The mythos surrounding the Chevy Camaro was born in 1967, and ever since there has been an intense American muscle car rivalry between it and the Ford Mustang, which was first unveiled in 1964. Year after year, Ford and Chevy play horsepower wars, trying to out muscle one another; great news for those of us who love muscle cars with neck-snapping power. Currently the ZL1 holds the title for most horsepower, as the GT350 has 526 hp which is a difference of 124 hp. But what else is there to love about the ZL1?
Kyle Edward
Comfortable Ride - From a Track Car
In this segment, the ZL1 is unparalleled when it comes to comfort. Even with the unique 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, it is able to provide a surprisingly comfortable ride. This is all thanks to the specially calibrated magnetic ride suspension which can change the level of stiffness 1,000 times each second.
Kyle Edward
If you are looking for a more aggressive ride, there is also the option to toggle to sport mode, and you'll instantly feel the suspension and steering stiffen up.
Having driven this vehicle through the hills of northern California, I can confidently say it doesn’t drive like your dad's old muscle car from the 70s. The ZL1 can handle the curves with ease, and you never lose confidence that you're in control of the vehicle. One can truly feel as though they are pushing the boundaries of science and engineering as they throw a large 3,800-pound car through winding mountain roads.
Kyle Edward
Brawny Engine - Supercharged 6.2l V-8
Kyle Edward
The ZL1 holds the title of most powerful Camaro, even above the SS model. Where the SS has Chevy's potent 6.2l V-8, the ZL1 amplifies that by adding a large supercharger which cranks out a stunning 650 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque. When equipped with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, the ZL1 can get from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and blow through the quarter-mile in 11.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 127 mph.
Nothing really prepares you for starting up the ZL1. Once you press the start button the engine roars to life and shakes the car just a little bit. It is not enough to be uncomfortable, but it does inform you that there is a 650 horsepower V-8 under the hood.
Once you are on the road and hit the gas pedal, good lord does it move. It has the acceleration power of a high-performance electric car yet the excitement of an old fashioned muscle car. The ZL1 is really the best of both worlds.
Kyle Edward
Looking Sharp - Special Wheels & Lights
While the standard Camaro looks aggressive, the ZL1 takes it to another level entirely. The hood and front fascia have been completely redesigned to accommodate the ZL1's extra large engine.
Kyle Edward
Even the Chevy logo has been cut out to allow extra air into the engine bay and the hood itself features numerous ZL1 logos and vents for additional airflow. Not only does it looks more aggressive, but the design also has performance in mind.
When looking at the car from afar, you'll instantly notice the large red Brembo brakes featuring the ZL1 logo and massive, two-piece front rotors. If that's not enough to let other people know you're driving a ZL1, the designers decided to add clear taillights and a quad exhaust to complete the look.
Kyle Edward
The Bose Sound System - Incredible
Kyle Edward
If the rumble of the engine isn't doing it for you, just wait until you connect your tunes via Bluetooth or Android Auto / Apple Car play. The amount of bass this car can crank out feels as though it could literally bounce you out of the car. Even with the top down, you can still hear your music, which traditionally is an issue with convertibles.
High End Interior - It's Better Than The Mustang
Kyle Edward
While muscle cars aren't known for their luxurious interiors, the ZL1 makes an excellent effort, and it is easily the best interior package in the entire segment. While other manufacturers go for hard plastic interior trim, the ZL1 features Alcantara lined door panels and unique Recaro racing seats which make it standout from the crowd.
All things considered, the 2019 Camaro ZL1 is an incredible machine which has its sights on destroying track times. However, it's also a domesticated and well behaved animal when you need it to be, and can comfortably cruise down the highway while devouring M4's at the stoplight.
