2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2015 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 IS THE MOST POWERFUL CAMARO EVER

Powered by the supercharged LSA small-block V-8 producing 580 horsepower (427 kW), the Camaro ZL1 it is the most powerful production Camaro ever, with performance credentials that include:
◾0-60 mph in four seconds
◾Top speed of 184 mph
◾11-second quarter-mile ETs (11.93 with the automatic / 11.96 with the manual transmission)
◾Lapped the Nürburgring in 7:41.27.
Few production cars can match the ZL1's performance, and all of its high-velocity achievements were conducted with a stock test vehicle wearing all the street-legal, factory-issued components – and no time-consuming equipment adjustments at the racetrack.




The 2015 Camaro ZL1 is available in coupe and convertible models. Each wears a unique front fascia not shared with any other Camaro models. It was developed for the unique airflow requirements for engine cooling, brake cooling and aerodynamic downforce.

ZL1 models also include high-intensity discharge headlamps, rear park assist, a rear-vision camera system, MyLink with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen, a driver information center with color display and head-up display. Recaro performance bucket seats are available on the coupe, and models equipped with the automatic transmission include remote vehicle starting.

Downforce-optimized design
To maintain stability and steering response at the speed the Camaro ZL1 is capable of achieving, it features an aerodynamic design that generates downforce to press the tires against the track. The Camaro ZL1 produces 65 pounds of downforce at an equivalent 150 mph (241 km/h) – compared to 200 pounds of lift in a Camaro SS – which was offset by an increase of only 40 counts of additional aerodynamic drag.



In addition to the functional design elements, the Camaro ZL1 offers several aesthetic options, including a bright-finish wheel package, exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert and a stripe package.

The exterior color palette for 2015 includes Red Hot, Bright Yellow, Red Rock Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Ashen Gray Metallic and Blue Velvet Metallic.

Camaro ZL1 convertible details
Because the Camaro's architecture was designed to accommodate a convertible model, it gives the ZL1 convertible coupe-like driving dynamics and performance capability. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to quell the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles. They include:
◾A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
◾A transmission support reinforcement brace
◾Únderbody tunnel brace
◾Front 'X' brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody 'V' braces.

Additional structural reinforcements in the ZL1 convertible are designed to improve noise and vibration characteristics, while also reducing unwanted ride and body motions, including a hydroformed tube in the A-pillars.

Supercharged LSA 6.2L V-8
Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, which is rated at 580 horsepower (427 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). The engine's bottom end uses six-bolt main bearing caps that clamp and lock in a forged steel crankshaft within a deep-skirt cylinder block. Additional features include:
◾Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
◾High-strength hypereutectic pistons
◾Sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors
◾Piston oil squirters.

The 1.9L Roots-style blower uses an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler to deliver boosted air into the high-flow cylinder heads. The engine also draws its breath through a unique induction system, with a low-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths and enhanced airflow through the supercharger housing.

Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. This enhances performance, because no engine power is used to turn a steering pump pulley.

Track-capable manual and automatic transmissions
The ZL1 is offered with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Tremec TR6060 '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. It 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.

Track-ready features of the ZL1's powertrain 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 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.

The Camaro ZL1 is also equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm and throttle position.

Chassis and drivetrain details
The drivetrain is unique to the Camaro ZL1 and is composed of a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger, stronger 9.9-inch cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1's tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground. A rear-differential cooler reduces temperatures in the differential by more than 100 F.

Asymmetrical half-shafts – a 60mm hollow shaft on the right and a 33mm solid shaft on the left – offer different torsional stiffness rates, which work with the limited-slip differential to minimize the chance of wheel hop on hard launches. Also, the rear stabilizer bar has drop links positioned outboard of the control arms, for more effective body roll control in turns, with crisp response to driver commands.

Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with Brembo. Large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors have four-piston calipers.

ZL1-specific 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 tires developed specifically for the ZL1.

Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride Control
Performance Traction Management (PTM) is standard on the Camaro ZL1 coupe. It integrates the exclusive third-generation magnetic ride control – with driver-selectable Tour and Sport modes – launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance.

With PTM, 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 1,000 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and Performance Traction Management 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.

Interior features
ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving and is offered solely with a black interior. Heated leather seats with microfiber inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front head restraints are comfortable and deliver the support required in high-load turns on a racetrack, with Recaro performance front bucket seats available – including leather trim and microfiber inserts.

Microfiber suede is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel, adding a richer look to the interior. Additional interior features include a thick, flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy pedals, head-up display with unique performance readouts, a 'four-pack' auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout, as well as:
◾Únique instrument panel and door panel inserts; and ZL1-logo sill plates
◾Color driver information display
◾Color head-up display
◾Short-throw shifter
◾Steering wheel audio controls with Bluetooth capability
◾Rear parking assist
◾Rear camera system
◾Remote vehicle starter (available with automatic transmission).

A suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot, is available, along with a power sunroof. Recaro performance seats are available on coupe models.

MyLink details
Camaro ZL1 includes Chevrolet MyLink, which seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones. MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles.

MyLink features a high-resolution, full-color touch screen display designed to manage the number of steps required to complete a task. It also retains all the capabilities of conventional entertainment features, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and ÚSB inputs.

Safety and crash-avoidance features
The Camaro ZL1 is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, and protect occupants in the event a crash occurs. A strong body structure is designed to absorb crash energy and provide a protective 'safety cage' around occupants. In fact, the 2012 Camaro was the first passenger car to receive NHTSA's revised quadruple 5-star safety rating.

Additional features include:
◾Coupe models come with six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash. Convertibles have four standard air bags.
◾Rear Vision Package includes a rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature
◾StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver's intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both
◾Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation
◾Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly
◾Standard tire pressure monitoring system
◾Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Camaro ZL1. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar service also includes MyLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer's smartphone.

Source - Chevrolet