Nadim and his MotorShow team took the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for a comprehensive drive in Dubai.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 walks the thin line that separates where the everyday meets the racetrack.
The ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 881 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 300 km/h. It also has a track-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, which help it to handle well on a racetrack.
However, the ZL1 is also comfortable enough to drive on a daily basis. It has a relatively quiet cabin and a comfortable ride. The seats are supportive and the interior is well-appointed. The ZL1 also has a number of features that make it practical for everyday driving, such as a trunk and a rear seat.
The Camaro's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is a well-behaved and tractable engine that makes power all over the rev range. Whether paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission or the available 10-speed automatic, the supercharged small-block V-8 is an absolute juggernaut. The quick-shifting automatic nets so-equipped ZL1s even quicker acceleration times than those fit with the stick. Even in lesser forms, the Camaro is a satisfying handler with quick and communicative steering, a balanced rear-drive chassis, and a surprisingly supple ride. The ZL1 only heightens these qualities. Its adaptive dampers change their stiffness based on the selected drive mode, but even the hardcore modes don't ruin the car's decent, if firm, ride.
Still, every ZL1 is well-equipped out of the box. Standard equipment includes power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. When it comes to the ZL1, performance and style take precedence over all other matters. As such, there is very little interior stash space for small items. It's an almost tacit admission on Chevrolet's part that the Camaro comfortably seats only two human beings.
The Chevrolet Camaro's infotainment system is one of the easiest to use in the industry. It has clear menus and large on-screen buttons, making it easy to navigate. The system also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which allows you to connect your phone to the car's infotainment system without having to use a cable.
The ZL1 trim level of the Camaro comes standard with nearly every available infotainment option that Chevrolet charges extra for on lesser Camaros. This includes a Bose audio system, a wireless phone charger, and a head-up display.
The Bose audio system is a high-quality system that provides excellent sound quality. The wireless phone charger is a convenient way to charge your phone without having to plug it in. The head-up display projects important information onto the windshield, such as your speed and navigation directions.
Overall, the Chevrolet Camaro's infotainment system is one of the best in the industry. It is easy to use, has a variety of features, and comes standard with many of the options that are typically only available on higher trim levels.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes standard with a handful of key driver-assistance technology features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Front pedestrian detection
- Following distance indicator
However, if you select the convertible body style or the optional performance data and video recorder (PDR) on the coupe, you will not have forward-collision alert (FCA).
The reason for this is that the FCA system uses a camera mounted behind the windshield to detect vehicles and objects ahead of the car. The convertible does not have this camera, and the PDR system uses the same camera as the FCA system.
To hear Nadim's feedback from inside the latest Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, watch the video at the end of the album below: