2URGSE

Visiting a friend in Raleigh, NC, we stopped by the Chevy dealer since he's thinking of getting a Z06.

After checking out the Z06, I asked to test drive a Camaro ZL1. I've already drove a Camaro RS and Camaro SS convertible through Hertz rentals, so this time it was time to try out the baddest Camaro available.

Here are some specs, in case you need to get up to speed:

Engine: LSA, 6.2L Supercharged V8
Horsepower: 580
Torque: 556

Transmission: 6 speed manual

0-60 MPH: 4.1 seconds
1/4 mile: 12.3 @ 119 MPH

Let's start with the car's strong points

> Very aggressive styling. (my personal taste)
> Nice looking factory wheels.
> Massive brakes.

The engine sounds great right from the start. Pure muscle. The shifter and clutch are very easy to work with (the last time I drove an American muscle car was in a 2003 Mustang Cobra, and it wasn't as easy to drive)

The car is very easy to launch. No wheel spin or burnouts, it lurches forward very quickly for a 4120 lbs. car.

There is plenty of torque everywhere, I didn't even try to get to 60 MPH and it was there in a heartbeat.

The brakes work great as well, I can't remember if they are Brembo or something that GM came up with, but they stop very well.

I didn't really push it around the corners since I didn't find any.

All in all, I really missed driving a proper 6 speed manual, especially with this kind of engine. Too much fun!!!

Now for the not so brilliant

The interior needs some work. Most of it is covered with Alcantera which is nice, but the design of the HVAC buttons and the gauge cluster area need something more modern IMO.

Otherwise the car seemed very solid.

To sum it up, for the power, performance and the stance the car projects, I'd buy it.

aWorkOfArt

I would buy one too if they sold them here at the local dealer... too bad. Sound like you had a blast though!

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

yup another awesome Holden product! How did you like the view out of the Camaro? I felt its like sitting in a tank....I do miss my Gto sometimes...

ISFPOWER

iTrader: (20)

you were in raleigh and didn't meet up with me? shame on you.



did you go to hendricks chev?

pdiddy21

It'll be interesting when the SS starts to get compared. On another note I do miss having manual, but there are days the auto is nice too.

2URGSE

Sorry, but I was also looking at a job transfer. I didn't work out, but I might move out here someday.

Yes, Hendrick's Chevrolet. Nobody talked to us for about 15 minutes, I had to ask someone if they were interested in selling a car.....LOL

2URGSE

I'm 5'5 and it felt fine. No blind spots, I raised up the driver's seat all the way.

It's fun staring at the hood vents and of course hearing the supercharger whine as the RPM's climb.

Some clown in a mini-van and his kids (who were staring at the car) tried to race me (gunned his engine)



I told the salesman that if I move here, I might buy one from him. (Keep the ISF too)

bagwell

LOL, its a retro design, its supposed to look retro

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Sorry to hear this. I work for a Hendrick Automall on the West Coast, so I'm disappointed to hear about your experience with one of these corporate franchises

ISFGEORGE

wait till the Z/28 comes out.. Thats an awesome bang for your buck.. :-)

Gymkata

I'm not personally a huge fan of the styling or size of the thing. I have seriously considered getting one though. If there was a relatively easy way to drop about 300 lbs without sacrificing too much comfort, that would go a long way to making a really good car a great car.

2URGSE

No worries. No quite sure what happened there. Most of the sales people were inside. We were outside the showroom checking out the Z06's and other vettes. We actually almost left the place, and I finally said, I am going to give them a hint why we are here. I didn't make a big deal out of it.

Before we knew it, we had 4 salesmen helping us, we got to start up the Z06 and I took the ZL1 for a test drive.

Toys4RJill

Fantastic write up. I like the Camaro

I8ABMR

I am not a fan of American cars but I have always loved this car. I spent a week with the SS in Hawaii and it was amazing. I can only imagine this version. What a machine