Chevrolet just set a 7:29.60 lap time around the Ring with the 2017 Camaro ZL1, ~12s faster than the previous gen ZL1, leaving rival muscle cars and even some exotic hardware in the dust
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at how fast the 2017 Camaro ZL1 is around the ring. The new Camaro SS 1LE proved just how capable the Alpha platform can be by matching the Porsche Cayman GT4’s time at this year’s Car & Driver Lightning Lap while beating out the Audi R8 V10 Plus, BMW M2 and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
Now add a 650hp LT4 supercharged V8, 10 speed automatic transmission, more aggressive aero, suspension, brakes and an electronic differential, Chevrolet now has a car that is faster than its rival Shelby GT350R by almost 3 seconds around Nurburgring while also beating out cars like the 997 GT2, Turbo S and GT3 RS, Pagani Zonda F and Koenigsegg CCX.
The 10-speed transmission definitely plays a role as it keeps the car in its optimal powerband. Just look at that upshift at 172mph! The ZL1 just pulls so hard in every gear, hitting a top speed of 181mph on the back straight.
The next question is – how fast will the new Z/28 be? If we shave off 12 seconds from the Ring time of the 5th gen car it would put it at about the 7:25 mark. That would put it on par with supercars like the Maserati MC12, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and Ferrari Enzo!
The full onboard video can be see here: