Camaro ZL1 580HP

Are you guys ready for GM press release on the new Camaro ZL1 – This thing is amazing. Thank you Chevy!

GM PRESS RELEASE:

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s 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 ZL1’s outstanding power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies, including exclusive Performance Traction Management and third-generation Magnetic Ride Control.

“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS.

“The Camaro ZL1 also features exclusive chassis and traction technologies,” Oppenheiser said, “to offer the best of all worlds – including balanced handling for the track, acceleration for a drag strip, and the comfort of a daily driver.”

The most-powerful production Camaro ever

• Supercharged, 6.2L LSA V-8 delivers 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm)
• ZL1 power complemented by exclusive Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management
• Track-capable standard equipment includes high-performance fuel system, as well as engine, transmission and differential coolers

The 2012 Camaro ZL1’s surpasses the advertised power of the legendary 1969 Camaro ZL1’s 427 cubic-inch big block by more than 150 horsepower (112 kW) – while meeting modern emissions requirements. And, the new ZL1 is backed by General Motors’ five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

“The torque is going to make the ZL1 a car you won’t want to get out of,” said John Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for small block engines. “Not only will the ZL1 have more power and torque than the competition, we’re making it available with an optional automatic transmission, to appeal to a wider group of sports car enthusiasts.”

The all-aluminum LSA supercharged V-8 is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family. For a solid foundation, the engine’s lower end uses six-bolt main bearing caps that clamp and lock in the forged steel crankshaft to the deep-skirt block. Its 1.9L Roots-style blower uses an efficient four-lob rotor set and compact intercooler to deliver boosted air into the high-flow cylinder heads.

For the Camaro ZL1, the LSA features a unique induction system, with a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths, and improved airflow through the supercharger housing. Other changes include a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering system, which consumes less engine power than hydraulic-steering systems.

The ZL1 will be offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Tremec TR-6060 “MG9” manual features 30 percent more torque capacity than in the Camaro SS. The higher torque capacity results from a strengthened output shaft, high-strength rear housing, and additional roller bearing. The MG9 has also been tuned for improved shift feel, with a dual-mass flywheel, twin-disc clutch, and triple synchros for smooth, precise shifts.

Similarly, the Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic has been strengthened to handle the torque and horsepower produced by the 6.2L supercharged small block. The 6L90 features a strengthened input gearset with two additional pinion gears, additional clutch plate, and a strengthened output shaft and gearset. To make the ZL1 perform equally well on street and track, the 6L90 features three distinct drive modes:

• Drive: The shift pattern is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, including second-gear starts, while the shift feel is tuned for a smooth driving experience. Engaging the tap-shift feature on the steering wheel or shift lever engages temporary manual mode.
• Sport: The shift pattern is calibrated for more aggressing driving, including first-gear starts for maximum performance. The shift feel is also more aggressive, with a performance algorithm that holds the transmission in lower gears during aggressive driving.
• Manual: Here, the 6L90 offers the driver true manual control, with no automatic up shifts, and staged upshifts for incredibly fast shifts and maximum performance.

Other track-ready features of the ZL1 include:

• An engine-oil cooler, identical to the system on the Corvette ZR1. The integral liquid-to-liquid system is so effective that both the manual and automatic transmissions are deemed to be fully track-capable with the standard factory-installed cooling package.
• A rear-differential cooler, which pumps transmission fluid to a heat exchanger, reduces temperatures in the differential by more than 100 F.
• A high-performance fuel system delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any performance driving condition. For example, the system features additional fuel pickups on the primary side, and the secondary fuel pickup is moved outboard for continuous fuel access during high-g cornering under low fuel conditions.

Magnetic Ride Control 3.0 adjusts damping 1,000 times per second

The Camaro ZL1 will feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC).

MRC employs valve-less damping and Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology. MR fluid is a suspension of iron particles in a synthetic fluid. When the system is activated, the particles are magnetized and aligned into fibrous structures, changing flow resistance. By controlling the current to an electromagnetic coil inside the piston of the damper, the system 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.”

For the third-generation, MRC uses new twin-wire/dual-coil dampers at all four corners. The smaller dual-coil system – with one coil at either end of the damper – replaces the larger single-core design of the previous generation.

The new design allows even more precise control of the electrical current (and magnetic flux), allowing greater range between the softest setting for ride comfort and the firmest setting for track driving. The new dual-coil design also enables 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.

There are three settings for MRC in the ZL1: Tour, Sport, and Track.

Exclusive Performance Traction Management for the race course, and the drag strip

The Camaro ZL1 will also offer Performance Traction Management (PTM) as standard equipment, which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to enhance performance on the racetrack and drag strip.

For example, 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 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. The system is capable of approaching a skilled driver’s best effort and repeats it consistently.

Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and PTM will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction.

Five PTM performance levels or modes are available to accommodate the given ambient and track conditions, driver experience/vehicle familiarity and driver comfort levels. They include:

• Mode 1 – Traction control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
• Mode 2 – Traction control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
• Mode 3 – Traction control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
• Mode 4 – Traction control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
• Mode 5 – Traction control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track. Launch control tuned for VHT-prepped drag strips.

“Like the Magnetic Ride Control, the Performance Traction Management system improves the ZL1 experience as a daily driver and on the track,” said Oppenheiser. “By offering five distinct modes of traction management, the driver can select what’s best for them based on their experience and the driving conditions. As a result, novice drivers will find the ZL1 is very enjoyable to drive, while expert drivers will find PTM supplements their driving skill without interfering with their intentions.”

See more picture here – Camaro ZL1

The Detroit automaker’s Chevrolet brand — presenting sponsor of the Dream Cruise — is using the annual car event to help celebrate its centennial.

Chevy has a fleet of events starting Wednesday, leading up to the Dream Cruise Saturday:

- From 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, the GM Design team will host a car show at the Northwood Plaza on the southwest corner of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road. The show, which will continue through Saturday, will feature personal vehicles owned by members of the design team.

- On Thursday, Chevrolet will host a parade starting at 2 p.m. featuring 50 Chevrolet Volts, 20 employee-owned Chevrolet heritage vehicles, the new Camaro ZL1 and Chevrolet Sonic, and vehicles from the GM Heritage Collection.

- On Friday, Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser will participate in the Motown Muscle breakfast and panel discussion from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. at Duggan’s Irish Pub in Royal Oak.

- On Saturday, Chevrolet’s base camp will be the Birmingham Triangle at Woodward and Old Woodward.

Chevrolet displays and activities start at 8 a.m. Saturday and run through the conclusion of the cruise at 9 p.m. About 60 cars will be on display. Also on display will be vehicles from the “Transformers” movies and a selection of Indy 500 pace vehicles. Guy Fieri, host of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” is bringing two of his personal Camaros and will sign posters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Detroit-area Chevrolet Dealers will parade from Eight Mile Road to Pontiac to Big Beaver Road, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.

If those events aren’t enough, Chevy is also offering a “Where’s Waldo?” type of promotion, called the “Chevrolet Dream Cruise Spotter’s Guide.” The list helps people identify certain vehicles, ranging from the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible to the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

The Dream Cruise annually draws 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars to Woodward between downtown Pontiac and 8 Mile Road.

Rick Flair Camaro SS

I came across a blog post featuring famous people next to there new Camaro. I’m not really into the celebrity culture, but being that the Camaro is not quite exotic (though it did win International Design Car of the Year at this year’s NY Auto Show) I was curious as to who else is proud to be seen next to or behind the wheel of one of these muscular machines. Those of you who frequent TMZ or whatever other entertainment sites the kids are into these days may already be familiar with the following celebrity Camaro owners:

• Brad Pitt
• Lebron James
• John Cena
• Rick Flair
• Nate Clements
• Jim Jones (You can barely make out his Camaro in the 3rd photo down)

Camaro SS

After decades of being the No. 1 brand in Northeast Ohio, Chevrolet fell behind Ford last year. Chevy dealers don’t want that to be a trend.

So when organizers of the Cleveland Auto Show tried to see if several different brands wanted to get together to create an indoor test track at the I-X Center, Chevy dealers said no. They wanted the whole track for themselves.

“I think it’s going to be packed from open to close,” said Rob Patterson, Chevrolet zone manager for much of Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

There will be two free indoor test tracks at the show this year – the Chevy track and Camp Jeep, a smaller course at that brand’s exhibit. The Jeep exhibit was a popular feature at several auto shows in 2007 and 2008, but it was not in Cleveland last year.

Patterson said at the GM track the visitor can drive either at Chevy Malibu, a Camaro or an Equinox crossover. At the Jeep exhibit, the show visitor is a passenger in a vehicle driven by a product specialist.

Auto show chairman Gary Adams said he was surprised when the Chevrolet dealers group snapped up all of the space for the test track. Because of the large amount of space needed, he had assumed that no brand would want to take on all of the expense alone.

“It’s costly because it’s indoor space,” Adams said.

Adams and Patterson declined to share the cost of the new exhibit, but both said it was a major investment by Chevrolet dealers.

Patrick O’Brien, general manager of Pat O’Brien Chevrolet in Westlake, said he was excited about getting show visitors behind the wheel of a Camaro. He said the muscle car could attract a lot of attention to the display.

“It’s a great car, and not a lot of people have gotten a chance to drive one,” O’Brien said.

Though it’s 1,000 feet long, the indoor test track isn’t the ideal place to try out such as powerful sports car. Adams said the show is hoping speeds will stay well below 20 miles per hour.

“I’d love to get it up around 80, but that’s probably not a good idea indoors,” Adams said.

Story by Robert Schoenberger, The Plain Dealer

Chevy Camaro SS indy Pace Car

This year, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS enjoyed the honor of pacing both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 – two races that could arguably be considered the traditional pinnacles of American motorsports. Now, it has apparently been decided that the Camaro’s performance was good enough to bring it back for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 with a brand-new livery.

This year’s Chevy Camaro SS Indy 500 Pace Car features the stock 426-hp 6.2L V-8, but adds an RS appearance package and a leather interior with Inferno Orange interior accents. Indy 500 logos can be found on the doors and on each headrest, while Indy 500 badges garnish the front fenders. New for this year’s Indy 500 Pace Car is a unique front grille that Chevrolet will add to the options list in the future, while the obvious light bar also takes its place in the rear window.

“Chevrolet has done it again with the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS Pace Car, it is simply beautiful,” said Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. “The car’s tribute to ‘500′ history and its sports car feel will be a big hit with our fans, and it will look great leading the Indianapolis 500 field on race day.”

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 is set to kick off Sunday, May 30.  Click here for more images

Source: Motor Trend

2011 Camaro Z28

There are unconfirmed reports that the supercharged, 500 plus horsepower Chevy Camaro Z28 program is back on track. The Z28 was to be the top-of-the-line option when the new fifth-generation car graced us in 2010, but it was shelved during GM’s financial crisis.

It looks like the Camaro Z28 might be back on track now and will likely feature a distinctive body kit, new hood, spoiler, and of course different wheels. Underneath the restyled hood will reside the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 that currently powers the Cadillac CTS-V and we expect in the neighborhood of 550 horses.

Chevelle SS

Chevrolet set the horsepower bar high with its first production SS car-the 1961 Impala. While most manufactures were happy with a 300-horsepower engine, Chevrolet rated its first 409 at 360 horsepower. And in 1962, they raised that to 409 horsepower. Nothing looked or sounded more impressive in the summer of 1962 than a glistening black Impala SS rolling through a drive-in- restaurant with 409 flags visible on the front fender.

Thanks to the GTO, Chevy decide to make the
SS option mean something

But “Super Sport” wasn’t always synonymous with “fast,” at least not in some cases. In 1962 Chevrolet allowed any of its engines to be included with the SS option, including its inline six-cylinders. (Why Chevy Why!) Product planners continued with this strategy until they saw the success of Pontiac’s 1964 GTO. In 1965 Chevrolet released a small production run of Chevelle Malibus equipped with its 396 engine: the legendary Z-16s. In 1966 Chevrolet made horsepower available to the masses and equipped the new SS396 Chevelle, which featured the potent 396-cubic-inch Mark IV big-block as standard equipment. They made another strong horsepower statement in 1967 with the release of the Camaro SS with its 350 and 396 engine options.

In 1968, much of what was being written about the muscle car focused on Plymouth’s new Road Runner, a stripped-down, midsized car with high-horsepower engine. Chevrolet also released its new Nova SS, also a stripped-down, midsize car with a high-horsepower engine.

Chevy unleased it’s SS 454

Throughout the late 1960s, Chevrolet offered several versions of its 396 in the Chevelle, Camaro, and Nova. Customers who wanted more horsepower could purchase it through Chevrolet’s Central Office Production Order (COPO) system. Then in 1970, Chevrolet unleashed its SS454 Chevelle with the famous LS6-a 450-horsepower, 454-cubic-inch engine. With the LS6, Chevrolet offered for retail sale the highest horsepower engine of the muscle car era.

Information provided by Chevy SS 50 Years of Super Sport

Papa John's 1971 Camaro Z28

The founder of the Papa John’s pizza chain – who spent years searching for the beloved Camaro he sold to start his business – has finally been reunited with the muscle car.

In celebration, the chain is handing out free pizzas Wednesday to all Camaro drivers.

“The Camaro represents what I gave up to start Papa John’s,” said company founder John Schnatter. “Words cannot capture the emotions I am feeling….I never gave up hope that someday I would get that car back.”

In 1983, John Schnatter’s father, an Indiana bar owner, was on the verge of bankruptcy. So Schnatter sold his only asset, a black-and-gold striped 1971 Chevy Camaro Z28, for $2,800.

As he frequently told the story, he had to turn his back as the buyer drove away, unable to watch his cherished car go.

With the proceeds, Schnatter bought some equipment and started selling pizzas out of a broom closet of his dad’s bar, digging their way out of bankruptcy a pie at a time.

The pizza chain is now the world’s third largest and is worth $750 million.

Even as his buisness took off and he became rich, Schnatter never stopped missing his Camaro.

He had no record of who he sold it to and spent years looking for the sports car, even hiring a private eye to search.

In May, he turned the hunt into a slick marketing campaign tied to the firm’s 25th anniversary. Schnatter drove a replica of the car across the country and handed out free pizza from Denver to Times Square.

He initially offered a $25,000 reward, and upped the ante in June to $250,000.

Last week, the Kentucky family came forward and said they sold it to another man five years ago.

The buyer, Jeff Robinson of Flatwoods, Ky., readily agreed to sell it back to Schnatter for a cool $250,000.

“I’ll try to spend it wisely, but, you know, I may not spend all of it wisely,” Robinson said, smiling. “I’m still kinda numb about it.”

The original buyers will get $25,000 for their help tracking it down.

Robinson kept the car in pristine shape, only beefing up the motor for drag racing: now it goes 141 mph.
Schnatter proclaimed himself delighted.

“It looks just like it did when I sold it,” the pizza guy said. “The odds of that happening is one in a million.”

Story can be found here… dailynews.com

Chevy Social Networking

We would like to invite you to join our new social networking site located at www.chevysupersport.ning.com. There you can join the forums and groups, share and post photos and videos, or just browse around and enjoy a piece of automotive history.

Camaro SS Transformer Edition

Great news for all you Transformers fans, today at Comic-Con, General Motors officially announced the 2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers (Bumble Bee) Special Edition. No it doesn’t transform or come with Megan Fox in the passenger seat, but it does come with the following:

• Autobot insignia fender badges and wheel caps
• An embroidered Autobot insignia on the center console
• Gloss-black rally stripes with Transformers logos
• Transformers-logo doorsill plates

The $995 appearance package can be applied to LT (V6) and SS Camaro in Rally Yellow with or without the optional RS package.

Check out the official press release or click here to see more images.

PRESS RELEASE:

Chevrolet announces the 2010 Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition

DETROIT – Fans of the new Camaro and the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition announced today at Comic-Con in San Diego.

“When the first TRANSFORMERS movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the ‘BUMBLEBEE’ Camaro,” said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. “Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time.”

Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with TRANSFORMERS design cues add to the car’s status as a 21st century sports car.

“Hasbro is thrilled to team up with Chevrolet and excited to see the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition come to market for our fans to enjoy,” said Samantha Lomow, Global Brand Leader for TRANSFORMERS at Hasbro. “The yellow Camaro with the black stripes has become so iconic and closely associated with the BUMBLEBEE character that this edition was a natural fit for both companies.”

While the aggressive styling of the Camaro is unmistakable, true TRANSFORMERS fans will notice some of the unique, but subtle features of the Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition.

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition includes the following:
* AUTOBOT® shield on the driver and passenger side panels
* AUTOBOT® shield on each of the four wheel’s center cap
* AUTOBOT® shield embroidered on interior center console
* “TRANSFORMERS” logo on driver and passenger doors’ sill plates
* “TRANSFORMERS” logo embedded into the hood rally stripes
* High-gloss black center rally stripe package
* Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of package: $995

Dealers are now taking orders for this car. Customers can order the TRANSFORMERS Special Edition as either a Rally Yellow LT or SS model. The optional RS appearance package can also be added.

The V6-powered Camaro uses a 3.6L engine with variable valve timing to optimize performance and fuel economy. It is SAE-certified at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (370 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the 3.6L engine; a Hydra-Matic 6L50 electronically controlled six-speed automatic, with TAPshift control, is available.

The high-performance Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2L V-8, with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission-equipped models receive the LS3 engine, SAE-certified at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 Nm). It is paired with a TR6060 six-speed transmission.

A new, L99 V-8 engine is used on automatic transmission-equipped SS models. It is based on the LS3, but also includes GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management feature. It is SAE-certified at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 410 lb.-ft. of torque (556 Nm). It is matched with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed transmission that helps delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway.