Since the Chevrolet Camaro’s rebirth in 2010, sales have taken off right to the top of the pony car field, even outselling its main rival, the Ford Mustang. Yes, it does feel like 1969 all over again, as the pony car wars are continuing to heat up. Indeed the latest shot comes from the general is a 580-horsepower missile going by a familiar name… ZL1. 

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a born to race, special edition, one year only Camaro, limited to just 69 units. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has a few similarities to the ’69, but a lot more differences. 

For starters, there’s no big-block under the hood, instead it’s GM’s LSA 6.2-liter V8. That’s the same supercharged pushrod pumper found in the Cadillac CTS-V. Improved air flow for both intake and exhaust, as well as updates to the supercharger and intercooler, boost horsepower to 580 and torque to 556 pound feet. 

Another big difference from the original ZL1 that was designed strictly for drag racing, this new ZL1 feels at home on any type of track. As with just about every GM performance car to come along in the last decade, it was designed on Germany’s Nurburgring. While we didn’t sample it there, we did our laps at the closest thing we have in this country, VIR. Virginia International Raceway is a track with lots of high speeds, off camber turns, and elevation changes. It’s not for the faint of heart.  And neither is the ZL1. Starting with a Camaro SS, the ZL1 adds stiffer suspension bushings all around, a redesigned rear stabilizer bar, and most importantly, a new version of GM’s Magnetic Ride control.

And the result is… while it still feels a little on the heavy side, this car handles way better than you’re expecting. A new electric power steering unit feels neutral and is very responsive; the Performance Traction Management has five settings to suit track conditions or your driving experience. The Brembo brakes are by far the best we’ve ever experienced on a Camaro; it was hard to get our heads around using them as hard as we were. We didn’t get nearly enough laps to truly find their limits.

On the street, the ride is far from harsh, seating is comfortable, and the ZL1 is fairly well-mannered. 30% of the ZL1’s parts are unique, but most of them you can’t see, like aerodynamic enhancements under the body, a new rear differential that shares the transmission coolant, and additional pick-ups in the fuel tank. 

Exterior enhancements are much easier noticed, and include a big front splitter, a new grille that feeds large brake cooling ducts and a carbon fiber hood with vents that not only get air out of the engine bay but provide additional front end down force as well. There are also extended rockers and fenders, and of course a rear spoiler. 20-inch wheels are standard and wrapped in Good Year Eagle F1’s, 285/35’s up front, 305/35’s in the rear.    

Inside, the ZL1 gets a mild make-over with suede leather replacing the plastic trim on the dash and doors. The improved seats also get the suede treatment, and an optional Suede Package spreads hide onto the steering wheel and shifter as well.  It’s also loaded. Bluetooth, back-up cam, and even Head-up Display, are all standard. You have your choice of 6-speed transmissions, manual or automatic; and just as in the CTS-V, the automatic is actually quicker to 60 by a tenth at 3.9-seconds.  Top speed…180!

But, the manual achieves better Government Fuel Economy Ratings at 14-City and 19-Highway, while the automatic manages just 12 and 18. Those low numbers do warrant a Gas Guzzler Tax; still, much like the Chevrolet Corvette, the Camaro ZL1 delivers world class performance, without an exotic price tag, starting at just $54,995, with very few options available. 

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is a truly contemporary muscle car. More than just a flimsy pony car made for the drag strip, it’s a high performance missile that can streak around any corner. And, it has clearly shot the Camaro to the top of the pony car field for now. With a 650-horsepower Shelby GT 500 Mustang on the way, will the ZL1 stay there for long? Well we can’t wait to find out. Welcome back to the 60’s - peace, love, and muscle cars, baby!