Like you, I have a ZL1 on order. This will be my third fifth gen in 3 years and hopefully my last. I'm right up the road from you in Shelby Twp. Maybe I will see you on the road this spring/summer. Maybe the Bakers meet.
Regards,
Andy (aka bluclyde)
Nice write up and podcast. What a great opportunity. I also read Joe's write up on C5. Sounds like you guys had an experience of a lifetime. Like you, I have a ZL1 on order. This will be my third fifth gen in 3 years and hopefully my last. I'm right up the road from you in Shelby Twp. Maybe I will see you on the road this spring/summer. Maybe the Bakers meet.
Regards,
Andy (aka bluclyde)
Has your car been built?
03-04-2012, 08:08 PM
#11
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
03-04-2012, 08:22 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: D-Town
Posts: 7
03-04-2012, 08:30 PM
#13
03-04-2012, 08:37 PM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: D-Town
Posts: 7
Re: Camaro ZL1 is a Rock Star.
Very cool Chris. We will have to meet when are cars come in. Two ZL1's 5 miles apart... I'm sure our paths will cross. Again, awesome write up. Really enjoyed it.
