compared to 200 pounds of lift in a Camaro SS – which was offset by an increase of only 40
counts of additional aerodynamic drag.
Seven elements contribute to the downforce of the ZL1:
1. Front fascia –
The front fascia channels air for engine and brake cooling. The corners of the
front fascia were shaped to minimize lift, while brake-cooling ducts in the outer corners of the
lower grille opening provide a direct, high-flow path to the brake rotors.
2. Hood –
The ZL1’s hood has a vented, carbon fiber insert, contributing to both engine cooling
and aerodynamic downforce. The specially shaped vents draw air up through the engine bay –
allowing a significant volume of air flow while keeping the front tires firmly connected to the
pavement.
3. Front splitter –
Instead of a traditional front air dam, the ZL1 incorporates a racing-style
splitter to help create downforce.
4. Front tire deflectors –
The deflectors push airflow around the rotating wheels and tires more
efficiently, reducing lift and drag.
5. Belly pans –
The ZL1 has two of them: one beneath the engine cradle and one at the rear of
the engine assembly, just in front of the transmission. They minimize airflow turbulence under
the car. NACA-style ducts are incorporated into the rear belly pan for transmission cooling.
6. Rocker panels –
Although subtle in appearance, the carefully shaped rocker panels help
reduce lift and drag, while also contributing to stability during high cross winds. They also
provide stone protection with the ZL1’s wider tires.
7. Rear spoiler –
The ZL1’s rear spoiler, which contributes approximately 150 pounds of down
force at the cost of only one count of drag. It is taller and wider than the Camaro SS spoiler and
incorporates the center high-mounted stop lamp.
In addition to the functional design elements, the Camaro ZL1 offers several aesthetic options,
including a bright-finish wheel package, exposed-weaver carbon fiber hood insert and a stripe
package.
Exterior colors include Summit White, Black, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Victory Red, Rally Yellow,
Inferno Orange Metallic, Ashen Grey Metallic and Blue Ray Metallic. The convertible top color
choices include black or beige.
Supercharged LSA powertrain
Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged
engine, which is rated at 580 horsepower (432kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm), with
specific features for the Camaro.
The all-aluminum engine is part of GM’s legendary small-block engine family. For a solid
foundation, the engine’s bottom end uses six-bolt main bearing caps that clamp and lock in the
forged steel crankshaft to a deep-skirt cylinder block. Additional features include:
Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
High-strength hypereutectic pistons
