Photos: Ontario Camaro Club

This past weekend saw the Camaro faithful gather in Oshawa, Ontario, where General Motors builds all Camaros. An estimated 2,000 people and 800 cars arrived in the GM Canada headquarters town, making trips from as far away as Louisiana, Rhode Island, Texas and Florida.

The annual event, organized by the Ontario Camaro Club, drew special attention this year for the 45th Anniversary of GM’s pony car. A special edition Camaro marking the 45th Anniversary, as well as the previously announced ZL1 Camaro were shown publicly in Canada for the first time.

Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer, was on hand for the event and revealed a few new tidbits about the highly-anticipated ZL1. Though it should come as no surprise, the 2012 ZL1 will be available with the same Performance Traction Management system found on Corvette’s ZR1. This provides launch control, traction control, active handling and selective ride control systems for the previously announced magnetic ride suspension.

When first announced at the Chicago Auto Show, ZL1’s 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine was said to have “at least” 550 horsepower. Oppenheiser indicated that the final number will be higher than that, adding that it will exceed the 556 HP level of Cadillac’s CTS-V engine. For those with a lazy left foot, or else looking for maximum consistency on the drag strip, the ZL1 will also be made available with an automatic transmission.

“Camaro owners are some of our most passionate and loyal customers and we’re thrilled to show our appreciation to them with this event,” acknowledged Kevin Williams, president and managing director, General Motors of Canada.