ZL-1: Tracing the Legacy of the Ultimate Camaro

[Drew Dowdell]

ZL-1: Tracing the Legacy of the Ultimate Camaro

Media Gallery: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro LZ-1

CHICAGO – Chevrolet announced the 2012 Camaro ZL1, the highest-performing model in the car's 45-year history and the most technically sophisticated.

Until now, the ZL1 designation was never an official model name, but the newest and most high-tech Camaro takes its name from the most exclusive and elite Camaro in history – one that was never intended for production. ZL1 was the code name for the 427-cubic-inch, all-aluminum big-block engine developed for Corvette race cars in the late 1960s, but found its way into a small number of 1969 Camaros. From there, a legend was born.

When the muscle car war was at its peak in the '60s, enterprising and racing-minded dealers did everything they could to get more powerful cars from the factory. Some Chevrolet dealers discovered that the company's special order system known as COPO – the acronym for Central Office Production Order – could be used for higher-performance powertrains. It was intended for dealers to place custom orders for things like special paint packages for fleet vehicles, not building factory hot rods. Nevertheless, Camaro-hungry dealers used the system to request larger, 427-cubic-inch engines and other equipment that wasn't available in regular-production models.

The ZL1 427 engine was originally developed as a racing engine for the Can Am series, where early all-aluminum 427 engines had delivered encouraging results in vehicles such as the groundbreaking Chaparral 2F race car. It was similar to Chevrolet's L-88 427 engine, which had an iron engine block and aluminum heads, but the ZL1's aluminum block reduced the engine's overall weight by more than 100 pounds. That was a tremendous benefit for racing, not only because of the obvious weight savings, but it also enhanced the race cars' overall balance.

In 1969, Illinois-based Chevy dealer Fred Gibb stretched the COPO system to its limit when he ordered 50 Camaros with the new ZL1 racing engine. The idea was to pack the most powerful engine available from Chevrolet into otherwise regular Camaros and sell them to racers. The ZL1 engine was officially rated at 430 horsepower, but was known to produce more than 500.

Despite never being intended for use in a regular-production car, Gibb's COPO order was fulfilled – but not before a few other dealers got wind of it. They ordered a few, too, and production totaled 69 Camaros (two production Corvettes also were built with the engine).

Those original ZL1-equipped Camaros carried a special-order price of nearly $4,200 for the engine package, essentially doubling the total price of the car. Not surprisingly, those little-known and expensive Camaros with the new engine didn't sell quickly, although they were capable of running 11-second quarter-mile times. Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, Mich., for example, ordered a ZL1, but it sat on the showroom floor for more than a year and required a significant discount before it finally sold.

More than 40 years later, the original ZL1-powered Camaros are among the most valuable collector cars. Their exceptionally low production numbers, exotic engine and "king of the hill" mythology fuels their demand. And because they were ordered and used as drag racers, few of the cars remain intact today – even fewer still have their original engine – making them all the more special to enthusiasts and collectors.

The ZL1 option was not found in any 1969 Camaro catalog, but the original cars hold a very special place in Chevrolet's performance heritage – thanks to a few clever dealers.

The new 2012 Camaro ZL1 will be powered by the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, producing at least 550 horsepower (410 kW), and featuring advanced technology including Magnetic Ride Control, the world's fastest-reacting suspension system.

<embed src='http://gm.pb.feedroom.com/gm/gm/embedoneclip/player.swf?Environment=&SiteID=gm&SiteName=General Motors&SkinName=embedoneclip&ChannelID=&StoryID=c9d96a1020c9dd6c579ae84f88e46a029dadcda6&Volume=.5&tilenumber=&tilemargin=&videoratio=&detailsheight=&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.MaximumNumberOfStories=&AutoPlay=false' allowFullScreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' height='229' width='280'></embed>

[ZL-1]

I feel honored

[Drew Dowdell]

Updated with media gallery pics

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Love it!

[daves87rs]

[AAS]

Frickin sweet, and I like that they called it ZL-1!

[Camino LS6]

Been expecting this, glad it happened this way.

[ocnblu]

Over the top hottest vehicle EVER. Truly a bright light in the currently dark GM tunnel.

[hyperv6]

Been expecting this, glad it happened this way.

It was just a couple weeks ago I PM you that I hoped they would go with ZL1.

Scott again leaves a lot of clues in what he does not say. LOL!

I am glad they did a special hood on this. They needed to change the Camaro up a little.

THe rear tires are monsters. Combine these with the better suspension it should own the Shelby on the track. Also I am glad they trashed the old steering wheel.

Note the interior is as much of a upgrade we are going to see for 2012. Scott said people should not expect a major change in the 5th gen. Since they are already working on the new car we may only see minor changes.

Note the Z/28 is still in play somewhere. From what I was told some are thinking they could use it in a Boss competitor.

One new Zeta down and one more to come to Chicago. Hmmm a Chevelle sports sedan?

One thing to remember this car is still old GM stuff. Just think what they may be working on now! This engine in a smaller Alpha with few buget limitations?

Edited February 9, 2011 by hyperv6

[Northstar]

What makes you think there's another Zeta coming? I'm pretty sure this is it...

[hyperv6]

What makes you think there's another Zeta coming? I'm pretty sure this is it...

Sorry I reread the GM post I saw. I thought there were two Zetas planned but there was only one and that is the ZL1. Will have to wait a little longer for the Sport Sedan.

[Camino LS6]

I get the feeling that Z/28 will have to wait for Alpha.

[smk4565]

What do we think it will cost, $50,000? It will probably steal Corvette sales, but Vette sales are low anyway.

[Robert Hall]

What do we think it will cost, $50,000? It will probably steal Corvette sales, but Vette sales are low anyway.

I figure it will be similarly priced to the GT500, which is well north of $50k normally...add in the dealer markup, I would expect it will be about the same as the CTS-v..