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2017 Camaro ZL1 Beats Previous Generation’s Nürburgring Lap Time

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The new 2017 +Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, expected in showrooms by the end of this year, just beat the benchmark set by the last generation ZL1. With a lap time of 7:29.60, it is 11.67 faster faster than the last generation and even beat the last generation Z/28's time of 7:37.9 - which was done on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, far grippier than the Eagle F1 Supercar used on the ZL1. The car used is unchanged from the one you'll be able to buy, aside from the installation of data acquisition equipment, a roll hoop, and Sparco racing seats with six-point harnesses. Otherwise, the car was production stock and included the following:

  • 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V-8 making 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque
  • All-new 10R90 10-speed automatic transmission (set to Track mode to enable Performance Algorithm Shift calibration, providing optimal gear selection without the need to manually select gears)
  • FE4 Suspension with Magnetic Ride Control
  • Performance Traction Management
  • Forged 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires
  • Brembo brakes with front 15.4-inch rotors and six-piston calipers and rear 14.4-inch rotors and four-piston calipers
  • Lift-reducing front fascia elements with cooling ducts and Chevrolet “flowtie”
  • Full underbody shielding
  • ZL1-specific rear spoiler and diffuser
  • 11 heat exchanger

And best of all, with the exception of the 10 speed auto, all the above is included as standard, with no requirement to purchase additional performance packages. On a track like the 'Ring, the auto would have been worth a few seconds, I figure, with the number of shifts required so if you get it with the manual, you might close the gap compared to the last gen Z/28, but the time is still phenomenal and runs with plenty of very capable cars. A lot of times aren't official on Wikipedia or Fastest Laps aren't manufacturer official so they're hard to compare, but a notable victim is an AMG-confirmed lap time of lap time of 7:30.0 for a 2013 SLS AMG GT.  Plus, beating the mighty 5th gen Z/28 by over 8 seconds is quite a feat, since we've seen that Z/28 beat cars like the GT-R, 991 Turbo S, and Mercedes-AMG GT S when tested by Motor Trend or Car and Driver. This should be one heck of a tough car to beat on track. I can't wait to see how it does in a comparison test. Until then, here's a video of the lap:





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