By now you’ve probably figured out that Chevy was serious about performance when they created the new ZL1. Match a 580hp supercharged V8 engine, capable of churning out 556 ft-lbs of torque, with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, disc brakes, 3.73 rear-end gears and special race-ready suspension, and you’ve got yourself an epic combination. However, the performance aspect of the ZL1 goes beyond the car’s major mechanical components. In fact, even the styling of the car was designed with performance in mind. Check out the video we found on Camaro5 above to see just how much performance Chevy really packed into the most powerful factory Camaro ever built.

In the video, GM Performance Design Director Tom Peters walks around the new ZL1 and explains performance details of the new model. If anyone knows about every performance aspect of the 2012 Camaro ZL1, he’s the guy.

Some of the aspects Peters talks about are the large front bumper opening for better cooling, hood vent that helps with cooling as well as down force, dual-exhaust, and the complete aero package which includes the front splitter, side rocker splitters and rear spoiler. Even the front grill spacing and angles were designed specifically with performance in mind, styled to move air into the engine and out to the sides for brake cooling. Peters also discusses the wide front and rear tires, which help give the car its menacing stance and more stability and grip.

While the exterior of the ZL1 sports many performance-designed components, so does the interior. Peters talks about the race-inspired steering wheel, shifter and seats, all complete with Alcantara Leather, as well as the heads-up display and overall interior ergonomics.

We knew that the ZL1 was built to be a performance machine, but what we didn’t realize was just how many little details contributed to the overall performance of the car. Stay tuned to LSXMAG for a look at our own experience behind the wheel of one of the new ZL1s coming up soon!