2017 Camaro ZL1 release date, specs: New trials reveal powerful AM powertrain

Chevrolet Pressroom

Coming to showrooms later this year, the new 2017 Camaro ZL1 is getting positive feedback from fans and observers alike.

Just recently, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 was spotted being tested at the Nürburgring, and for a turbo-charged wonder just north of $60,000, the upcoming new Camaro highlights speed and performance for both manual and automatic (the new 10-speed feature) options. Indeed, this was the promise of GM and Chevrolet when they unveiled the 2017 edition earlier this year. According to 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."

Surprisingly, the Nürburgring trials seem to favor the new automatic 2017 Camaro ZL1, although it is said that there are also tests phases for the manual version. The new automatic edition features a 10-speed gearbox co-engineered by Ford. Meanwhile, the manual option offers the traditional 6-speed transmission.

Under the hood, the ZL1 shares the same hardware with the Cadillac ATS-V, with rear-drive configuration based on the Alpha platform. This gives the 2017 Camaro maximized power for its supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 small-block with 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque powertrain. This makes it significantly more powerful than the Mustang Shelby GT350 with its 526-hp block. Meanwhile, its design and overall configuration also makes it a powerful competitor with the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, even with its 707-hp motor.

Although Chevrolet has yet to announce a specific release date fort the 2017 Camaro ZL1, the car maker has already confirmed that the new Camaro addition is scheduled for a late 2016 release.