Some of the numbers from the 2017 ZL1 are impressive– A 640 horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8, a 3.3 second zero to 60, and an 11-second quarter mile. But these exciting numbers just had to be matched with some not-so-exciting ones– the $60,000+ price tag, the gas mileage… oh, gosh, the gas mileage.
We wouldn’t say we were surprised to find out the fuel efficiency on this high-performance version was pretty harsh when compared to its base, but that doesn’t change the fact that these are some low, low numbers. The EPA just released their official fuel economy estimates for the 2017 ZL1 and, turns out, these babies will only be getting roughly 15 miles per gallon. Ooouch.
Those equipped with the manual transmission are estimated to get 14mpg city and 20mpg on the highway. The new ten-speed automatic transmission gets the same 20mpg on the highway, but gets less than the manuals around town, 12mpg.
The EPA estimates it takes $54 to fill up the 19 gallon fuel tank and owners will spend roughly $2,750 a year on gas. When compared to the average new vehicle owner, those with a ZL1 will spend $7,000 more on gas over the course of 5 years.
Sure, we know these numbers suck. But, we also know the amazingness that is the 2017 ZL1 will make up for some (if not all) of that cash and time spent at your local gas station… because racecar.