ZL1 INFO
ZL1 MAKES DEBUT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
GM PRESS RELEASE:


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

DETROIT – 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 most-powerful production Camaro ever

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.”
“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.”
Track testing in Germany
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