Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Powers into HSV Range

Published: 01 March 2019

Pictured: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

HSV today announced that Chevrolet’s most powerful performance production Camaro – the ZL1 – would be added to its 2019 model line-up.

A brand synonymous with higher performance, HSV is re-engineering the legendary Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Australia and New Zealand markets; the first manufacturer to do so with full volume compliance.

The ZL1 challenges the most advanced sports coupes in the world with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration, with feature highlights including:

6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing
6-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching and Launch Control functionality or a 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission with Custom Launch Control, Line-Lock and Lift-Foot Gear Hold technology
Magnetic Ride Control dampers
Electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential
Brembo performance brakes with 6-piston monobloc front calipers and 390mm two-piece front rotors
Bi-modal performance exhaust system
20” 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels
Recaro performance seats
Sueded flat-bottom sports profile steering wheel and gear shifter
Sport alloy pedals

Performance

The ZL1 is the pinnacle of Camaro performance thanks to its 6.2L LT4 supercharged V8 making it the most powerful production Camaro ever built.

The Direct Injection V8 power-plant, with Variable Valve Timing, features an external heavy-duty oil-to-air cooler that helps the engine generate peak performance. Track capability comes standard with features including 11 heat exchangers for optimal powertrain cooling, while the engine’s supercharger is integrated into the intake manifold and fuel rail system for incredibly precise operation.

Gear changes on the ZL1 are equally precise thanks to the choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters.

The 6-speed manual transmission features a short-throw shifter and Active Rev Matching which anticipates down-shifts with throttle blips for smooth, precise shifting. This transmission also features hill-hold and launch control technology.

The 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission helps maintain optimum rpm levels with quick, precise shifts and features three exciting technologies; Custom Launch Control, Line-Lock and Lift-Foot Gear Hold.

Custom Launch Control modifies engine torque for optimised acceleration off the line. It keeps the rear tyres spinning at the correct speed and allows you to adjust both your launch rpm and wheel slippage through the Driver Information Centre.

The Line-Lock feature lets you lock the front wheels to enable the rear wheels to spin (and heat), warming the tyres for maximum grip. This feature is intended for use during closed-course track events only.

Lift-Foot Gear Hold, also available with the 10-speed paddle-shift automatic, holds a lower gear in corners, even when you back off the throttle.

While power and torque figures are still subject to local certification, the company expects to confirm ZL1 maximum power & torque in the vicinity of 480kW and 860Nm respectively.

The ZL1’s wealth of performance technologies make this iconic sports car equally at home on the road or track.

Complementing the vehicle’s Independent Rear Suspension is Magnetic Ride Control which reads the road conditions and monitors each wheel independently to change damping in just 10-15 milliseconds. Using shocks filled with magnetorheological fluid containing minute iron particles, the system continually adjusts vertical suspension to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and superior ride quality.

The vehicle’s electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) continuously modulates torque split to enhance high-speed stability and traction and optimise turn in response and acceleration out of corners.

With great power comes the need for equally great stopping power. The ZL1 boasts a track-inspired Brembo brake package with 6-piston monobloc front calipers and 390mm x 36mm two-piece front rotors for superior stopping performance and reduced fade.

The vehicle’s Driver Mode Control blends exhilaration with innovation, offering four distinctive drive modes – Tour, Sport, Track and Snow/Ice – that deliver four radically unique driving experiences.

Then there’s the vehicle’s Bi-modal performance exhaust which lets you open up the valves, in Sport or Track driving modes, for a richer, full-bodied, more aggressive exhaust note.

Styling

Every surface of the ZL1 is designed for maximum downforce. Massive upper and lower grille openings allow maximum cooling while aerodynamic enhancements like the unique bonnet, with carbon-fibre composite hood air extractor and wing-style rear spoiler, help reduce lift and increase downforce to keep the ZL1 glued to the tarmac.

The aggressive front splitter and rocker mouldings complete this sophisticated aero package.

From the High Intensity Discharge headlamps at the front to the black-grained diffuser and vent at the rear, and the stunning 20”, 10 split-spoke forged alloy wheels in Dark Graphite, everything about this iconic machine takes high-performance to a higher level.

Comfort and Innovation

The high performance theme is carried over seamlessly to the cockpit of the ZL1.

RECARO® front bucket performance seats with aggressive bolsters are the first sign that the ZL1 cockpit has been tailored for the track. The seats are heated, ventilated and power adjustable and feature Jet Black leather appointments, red accents and sueded microfibre inserts. Ideal for high-g cornering, the driver’s seat also features memory settings.

A flat-bottom, sports profile steering wheel, wrapped in sueded microfibre, delivers ultimate grip and gives the driver more legroom, especially when quick heel/toe shifting is required.

Entertainment in the ZL1 is delivered by Chevrolet’s next generation Infotainment 3 system which includes an 8” diagonal high-definition colour touch-screen, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for compatible phones, voice-activated technology for radio and phone, Bluetooth® audio streaming for two users as well as the ability to create multiple profiles.

Dual zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio and 24 colour Interior Spectrum Lighting enhance interior ambience.

From a safety perspective, front, side, curtain and knee airbags come standard in the ZL1 along with a host of proactive safety technologies including Rear Park Assist, rear-view camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Head-up Display.

An innovative rear camera mirror is also provided, offering the driver a less obstructed view of the world behind them. When turned on, the mirror provides a wide view without the obstruction of headrests, C-pillars, rear seat passengers or cargo. A camera, tucked away under the rear spoiler, facilitates a real-time display with zoom, vertical tilt and brightness adjustments.

Said HSV’s Managing Director, Tim Jackson, of the addition of the ZL1 to HSV’s Camaro line-up, “HSV has always had a history steeped in high-performance and the introduction of the ZL1 – the most powerful production Camaro available in the world - really sings to HSV’s heritage. We’re sure the GM faithful, and performance enthusiasts alike, will be excited by our latest move.”

Recommended Retail Pricing of HSV’s MY19 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will start from $159,990.

Local re-manufacturing of the ZL1 with 10-speed paddle-shift automatic, will commence at HSV’s new facility in Clayton South, Victoria, in April, with build of the 6-speed manual variant to kick-off in May.

Recommended Retail Pricing ($A)

MY19 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (6-speed manual transmission): $159,990

N.B. Model pricing quoted is Recommended Retail Pricing and includes Luxury Car Tax but does not include either a Dealer Delivery Fee or Government Charges.

Options ($A)

10-speed automatic transmission: $2,200
Metallic Paint (Crush/Garnet Red Tintcoat): $850

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Powers into HSV Range

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