Somehow, marketing people often focus on the big picture and forget that real enthusiasts and bench racers love to debate the merits of any and every small detail of a product. Following the Camaro ZL1 introduction at the Chicago Auto Show last week, both John Fitz – Camaro marketing manager, and Al Oppenhesier – chief engineer, answered questions in a web chat, hosted by Camaro5.com

A lot of ground was covered pretty quickly, but some tidbits were in there to be mined and here they are. First is a pretty telling statement from Oppenheiser; “I feel that to push the Camaro performance and technology to the limits is right and necessary, because at GM, we don’t just want to compete, we want to win!”

The folks looking after the engine expect a minimum of 550 hp using the 1.9-liter Eaton Generation 6 Supercharger. This is not the same unit that the ZR1 Corvette is being built with. The Eaton unit provides enhanced power through a wide rpm range, rather than just in a relatively narrow band.

Weight reduction has also been a top priority, both to improve performance and handling. A final weight distribution of 52/48 is anticipated. An example mentioned is the wheels and tires, which in total weigh 22 pounds less than the LS3 rolling stock. The ZL1’stires are 285/35R20 up front, with 305/35R20 in the rear, running on 10-inch front wheels and 11-inch rears.

Additional weight savings come from the car’s aluminum hood and carbon fiber insert. Some additional work remains to be done on the front splitter. They are looking to have the car generate a net downforce. The rear spoiler has spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel.

According to Oppenheimer, a third of the ZL-1 was redesigned from the SS, which it was based on. Most of the redesigned pieces were suspension and driveline components. The MR suspension will be standard on all ZL1’s and the car has been lowered by 7 mm, compared to the SS model. Also new with the ZL-1 are a GM-designed short-throw shifter and re-tuned traction and stability controls.

Those of you waiting to drop your deposit at the local dealer can keep collecting interest on it for a while yet. According to John Fitz, pricing will be announced later this year and dealers should be able to accept orders in the fourth quarter. On availability of the ZL-1, Fitz commented, “We do not think it will be nearly as rare as the Boss 302.”

You can read through the entire webchat transcript here, or visit the ZL-1 web site for current specs and to register for updates.