Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
01-17-2012, 06:21 AM
#1
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Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Test %u2013 Review %u2013 Car and Driver
Looks promising, though it's a bit irritating that they apparently tested it away from their usual test site, on a "cold and dusty track" that was "less than ideal for acceleration runs."
0-60 = 4.1 s
1/4 mile = 12.3 s @ 119 mph
Skidpad = 0.98 g (on a "dusty skidpad"!)
Braking 70-0 = 165 ft
I'm hoping for a 3.9 and closer to 12.0 in the quarter on a better surface, just for bragging rights. I think a regular SS can put up similar braking numbers with far less tire (though a bit less weight too); that too could be an indication that this test surface was indeed not ideal.
I can already see the comparison between the ZL1 and the GT500 going in favor of the Shelby, even if the Camaro is the better handler. And apparently it is indeed pretty damn good:
Still, they'll complain that the Camaro feels "too big" (an illusion created, IMO, by the gun slit windows and sitting-in-a-bunker driving position) compared to the relatively open and airy shelby. Fortunately there is no contest in the looks department. The ZL1 is just wicked! Not that it matters a whole lot, as most buyers of these cars probably have their minds made up and won't be comparison shopping...
Anyway, pretty awesome to see a Camaro running damn near 120 mph in the quarter and putting up some serious handling talent too.
On the other hand, if you don't need a back seat, you could probably get a new Z06 for similar out-the-door money...
Looks promising, though it's a bit irritating that they apparently tested it away from their usual test site, on a "cold and dusty track" that was "less than ideal for acceleration runs."
0-60 = 4.1 s
1/4 mile = 12.3 s @ 119 mph
Skidpad = 0.98 g (on a "dusty skidpad"!)
Braking 70-0 = 165 ft
I'm hoping for a 3.9 and closer to 12.0 in the quarter on a better surface, just for bragging rights. I think a regular SS can put up similar braking numbers with far less tire (though a bit less weight too); that too could be an indication that this test surface was indeed not ideal.
I can already see the comparison between the ZL1 and the GT500 going in favor of the Shelby, even if the Camaro is the better handler. And apparently it is indeed pretty damn good:
Starker is the transformation of the ZL1%u2019s handling characteristics from those of a stock SS. In the latter, the driver is always fighting the car%u2014it understeers on turn-in and oversteers on corner exit, all served up with a healthy dollop of body roll. The ZL1 does exactly what you want all the time, with no surprises. Front grip is tenacious enough that you actually get a sense of the tires biting in as you turn the wheel. Power comes in so creamily and with such linearity that it%u2019s easy to forget you%u2019re driving a 580-hp car. The brake pedal feels solid but still offers enough travel for smooth application, and it shows no fade. The ZL1 goes around the track with a composure that would shock many BMW M3 fans. Our only complaint is that the seat, adequate in the SS, lacks the lateral support to cope with the ZL1%u2019s higher limits. We saw 0.98 g on a dusty skidpad (did we mention Tucson is in the desert?). This is supercar territory.
Still, they'll complain that the Camaro feels "too big" (an illusion created, IMO, by the gun slit windows and sitting-in-a-bunker driving position) compared to the relatively open and airy shelby. Fortunately there is no contest in the looks department. The ZL1 is just wicked! Not that it matters a whole lot, as most buyers of these cars probably have their minds made up and won't be comparison shopping...
Anyway, pretty awesome to see a Camaro running damn near 120 mph in the quarter and putting up some serious handling talent too.
On the other hand, if you don't need a back seat, you could probably get a new Z06 for similar out-the-door money...
Last edited by 96_Camaro_B4C; 01-17-2012 at 06:23 AM.
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01-17-2012, 08:05 AM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
Specs - 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca - Motor Trend Looks like Motor trend got 3.8 to 60mph and 12.1 in the 1/4 mile. Pretty good read, looks like the regular Boss 302 might be the best bang for the buck on the planet right now at $41k, the Laguna Seca is ugly as sin. It is nice to see the portly ZL1 take the Laguna Seca around a track though!
01-17-2012, 08:33 AM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
Nice find. Looks like that was the same facility (Inde) where Car and Driver ran their test, but they did not mention a comparison... Of note is the 4051 lb measured weight of the Camaro. That is better than the 4120 Chevy published, though I was still hoping for something in the 39xx range. Still, and I've mentioned this before, even though the Camaro was 413 lbs heavier (4051 vs 3638), it only carried an extra ~100 lbs over the front wheels because of its better weight distribution. Couple that with a better suspension system and 285 series front tires and you get a 4051 lb Camaro that apparently carried more speed through the corners (not just on the straights) than the Boss.
That is DAMN impressive, especially since this is the freaking Boss Laguna Seca, not the GT500 we are talking about here. Unless Ford changes things, the GT500 will have similarly sized tires, and it too will have a ~55/45 weight split (but with more weight than the Boss).
I am thinking the ZL1 vs. GT500 fight is going to surprise some people. I think the ZL1 will be dang close to the GT500 up to the 1/4 mile mark thanks to superior traction (might even get ahead early on, and maybe hold the lead longer than expected). It won't be until the higher speeds, when traction and weight are smaller factors, that the horsepower of the Mustang will take over. And if the Boss LS couldn't hang with the ZL1 in the corners, the GT500 is really going to have its hands full!
EDIT: And if the ZL1 really can outhandle the Boss, maybe there is hope yet for Car and Driver to pick it in a comparo against the GT500. That would be a pleasant surprise.
Last edited by 96_Camaro_B4C; 01-17-2012 at 08:35 AM.
01-17-2012, 10:52 PM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
They probably picked that track for a reason, (availability, preference, whatever) scheduled and rented the track for a day ahead of time for when they would have the car, Barring a downpour or rain delay equivalent track conditions are likely on an as is basis.
Im pretty impressed with that car!
01-21-2012, 12:08 AM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
Yes it is.
On another note, I think you called it early on HAZ with the MRC dampers making a good bit of difference. I wish Ford would liscence the technology. As I read it the dampers on the Boss LS were more of a hinderence when it came up to using the curbs on the track.
On another note, I think you called it early on HAZ with the MRC dampers making a good bit of difference. I wish Ford would liscence the technology. As I read it the dampers on the Boss LS were more of a hinderence when it came up to using the curbs on the track.
Last edited by bossco; 01-21-2012 at 12:12 AM.
01-24-2012, 01:41 PM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
Yes it is.
On another note, I think you called it early on HAZ with the MRC dampers making a good bit of difference. I wish Ford would liscence the technology. As I read it the dampers on the Boss LS were more of a hinderence when it came up to using the curbs on the track.
On another note, I think you called it early on HAZ with the MRC dampers making a good bit of difference. I wish Ford would liscence the technology. As I read it the dampers on the Boss LS were more of a hinderence when it came up to using the curbs on the track.
01-24-2012, 09:44 PM
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01-25-2012, 07:24 AM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
Ya maybe. 
I've also read 5th gen owners say that their car doesn't "feel" as fast as it is... due to smoothness and refinement supposedly.
That being said, I'm sure if I had the chance to drive a ZL1, I'd look like this for a while ->
I've also read 5th gen owners say that their car doesn't "feel" as fast as it is... due to smoothness and refinement supposedly.
That being said, I'm sure if I had the chance to drive a ZL1, I'd look like this for a while ->
01-25-2012, 08:45 PM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
Frankly, I'd take a Mustang with a live axle and the MRC dampers over a Mustang with IRS any day, but oh well, maybe Ford might take a good look at Tenneco's Kinetic H2/CES technology. It seems very promising?
01-26-2012, 07:06 AM
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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!
why didnt they put some better holding seats in the ZL1? i agree that the SS style seats suck on a road course. they dont hold you in for jack. they should have turned to Recaro for some stock 4 point, adjustable racing seats. something to keep you planted better. they are comfortable...but tight seats are comfortable too.
