Peter Palmer: 2017 Chevy Camaro: Envelope Pushing, Home Run Hitting

Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

The Chevrolet Fountain is a true centerpiece of Comerica Park. When one of our beloved Tigers launches a ball into the green wall, the fountain sends water high into the air. A ball in the Chevrolet Fountain is a bonafide home run.

A Camaro is actually parked on the fountain.

Similar to players in the big leagues, swinging for the fences was Chevy’s mantra with the 2017 Camaro ZL1. It’s the most powerful production Camaro yet.

The ZL1’s ten-speed transmission plays a major role in the car’s performance. Furthermore, the 1LE, a track-inspired machine, helps reinvent the Camaro namesake.

“Building on Chevrolet’s well-established recipe for track-focused performance, the new 1LE packages expand the performance envelope of the Camaro SS and, for the first time, the Camaro LT.” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer.

Chevy believes intently in the new Camaro.

“The Camaro ZL1 offers supercar performance with daily-driver refinement, a combination that stacks up against any other sports coupe – at any price – around the world,” said Steve Majoros, Director, Chevrolet marketing.

Vital Stats: ZL1

The ZL1, with the available 10-speed automatic transmission, hits 60 in 3.5 seconds and runs a quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph. Conversely, 60 to 0 is achieved in 107 feet. The ZL1 shed 220 pounds, allowing the LT4 6.2L V8 engine to work its magic.

The Camaro ZL1 is rated at 650 horsepower. Max cornering is 1.02 g.

Vital Stats: LT 1LE & SS 1LE

The Camaro LT 1LE hits 60 in 5.2 seconds. Comparatively, the SS 1LE reaches 60 in 4.2 seconds. Max cornering on the LT 1LE is 0.97 g, compared with 1.02 g max cornering on the SS 1LE. Braking from 60 to 0 is close, although the LT 1LE is not as quick as the SS 1LE – 112 feet versus 107 feet respectively.

Availability & Packages

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 coupe starts at $62,135, $69,135 for convertibles. The 1LE package is a $4,500 option on Camaro V6 LT coupe, $6,500 on the V8 1SS coupe. The 1LE package on LT coupes features the SS’s FE3 suspension, while the 1SS gets the ZL1’s electronic limited-slip differential, and FE4 suspension with Magnetic Ride dampers.

“You’ll be hard-pressed to find more track-capable cars in their respective classes for the money,” Oppenheiser said.

The 2017 Chevy Camaro arrives later this year.

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.