Overview
In a segment full of burbling American muscle, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 proves stereotypes are as good as garbage thanks to its great handling, sharp steering, and stonking powertrain. Beneath the hood is a 650-hp supercharged pushrod V-8 borrowed from the last-generation C7 Corvette Z06. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the ZL1 and zanier ZL1 1LE are each offered with either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. While a convertible is available with either transmission, only the ZL1 coupe is eligible for the 1LE track performance package that adds an adjustable suspension, extreme performance tires, and carbon fiber goodies—and even goes as far as deleting the rear seats. This is a Camaro on steroids but it won’t be around for much longer, as Chevy announced production of its storied muscle car will end January 2024.
What’s New for 2024?
Chevy is saying goodbye to Camaro and Camaro ZL1 in 2024 as the model ends production in January. Before taking it out back for good Chevy will produce a ZL1 Collector’s Edition, limited to only 350 cars. The Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition gets Panther Black matte paint, black stripes, black 20-inch wheels, and additional graphics to the Camaro door badges and steering wheel. The collectible ZL1 also comes with a special Shinola watch to match the limited-edition Camaro.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The coupe with the standard manual transmission is our ZL1 of choice. While the 650-hp model’s optional 1LE Extreme Track Performance package is transformative and tempting, its overly stiff suspension setup makes the ZL1 too hard to live with as an everyday vehicle.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Camaro’s 650-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is a well-behaved and tractable engine that makes power all over the rev range. Whether paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission or the available 10-speed automatic, the supercharged small-block V-8 is an absolute juggernaut with 650 pound-feet of torque. The quick-shifting automatic nets so-equipped ZL1s even quicker acceleration times than those fit with the stick. Even in lesser forms, the Camaro is a satisfying handler with quick and communicative steering, a balanced rear-drive chassis, and a surprisingly supple ride. The ZL1 only heightens these qualities. Its adaptive dampers change their stiffness based on the selected drive mode, but even the hardcore modes don’t ruin the car’s decent, if firm, ride. Want more? Grab the 1LE Extreme Track Performance package—available only on the coupe—that vaults the ZL1’s lateral performance into supercar territory. The package’s wider and stickier tires, manually adjustable front suspension, and exclusive spool-valve dampers help chew up racetracks and spit out happy drivers. The ZL1 stops from 70 mph in 143 feet, and the ZL1’s brake pedal operates with a firmness befitting a performance car.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The words “Camaro ZL1” and “fuel efficient” shouldn’t be used together in a sentence unless the phrase “is not” separates them. With the automatic transmission, the ZL1 is rated at 13 mpg city and 21 highway. With the manual, the ZL1 returns an estimated 14 mpg city and 20 highway. The manual-equipped ZL1 1LE we ran on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, returned a measly 17 mpg. For more information about the Camaro’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Turns out 650 horsepower and a ZL1 badge do nothing to erase the current-generation Camaro’s woeful outward visibility. It suffers from the same thick roof pillars and high windowsills that plague all Camaros. Still, every ZL1 is well-equipped out of the box. Standard equipment includes power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. When it comes to the ZL1, performance and style take precedence over all other matters. As such, there is very little interior stash space for small items. It’s an almost tacit admission on Chevrolet’s part that the Camaro comfortably seats only two human beings. Behind the useless rear seats is a nearly as useless trunk that’s accessed via an oddly shaped opening.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Chevrolet’s touchscreen infotainment system is among the industry’s easier-to-use units, with clear menus and large on-screen buttons. It includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The ZL1 comes standard with nearly every available infotainment option Chevy charges extra for on lesser Camaros, such as a Bose audio system, wireless phone charger, and a head-up display.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The ZL1 comes with a handful of key driver-assistance technology features. However, if you select either the convertible body style or the optional performance data and video recorder on the coupe, you’ll have to make do without forward-collision alert. For more information about the Camaro’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard forward-collision warning (coupe only)
- Standard rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The ZL1’s coverage is typical for the industry, but Chevrolet covers the cost of the car’s first service for scheduled maintenance, provided it happens within the first year of ownership.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
PRICE AS TESTED
$75,985 (base price: $72,195)
ENGINE TYPE
supercharged and intercooled pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
376 cu in, 6162 cc
Power
650 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque
650 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.4-in vented disc/14.4-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R, F: 305/30R-19 (98Y) TPC, R: 325/30R-19 (101Y) TPC
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.7 in
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 74.7 in
Height: 52.0 in
Passenger volume: 83 cu ft
Trunk volume: 9 cu ft
Curb weight: 3886 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 3.4 sec
100 mph: 7.4 sec
150 mph: 19.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.1 sec
¼-mile: 11.5 sec @ 124 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 190 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 137 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 268 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.17 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 16/13/21 mpg
