쉐보레가 더욱 강력한 카마로를 선보였다. 2016 뉴욕 모터쇼를 통한 정식 데뷔에 앞서 공개된 2017년형 쉐보레 카마로 ZL1은 이전보다 더 강력하고 더 카리스마 넘치는 모습이다.
앞뒤로 감싼 에어로파츠는 지금까지 등장한 그 어떤 카마로보다 공격적이다. 물결 모양의 초대형 그릴을 품은 범퍼 아래에 립스포일러를 붙였고 사이드 스커트와 리어 디퓨저까지 공통된 모습이다. 이는 멋을 넘어 기능적인 부분을 강조한 것인데 고속에서 안정감을 준다. 보닛의 파워돔은 엔진 냉각을 위한 조치다.
레이싱 감각은 실내에도 이어졌다. 레카로 버킷 시트를 장착했으며 시트 벨트와 D컷 스티어링 휠의 스티칭을 붉게 물들였다. 기어 노브는 마이크로 스웨이드로 감싸 그립감을 살렸다. 또 트랙 주행을 즐기는 오너를 위해 레이터 로거와 인캠까지 설치했다.
강력한 외모에 걸맞게 파워도 업그레이드했다. V8 6.2리터 수퍼차저(LT4)로 최고출력을 이전 580마력에서 640마력으로 60마력이나 높였다. 쉐보레 최강인 콜벳 Z01(650마력)과 10마력 차이에 불과하다. 더불어 이전보다 무게를 90kg 정도 줄였다.
변속기는 회전보정 기능을 갖춘 6단 수동. 놀라운 것은 GM 모델 중 처음으로 10단 자동변속기를 옵션으로 마련했다. 라이벌 포드와 함께 공동개발한 것으로 패들시프트가 달렸다. GM과 포드는 향후 다양한 모델에 이 변속기를 달 예정이다.
섀시도 신경을 썼다. 마그네틱 라이드 댐퍼를 달아 주행환경에 최적화된 서스펜션 움직임을 이끌었 전자식 LSD로 코너링 중 동력 손실을 줄였다. 퍼포먼스 트랙션 매니지먼트 시스템 덕분에 파워와 안정성을 동시에 잡았다. 20인치 휠 끝에 굿이어 이글 F1 수퍼카 타이어(앞 285/30, 뒤 305/30)를 끼워 트랙 주행에 대비했다.
브렘보에서 공급한 브레이크 시스템은 비록 카본 세라믹 로터는 아니지만 Z06보다도 더 큰 사이즈의 2피스 로터(15.4인치)를 달았다. Z07 섀시 패키지의 카본 세라믹 로터에 근접한 크기다.
DETROIT – The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is poised to challenge the most advanced sports coupes in the world in any measure – with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration.
“The Camaro ZL1 is designed to excel at everything,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a 2+2 coupe offering incredible performance – acceleration, handling and braking – with the highest levels of technology and perfect chassis damping, making it suitable for everyday driving. It will compare well to any sports coupe, at any price and in any setting.”
Acceleration for the ZL1 is delivered with a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine estimated at 640 hp (477 kW), and either a six-speed manual transmission with active rev matching or an all-new 10-speed automatic. Handling capability starts with the lightweight, stiffer structure of the all-new sixth-Gen Camaro, married with Magnetic Ride suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. Standard technologies include Driver Mode Selector, dual-mode exhaust and advanced connectivity features.
The Camaro ZL1 goes on sale late this year.
Designed for Performance
Functionality defines the Camaro ZL1’s form, with the exterior shaped during more than 100 hours of wind-tunnel testing and on-track validation to improve aerodynamics and cooling for track use. Accordingly, its exterior elements all play a part in managing airflow over, under and through the ZL1.
“The design supports the Camaro ZL1’s exceptional performance and does so with compelling style,” said John Mack, Camaro exterior design manager. “From every angle, the elements coalesce to give the car a purposeful, super aggressive attitude.”
The lower grille opening, for example, offers greater airflow compared to the Camaro SS, and the upper grille incorporates a new version of the “flow-tie” open bowtie insignia. There’s also a new hood, with a carbon fiber insert and heat extractor that pulls hot air from the engine compartment. Additional changes include a larger front splitter, unique rockers, a wing-style rear spoiler and wider front fenders – all tuned to improve aerodynamics for greater high-speed stability.
Inside, there are standard Recaro front seats, along with a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob. Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder is available.
Fast with finesse
A cohesive suite of performance technologies tailors ZL1’s performance for street and track. Features include an updated Magnetic Ride suspension, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited-slip differential, Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector. It also has a stronger power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor, weighing 200 pounds less, while offering approximately 60 more horsepower and 80 more pound-feet of torque.
The result is a one-of-a-kind driving experience.
“Driving the Camaro ZL1 is best described as ‘fast with finesse,’” said Reuss. “It is beautifully balanced, with perfect damping and isolation for optimal performance and driver confidence in virtually any situation – from the Pacific Coast Highway to Willow Springs to Pomona.”
Additional chassis features include:
Unique 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front and 305/30ZR20 rear tires
Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a compound and construction developed exclusively for the Camaro to offer exceptional grip on the track
Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc front calipers – featuring the ZL1 logo – and massive, 15.35-inch (390 mm) two-piece front rotors.
Supercharged performance and new 10-speed automatic
Underhood, the ZL1 features a supercharged LT4 6.2L V-8 Small Block engine, with intake and exhaust systems tailored for Camaro. It is rated at an estimated 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 lb-ft of torque (868 Nm).
The LT4 is backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or all-new, available paddle-shift 10-speed automatic. The 10-speed automatic has 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts.
This is the first Chevrolet application of the new quick-shift 10-speed, with unique calibrations and hardware developed exclusively for the ZL1. By the end of 2018, GM will introduce the new 10-speed automatic in eight vehicle models.
Finally – and unlike some competitors – there’s no need to purchase an optional package to make the ZL1 track ready. Track capability comes standard, with features including an impressive 11 heat exchangers for optimal powertrain cooling.
