2011 SLP ZL585 Camaro

Over the years, the super-tuning specialists at SLP Performance Parts have blown us away with their muscle car wizardry. Their latest endeavor is this ZL585, an ultra high-performance Camaro SS with some serious whiplash potential. With the addition of a Blackwing Cold-Air Induction system, output from the supercharged 6.2-liter aluminum block V8 now rates, as the name implies, 585 horsepower. That’s 159 more than a stock Camaro SS, and 10 more than the ZL575 we tested last year. Torque stands at a cool 550 pound-feet.

To pump up the senses further, SLP crafted model-specific engine covers to bracket the supercharger assembly. And the 585’s deeper growl comes from one of two available exhausts setups:  The guttural PowerFlo system or the even more muscular Loudmouth II. But the proof in the pudding comes at grabbing the new short-throw shifter for our test car’s six-speed manual, with sights on a 0 to 60 of 3.6 seconds – 2/10ths faster than the 575 - and a quarter mile sprint of 11.5 seconds at 122 miles per hour. Only 250 ZL585 manuals will see the light of day, with another 250 automatics enduring a slight downgrade as ZL560s.

For dynamics, the ZL585 uses a performance-tuned sport suspension spring package.  An optional coil-over spring/shock package and sway bar package elevates this handling equation. And to bring this beast to a halt, SLP offers two Brembo Brake upgrades: either a GT Brake package or a Sport Disc Brake system. The ZL585 meets the ground with either stock P Zeros on redline 20-inch wheels, or optional Michelin PS2s on inch wider rims. Visually, the new ZL585 is Detroit muscle to the max. It now wears a new lower-front splitter and a new rear diffuser with integrated exhaust outlets. The stock cockpit remains heavy on heritage and throwback appeal.  ZL enhancements, aside from the embroidered headrests and dash plaque, include new Katzkin leather seating surfaces.

The 2011 SLP ZL585 starts at $56,000, and they’re going…fast!

 

<!--

"The Vue Two-Mode Hybrid proves that power and efficiency can coexist, and in a modern crossover you can have them both without skimping on any ability." – Ben Davis

-->