2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Photos, engines & full specs

While for many people, the ZL1 code didn’t say anything, for Camaro fans, it meant one of the rarest and most powerful versions of the car’s first generation.

In 1969, Fred Gibb, a Chevrolet dealer from Illinois, asked the automaker to install a ZL1 427 big-block engine carried over from the Corvette under the hood of a Camaro. He wanted to enter the car into the Super Stock competition on the drag strips. At first, the automaker was reluctant to his request and denied it. However, Vince Piggins, who was in charge of the development of the Camaro Z/28 (yes, with a “/” at that time), convinced Chevy’s top executives to make the vehicle. There were two main problems with the 1969 Camaro ZL1: one was the steep price since the engine’s cost was as much as the rest of the car, and the other was that the automaker had to build 50 units to make them competition-legal. Eventually, the automaker ended up making 69 vehicles. That made them scarce and legit legends among enthusiasts. The 1969 Camaro ZL1 was officially rated at 430 hp (436 PS), but unofficial figures showed over 520 hp (527 PS) sent through the forged crankshaft. As a result, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 couldn’t be below that. And it wasn’t.

Chevrolet didn’t want its 2012 Camaro ZL1 to look like the rest of the range, so it added some unique details. Besides the ZL1 chromed badge on the black grille, the car also had a redesigned front bumper. It featured a broad lower air intake flanked by vertical, angular-shaped scoops that housed the round fog lamps. However, the most striking part was the cowl-induction hood featuring a black carbon fiber center section sporting and a set of vents. No other fifth-generation Camaro had those details to that date.

While there were not many ways to improve the look of the Camaro’s profile, the automaker still managed to add a new set of 20-inch forged aluminum wheels lighter than those installed on the SS version. Through these large five-spoke wheels, bystanders could see the large Brembo brakes with ZL1-marked calipers. The design of the sculptured doors was emphasized by the lower side skirts that adorned the rocker panels, while at the back, a taller lip spoiler decorated the deck. Unlike any other fifth-generation Camaro, the ZL1 had four exhausts at the back that flanked the diffuser. Also, a ZL1 chromed badge adorned the trunk lid.

Inside, the automaker created a unique ambiance for the most potent version of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro. The high-bolstered bucket seats were leather-wrapped and sported ZL1 badges embroidered on the seatbacks. In addition, the driver enjoyed a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with a microfiber-covered crown and aluminum accents. Chevrolet also offered the car with microfiber inserts on the dashboard, which not only reduced glare but also gave the vehicle an upscale look. The center console between the front occupants sported the “four-pack” gauges that showed the oil pressure and temperature, the boost pressure, and the oil transmission temperature.

At the time of launch, at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, the automaker announced a 550 hp (557 PS) engine for the ZL1. However, the production version reached 580 hp (580 PS) from its supercharged 382 (6.3-liter) powerhouse carried over from the Cadillac CTS-V. Chevrolet mated the new powerplant with a six-speed manual gearbox that sent all the oomph to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. GM also spent more time testing the car on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany for the suspension, improving the magnetic ride control of the vehicle. As a result, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a fierce track weapon and a comfortable highway cruiser as well.