Stock Chevy Camaro ZL1 Lays Down Amazing Nürburgring Time

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham
Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
10-24-2016

The all-new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 just ran a lap that was 12 seconds quicker than the prior-generation ZL1. The new time is 7:29.60. These are official numbers from GM and should not be confused with less reliable reporting on 'Ring lap times.

 

<<Watch the video here>>

 

GM offered some comments from the engineers who were in attendance and supported the run. Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer, said, “To be almost 12 seconds quicker than the 5th-Generation ZL1 is a testament to the advanced design and technology of the new ZL1. From the improved aerodynamics, mass reduction and 650-horsepower LT4 to the Magnetic Ride Control, electronic limited-slip differential and Custom Launch Control, the ZL1 was designed to take on the world’s most challenging track, making it right at home on any track, road or drag strip anywhere.”

 

Drew Cattell, who drove the lap and is a ride and handling engineer at GM, said, “Many fast laps around the Nordschleife are dramatic, with lots of oversteer and steering input. Not so with the ZL1, which is extremely planted and stable, almost calm. With Magnetic Ride and great overall chassis balance, the ZL1 is all about being inch perfect at every turn and carrying a lot of speed.”

 

GM reports that there weren't any non-stock performance changes made to the car that ran the lap. A quick list of some of the features of the new ZL1 include:

-6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V-8 making 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque
-All-new 10R90 10-speed automatic transmission (set to Track mode to enable Performance Algorithm Shift calibration, providing optimal gear selection without the need to manually select gears)
-FE4 Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control
-Performance Traction Management
-Forged 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires
-Brembo brakes with front 15.4-inch rotors and six-piston calipers and rear 14.4-inch rotors and four-piston calipers
-Lift-reducing front fascia elements with cooling ducts and Chevrolet “flowtie”
-Full underbody shielding
-ZL1-specific rear spoiler and diffuser
-11 heat exchangers

[Daryl Z71]

Wow, 12 seconds is a lot when it comes to lap times.

[Colossus]

They sure put a lot of love and detail into the Camaro, I bet some wish they would do the same for the trucks? I don't know. But regardless that is one very sweet ride and time!

[Towerhog]

Let Sabine Schmitz take the ZL1 out for a spin. She can probably get another 2 or more secs out of it. Or she'll think its garbage.

[Colossus]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/future-cars/videos/a31270/chevrolet-camaro-zl1-nurburgring/

[SnakeEyeSS]

Wow, 12 seconds is a lot when it comes to lap times.

Also realize the first number. 12 seconds is huge on most tracks.....because cars run laps in 2 minutes or so on most tracks. So probably 3 seconds and change on your avg mag article track time.