How relevant are Nurburgring lap times for real-world cars that will spend the vast majority of their working lives trundling around in traffic or the ’burbs? Ah, who cares… they make for great bar-thumping arguments, as well as entertaining videos.
The latest instalment in manufacturer-released footage features the ballsy new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which launches in the US in mid-2012, spearheading the iconic coupe’s range that currently tops out with the SS.
Company claims always have to be taken with a generous pinch of salt – after all, who knows what’s been done to the car (notwithstanding Chevy’s statement that it’s “a production-intent model, with no performance modifications”) – but the ZL1 appears to have the substance to back up the hype as a 7:41.27 lap of the Nordschleife (watch it here) is an impressive feat in any instance.
Piloted by Camaro engineer Aaron Link, the ZL1 tortures its rubber over the 20.8km tour of the perilous circuit, but the massive torque of the 6.2-litre supercharged V8, along with the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control system, obviously do their bit in maximising forward motion.
The ZL1’s lap time puts it within a smidgeon of the Porsche 911 Turbo (7min 39sec), so it’s shaping as a genuine bang-for-buck king.
A quick recap: the ZL1 is powered by a 432kW/754Nm version of the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 that also does duty in the Corvette ZR1, and it features a unique induction system, with a lower-restriction air filter, dual inlet paths, and improved airflow through the supercharger housing.
Other tweaks include a higher-efficiency supercharger intercooler and electric power steering system, which saps less engine power than a hydraulic system.
The ZL1 will be offered with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and GM claims the Tremec TR-6060 ‘MG9’ manual features 30 percent more torque capacity than in the Camaro SS.
It all looks and sounds pretty tasty. Pity we won’t see it here…
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...