Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (2017–2024, 6th Gen): LT4 Muscle, Alpha Precision
Historical context and development background
The 6th-generation Camaro ZL1 arrived for the 2017 model year as Chevrolet’s sharpest-edged Camaro to date. Built on GM’s Alpha platform—shared with the contemporary Cadillac ATS/CTS—it shed significant mass versus the prior Zeta-based fifth-gen, then layered on serious hardware: the LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8, electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD), and either Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) dampers or, in 1LE guise, Multimatic’s race-bred DSSV spool-valve hardware. Al Oppenheiser’s Camaro team targeted the global benchmark set by cars such as the Ford Shelby GT350/GT500 and Dodge’s SRT Hellcat, and the objective performance shows the intent.
Design-wise, the ZL1 differentiated itself with a deep fascia feeding eleven heat exchangers, a vented hood with a heat-extracting insert, flared rockers, and functional aero. From the outset, Chevrolet offered the ZL1 as both coupe and convertible; a 10-speed automatic (10L90) co-developed within a joint program with Ford followed alongside the 6-speed Tremec manual. The apex specification, the ZL1 1LE Track Package (coupe only), arrived for 2017 and promptly set a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap of 7:16.04, with development driver Bill Wise at the wheel. Even the standard ZL1 posted a 7:29.60—territory once reserved for blue-blood exotics.
Motorsport notes and competitor landscape
While the production ZL1 is a road car, its technology migrates from and to Chevrolet’s track programs. The eLSD logic, Performance Traction Management (PTM), and cooling strategy reflect lessons from Corvette development and GM’s proving-ground work. Its period rivals varied in flavor: naturally aspirated precision from Ford’s GT350R evolving to the supercharged GT500, and brute-force thrust from Dodge’s Hellcat/Redeye. The ZL1’s unique selling point was balance—usable aero, excellent brake capacity, and endurance-level cooling that made repeated lapping plausible straight from the showroom.
Engine and technical specs
At the heart is GM’s LT4: an all-aluminum, 6.2-liter pushrod V8 with an Eaton TVS R1740 (1.7 L) supercharger nestled in the valley, liquid-to-air charge cooling, and direct fuel injection. It’s a torque-rich package tuned for a broad plateau rather than a peaky crescendo, and in the Camaro it’s paired to short, effective axle ratios that make the most of its 650 lb-ft.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine configuration | 90° OHV V8, aluminum block/heads (LT4) |
| Displacement | 6162 cc (6.2 L) |
| Induction type | Eaton TVS R1740 1.7 L supercharger, liquid-to-air intercooling |
| Horsepower | 650 hp @ 6400 rpm (factory rating) |
| Torque | 650 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (factory rating) |
| Redline | ~6500 rpm |
| Fuel system | Cam-driven high-pressure direct injection |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Bore x stroke | 103.25 mm x 92.0 mm (4.06 in x 3.62 in) |
| Cooling | Multi-radiator setup (engine, charge, transmission, differential), aux coolers |
| Exhaust | Dual-mode (NPP) variable-valve active exhaust |
Driving experience and handling dynamics
The ZL1 is defined by composure. On standard MRC dampers, body control is taut without the brittle ride that plagues many big-power cars. Steering is electrically assisted but well-weighted, with quick self-centering and a linear build-up that flatters mid-corner adjustments. Brake capacity is exceptional thanks to large two-piece rotors and stiff calipers; pedal feel holds up under heat. The manual’s Tremec TR-6060 features active rev-matching that works cleanly in both directions, while the 10L90 automatic snaps off upshifts with assertive logic in Track mode yet settles into unobtrusive behavior in Tour.
The ZL1 1LE Track Package transforms the car’s character. Multimatic DSSV dampers bring a remarkable ability to tolerate curbs while keeping the tire in contact; spring rates climb, bushings stiffen, and alignment capability improves via adjustable front camber. Aero elements—carbon rear wing and front dive planes—trade a measure of Vmax for significant high-speed stability and real downforce. Tires are a key differentiator: the 1LE runs 19-inch forged wheels with massive stagger and track-leaning compounds that work brilliantly in the proper temperature window.
Full performance specifications
| Model | 0–60 mph | Quarter-mile | Top speed | Curb weight | Layout | Brakes | Suspension | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZL1 Coupe (manual) | ~3.5–3.7 s | ~11.5–11.7 s @ ~123–126 mph | ~198 mph | ~3,820–3,950 lb | Front-engine, RWD, eLSD | Brembo 6-piston front (390 mm), 4-piston rear (365 mm) | MRC (Magnetic Ride Control), performance alignment | Tremec TR-6060 6MT (active rev match) |
| ZL1 Coupe (10-speed auto) | ~3.4–3.5 s | ~11.3–11.6 s @ ~124–127 mph | ~198 mph | ~3,950–4,050 lb | Front-engine, RWD, eLSD | Brembo 6-piston front (390 mm), 4-piston rear (365 mm) | MRC (Magnetic Ride Control), performance alignment | Hydra-Matic 10L90 10AT with paddles |
| ZL1 Convertible | ~3.5–3.7 s | ~11.5–11.8 s | Typically lower than coupe | ~4,000–4,140 lb | Front-engine, RWD, eLSD | Brembo 6-piston front (390 mm), 4-piston rear (365 mm) | MRC (Magnetic Ride Control) | 6MT or 10AT |
| ZL1 1LE Track Package (coupe) | ~3.5 s | ~11.5–11.7 s | ~190 mph (aero-limited) | ~3,820–3,900 lb | Front-engine, RWD, eLSD | Brembo 6-piston front (390 mm), 4-piston rear (365 mm) | Multimatic DSSV dampers, stiffer springs/bushings, aggressive alignment | 6MT or 10AT (availability varied by year/market) |
Context: Chevrolet quoted 650 hp/650 lb-ft for all ZL1s. Independent instrumented tests placed ZL1 autos around the mid-3s to 60 mph and low-11s in the quarter; the 1LE typically trades a fraction of straight-line speed for markedly higher cornering and shorter laps.
Variant breakdown
| Variant | Years | Body style | Major differences | Production numbers | Market notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZL1 | 2017–2024 | Coupe | LT4 650 hp, MRC dampers, eLSD, Recaro fronts, functional aero, 20-in wheels (285/30 F, 305/30 R), optional PDR, 6MT or 10AT | Not publicly disclosed by GM | Primary markets included North America; also sold in select export regions |
| ZL1 Convertible | 2017–2024 | Convertible | Same powertrain; structural reinforcements; no 1LE package availability | Not publicly disclosed by GM | Sold mainly in North America |
| ZL1 1LE Track Package | 2017–2024 | Coupe | Multimatic DSSV dampers, lighter 19-in forged wheels (305/30R19 F, 325/30R19 R), carbon rear wing, front dive planes, wider front splitter, stiffer springs/bushings, increased cooling capacity, shorter final-drive calibration, aggressive alignment capability | Not publicly disclosed by GM | Coupe only; track-focused tire compounds supplied by Goodyear |
| ZL1 Collector’s Edition | 2024 | Coupe | Unique Panther-themed exterior/graphics and badging; contented as a late-run send-off package | Chevrolet stated a limited run; 350 units were announced for the U.S. | Special-edition allocation announced by Chevrolet |
Ownership notes: maintenance, parts, restoration
Service intervals and fluids
- Engine oil: follow the GM Oil Life Monitor; for track use, change oil prior to and after heavy events. Use the specified dexos-approved synthetic grade.
- Differential: GM track-prep guidance calls for a fluid change after the first track event and at regular intervals thereafter; the eLSD works the fluid hard under heat.
- Transmission: manual and 10AT service intervals vary by usage; more frequent fluid service is prudent for cars that see repeated lapping.
- Brake system: flush to a high-temp DOT 4 before track days and inspect pad thickness/rotor condition afterward.
Known wear points and practical tips
- Cooling pack cleanliness: the ZL1’s stacked heat exchangers perform well but are debris-sensitive; periodic cleaning preserves charge-air temps.
- Front aero and splitter: low ride height makes the splitter vulnerable to scrapes and curb strikes; 1LE dive planes require careful loading and ramp angles.
- 1LE hardware: Multimatic DSSV dampers and the carbon rear wing are specialty parts—available but pricier than standard MRC components.
- Track consumables: the factory Goodyear performance tires, pads, and rotors can wear quickly under aggressive use; budget accordingly.
- Recalls and TSBs: certain 2017 Camaros were subject to an EPS (electric power steering) recall campaign; verify completion by VIN.
Parts availability and restoration difficulty
GM’s catalog support for sixth-gen Camaros is robust: OE Brembo rotors, pad compounds, cooling ducts, and alignment bits are readily sourced. Recaro seat components, interior trim, exterior panels, and lighting are widely available. The DSSV-specific 1LE items (dampers, arms, aero) are more specialized but obtainable through Chevrolet or Multimatic. Restoration complexity is moderate for standard ZL1s; 1LEs require more attention to correct ride heights, alignment specs, and aero fastener torque if returning a tracked car to as-delivered condition.
Cultural relevance and racing legacy
The ZL1 became the sixth-gen Camaro’s halo, and Chevrolet made no secret of its benchmark chasing. A pair of high-profile lap claims framed its reputation: 7:29.60 for the standard ZL1 and 7:16.04 for the ZL1 1LE at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. In domestic testing, the ZL1 1LE also posted standout laps at circuits like VIR in comparative tests, underscoring that its aero and DSSV chassis weren’t window dressing. The car’s consistent presence in comparison tests and its role as the poster car for the final years of the sixth-gen further cemented its enthusiast cachet.
Collector interest follows the usual pattern: low-mile, manual-transmission coupes and well-preserved ZL1 1LEs command a premium; convertibles appeal to a different buyer but are less sought for track activity. Special-run packages such as the late Collector’s Edition add a layer of desirability. Public auction results for clean examples have typically clustered from the mid-five figures upward, with exceptional, low-mile 1LEs selling higher depending on provenance and options.
FAQs
What engine is in the 2017–2024 Camaro ZL1?
All sixth-gen ZL1s use GM’s LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V8, factory rated at 650 hp and 650 lb-ft. It employs an Eaton TVS R1740 supercharger, direct injection, and liquid-to-air charge cooling.
How fast is it? What are real-world performance numbers?
Expect 0–60 mph in the mid-3-second range for the best-performing configurations and quarter-mile passes in the low- to mid-11s on stock tires. Chevrolet quoted a 198 mph top speed for the ZL1 coupe; the 1LE’s additional aero typically lowers top speed in exchange for more downforce and faster laps.
Manual or automatic—which is better?
The 6-speed Tremec offers engagement and a robust shift with effective rev-matching. The 10L90 automatic is the quicker straight-line option and excellent on track in Track/Performance Shift mode; it also keeps the LT4 in its fat torque band with closely stacked ratios.
What are the known problem areas?
Beyond normal high-performance consumable wear, pay attention to: cleanliness of the cooling stack; condition of the front aero and undertray; tire heat cycling and alignment on 1LEs; and the service history of fluids (diff, transmission, brakes) if the car has seen track use. Verify recall completion for the 2017 EPS campaign by VIN.
Is the ZL1 1LE worth it over the standard ZL1?
If you plan to track the car, yes: the DSSV dampers, aero, alignment range, and wheel/tire package make a measurable difference in lap times and consistency. For mixed street use, the standard ZL1’s MRC ride quality and 20-inch wheel/tire package are more forgiving while still hugely capable.
What’s the curb weight and weight distribution?
Configuration-dependent curb weights range roughly from the low 3,800s to just over 4,100 pounds. The Alpha platform places mass low and rearward for a front-engine car, with balanced behavior helped by eLSD and chassis electronics.
How does it compare to a Shelby GT500 or a Hellcat?
The ZL1 trades a bit of headline horsepower for a more integrated track package. It emphasizes repeatability—cooling, brakes, aero—and chassis finesse, particularly in 1LE form. The GT500 is a straight-line and dual-clutch benchmark; the Hellcat is a torque king. The ZL1’s calling card is balance.
What are value trends and auction prices?
Well-kept ZL1s commonly transact in the mid- to upper-five-figure range, with specification, mileage, and provenance driving results. Low-mile ZL1 1LEs and special editions typically command a premium over standard cars.
Can the convertible be used for track days?
The convertible retains the LT4 performance but lacks the 1LE option and adds mass/complexity; many track organizations impose rollover-protection requirements. For frequent lapping, the coupe—especially with the 1LE package—is the preferred base.
