DETROIT: Chevrolet’s 2012 Camaro ZL1 model recently recorded a lap time of 7:41.27 at the legendary Nurburgring in Germany, the car overhauling by nearly 40 seconds the time Chevrolet had set in a Camaro SS in 2009. The ZL1 used was a “production-intent” model, according to Chevrolet, and had received no performance modifications. It was driven by Camaro Performance Engineer Aaron Link, who set the lap time from a flying start.

Measuring 20.8 kilometers and with some 154 corners, the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife (north loop) is widely considered the world’s most demanding course.

“The Nurburgring is unlike any track in the world,” said Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser. “Each lap includes fast straights, sweeping off-camber turns, hairpin corners and elevation changes. In order to do well on the ‘Ring, the car has to do everything well, including acceleration, braking and lateral grip.”

Oppenheiser noted that breaking an eight-minute lap at the ‘Ring in a production car is a “tremendous accomplishment.” He said the lap time declares the Camaro ZL1 to be “truly track-ready from the showroom.”

Chevrolet said that to create the ZL1, more than 30 percent of the SS had to be reengineered. The ZL1 is expected at US dealerships in the first quarter of 2012.

The ZL1 is powered by a super-charged 6.2-liter LSA engine that’s rated to produce 580 horsepower and 754 Newton-meters of torque, making the car the most powerful production Camaro ever. Power is delivered to the rear wheels by either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Complementing the ZL1’s power train are exclusive performance technologies that include the third generation of General Motors’ magnetic ride suspension and performance traction management, Chevrolet said.

The car’s additional track-ready standard features count coolers for the engine, transmission and rear differential, intake ducts for the Brembo brakes, and a high-performance fuel system that delivers fuel to the LSA engine under any stressful driving condition.

“The ZL1’s full capability was evident at the Nurburgring,” said Link. “The car accelerated at an unbelievable rate down through the tunnel of trees, and into a sweeping left-hand corner flat out in fifth gear. You have to have an extremely well-mannered, confidence-inspiring car to take any corner at 256kph without lifting off the throttle—and the ZL1 was just brilliant.”

FAST TIMES