New Camaro ZL1 To Get Same 650-Horsepower Rating As C7 Corvette Z06

Under a number of circumstances, the trickle-down process in the realm of high-performance GM cars usually begins with the Corvette. In fact, in the earlier days, there sometimes weren’t any hand-me-downs from the highest-end Corvettes, such as the all-conquering L88 427 that was produced from 1967-69. It was never fitted to any other GM model beyond those mere 216 Chevy two-seaters; 20 in 1967, 80 in 1968 and 116 in 1969.

In another example for 1970, the first LT-1 350 appeared in the Corvette and Camaro Z/28 at the same time. The Corvette’s LT-1 got a 370-horsepower rating, while the Z/28 was rated at 360.

The only real example we can think of where the Camaro got a “better” engine before the Corvette was when the new-for-’67 Camaro could be optioned with the then new 350 cubic-inch small-block in SS models, while the last mid-year ’67 Corvette soldiered on with the 327 in its two variations of 300 and 350 horsepower. It also made do with 327s for 1968, as the Corvette wasn’t available with a 350 until 1969. For the second-year (and many say the best) Shark ‘Vette there were also two versions available including the base 300-horse 350 and a 350/350, before the new 350/370 LT-1 came out in 1970.

These days, we’re happy to report the Camaro and Corvette pretty much share the wealth across the board when it comes to high-performance models– albeit with the Camaro typically 10 ponies behind. And a good example of this is the 2014-15, 5th-Gen Camaro Z/28 that was blessed with what many consider to be the best C6 Corvette engine of all; the now legendary dry-sump-equipped 7.0-liter LS7. With basically the same 427-cube displacement as that now 50-year-old L88, the LS7 variant of the LS engine line is a halo piece to be sure and it will certainly age as gracefully as the big-block L88 has, if not more so. And the LS7 was rated at 505 horsepower in both the Z06 and Z/28.

So now, we are at a place where other GM cars come very come close or match the Corvette’s performance prowess and reports that the sixth-gen 2017, ZL1’s 650-horsepower rating is now out, it can be said that the 6.2-liter LT4 in the Camaro ZL1 now matches the LT4 in the Z06.

Not that 640 was a long way off, mind you, but the fact that the Camaro version of the LT4 now goes door-to-door with the Corvette LT4 is certainly fine by us.

The 107-page order guide posted on Camaro6, ahead of an official General Motors announcement of the final specs was where the info was obtained. When GM unveiled the ZL1 at the 2016 New York Auto Show back in March, it quoted figures of 640 horsepower and 640 lb.-ft. of torque, adding the 10 horsepower and 10 lb.-ft. to match the C7 Z06.

Apparently, GM isn’t that worried about the Camaro stealing the Corvette’s thunder, or overshadowing the Cadillac CTS-V luxury sedan, which retains the 640-horsepower rating with its LT4. The ZL1 also debuts a new 10-speed automatic co-developed with Ford, while the Corvette Z06 and CTS-V use an eight-speed automatic. The Corvette Z06 is also available with a seven-speed manual, while the ZL1 can be optioned with a trusty Tremec TR6060 six-speed.

Even with a 10-horsepower bump, though, the ZL1 might not match the 707-horsepower output of the portly Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi Hellcat may still be the most powerful production V8 ever produced, but the ZL1 will likely be the more well rounded of the two. The much lighter Camaro and its more sophisticated suspension should make the ZL1 a better track car and will likely be about as quick in a late-night “test-n-tune” run due to a minimum 700-pound weight advantage. As far as us LS/LT fans here at LSX Mag are concerned, we say: bring it!

The ZL1 coupe will go on sale later this year in coupe form, while convertible models will follow in early 2017. Place your order today.

About the author

Miles Cook

Miles Cook began his automotive writing career at SEMA, then spent a year at Turbo & Hi-Tech Performance covering the ’90s import scene. He then worked for Car Craft magazine, where he became the de-facto Ford guy on the staff. Next, he went to Mustang Monthly where all Mustangs were the mainstay. Miles is well versed in vintage and late model Mustangs as well as GM, Ford, and Mopar musclecars. His expansive background ensures that Miles is right at home writing for Power Automedia.
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