2017 Camaro ZL1 release date, specs: V8 muscle car runs with 640 horsepower

2017 Camaro ZL1Chevrolet

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 carries a V8 engine that packs a more serious level of power than its predecessor. It can now unleash 640 supercharged horsepower down the road, and it screams.

The engine has received an extra 60 bhp, thanks to the 6.2-liter LT4 engine from the Corvette Z06, which pushes out 640 lb.-ft. of torque. The upcoming model is considered to be the most powerful Camaro ever manufactured, the company website stated.

Future owners can choose the manner in which to transfer the engine's power down the tires, either through a six-speed self-stirrer with active rev matching and a sixth gear overdrive, or through a new 10-speed automatic transmission box. This was originally developed by Ford and will come with the F-150 Raptor later this year. The automatic transmission has an overall ratio of 7.39:1.

Wheels will come in a 20-inch size with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires at 285/30s at the front and 305/30s at the back. Deceleration will be handled by the 15.35-inch Brembo steel rotors with six piston calipers for the front, and large 14.37-inch one at the back, which will come with four piston grabbers.

Inside, Recaro seats, a flat-bottomed and suede-wrapped steering wheel and a gearstick provide great comfort but will not be enough to mask the roar of the dual-mode exhaust system underneath.

Outside are a big front splitter, wide wheel arches and a big rear spoiler -- typical of a muscle car on steroids. Aside from showing off, it also hides all those aero shields underneath its body, keeping everything cool. It even lowers the temperature of the engine oil via an auxiliary duct. This is the end result of 100 hours in the wind tunnel test.

There are also front brake cooling ducts, heat extractors at the engine compartment and 11 heat exchangers that will prevent a meltdown on track days.

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is expected to arrive later in the year and may carry a starting price of US$60,000.