How Would You Spec Your Camaro ZL1?

"Andrew T. Maness" (theroadlessdriven) 09/15/2014 at 13:15 • Filed to: Show Us, Car Configurator, Car Buying, New Cars, Camaro ZL1, Muscle Car, TRLD, Chevrolet, Build It, Modern Muscle, Detroit, Test Drive, Road Trip

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As some of you already know, the folks at GM are dropping off a 580hp monster with a manual at my doorstep a week from Thursday. It's well optioned too, as you can see on the monroney.

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What I'd like to know is how would you spec it out if it were your money?

Personally I'd drop the carbon fiber weave hood insert and save that $600 for a new set of rear tires. I'd certainly keep the Recaros and microsuede interior package because those are two of my favorite things in the whole wide world.

I will be very, very curious to see if the Recaros in a $60k plus muscle car are as good as those in the Fiesta ST. As far as I'm concerned, those are the best seats I've ever spent time in and I've spent time in a lot of seats.

Leave a link to your custom creation below and a brief explanation of why certain things have made the cut as must have options.

Build Your 2015 Camaro ZL1

Cheers!

@theroadlessdriven

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Milky > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:05

79

I'd spec it like this.

djmt1 > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:05

0

Honestly I think cars like this are dumb. If you want a track car buy an Ariel Atom (it will change your life). However this car has earned a lot more respect for GM from me.

mcseanerson > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:06

14

I may have misunderstood the question.

FromCanadaWithLove > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:08

1

Apart from the obvious I'd spec a different car joke, this is what I'd do.

CalzoneGolem > Milky 09/15/2014 at 09:09

11

MOPAR OR NO CAR!

Sn210 > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:10

6

I'd spec it as a SS 1LE and save money for gas and tires!

ly2v8-Brian > mcseanerson 09/15/2014 at 09:11

2

That's the one I'd get.

KTMStriker > Milky 09/15/2014 at 09:15

19

Excuse my language but... Fuck the Hellcat.

ly2v8-Brian > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:17

0

Like yours but blue.

mcseanerson > ly2v8-Brian 09/15/2014 at 09:18

1

Yeah if I didn't go all the way and get a Z/28 then I just want a SS 1LE. I don't know why but supercharged V8s just seem like a lazy copout for engineers. I don't like it when Chevy does it and I don't care for the Hellcat either. You wanna impress me either make it all motor or a well developed turbo system.

CalzoneGolem > djmt1 09/15/2014 at 09:21

11

You misspelled Morgan 3 Wheeler.

Milky > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 09:21

9

Must be jelly you don't have 700hp.

In all actuality, a 2 ton muscle car is never going to be a track car. So I'd want the one thats the most ridiculous. That is the point right?

ly2v8-Brian > mcseanerson 09/15/2014 at 09:21

0

True they could put out something insane with the platform. But it would be A lot more labor intensive to simply maintain. At least that is my thought.

DoYouEvenShift > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 09:43

5

White, black ten spokes, no sunroof, manual.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Milky 09/15/2014 at 09:50

4

Exactly. Why not just go buy the Z06 if you wanted the track car? It'd be faster in a straight line and in the corners. It's not like the price is very far off...

bill19696 > djmt1 09/15/2014 at 09:58

1

Kind of a lame response. No one is cross-shopping a Camaro ZL-1 with an Atom.

bill19696 > Sn210 09/15/2014 at 09:58

1

This is the best performance bargain out there currently!

Milky > Enginerrrrrrrrr 09/15/2014 at 10:06

5

Yupp, IMO you buy a trak car if you want numbers. You by a muscle car if you want some hilarity in your life.

Sn210 > bill19696 09/15/2014 at 10:20

0

exactly! As awesome as the ZL1 is, I'd personally rather save some money on the 1le or spend some more and get a z28

KTMStriker > Milky 09/15/2014 at 10:31

0

While it may not ever be a "track car" it could certainly be trackable. I feel like the ZL1 is. and certainly the Z28. The Hellcat seems like it's just a PR stunt to me and Dodge did a damn good job I guess because everybody has been blowing their load for the Hellcat. I just don't think having 700hp makes it a good car. The only thing special is it has 700hp. If they wanted to do this I feel like it would have been better off being a non-street legal car. Similar to the COPO Camaros. I hate to keep saying GM is doing it better because i'm not a fanboy but they just are.

Milky > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 10:43

1

You mean like this?

http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-dodge…

KTMStriker > Milky 09/15/2014 at 11:22

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Yeah... I forgot they did that. I just don't think the Hellcat is as great as everyone seems to think it is. Maybe i'm wrong and the car will handle really well but that's yet to be seen. As it stands right now I'd take a ZL1 or Z28 over that stupid car any day.

Andrew T. Maness > mcseanerson 09/15/2014 at 13:06

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I thought about phrasing the question as "How Would You Spec Your Camaro?" in which case choosing any submodel would have been appropriate.

However I was just curious to see what little options & accessories people would choose for the ZL1.

If it were my money I would also skip the ZL1 and go for the Z/28 because, badge envy.

Andrew T. Maness > Milky 09/15/2014 at 13:08

2

I'm actually roadtripping to Portland in hopes that it'll be raining and I can do that with the ZL1. It's what this whole trip is built around, outdoing Farrah.

mcseanerson > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:08

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You could swap badges or even slap an ecotec badge on a Z/28. How could I ever pass up a 427 smallblock all motor terror?

Andrew T. Maness > djmt1 09/15/2014 at 13:12

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I am very hopeful that within the next year or so an opportunity to drive something like the Atom will come my way.

My respect for GM continues to grow with each vehicle they loan me. They're making some of the most impressive vehicles on the road today, which as a lifelong blue oval devotee, is hard to come to terms with.

Andrew T. Maness > mcseanerson 09/15/2014 at 13:17

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Haha, oh man an ecotec badge on a Z/28 would be all time.

Trust me, I'm very much looking forward to getting some seat time in one, especially after seeing on on the street the other day. So goddamn mean sounding, I rolled my windows down just to get some extra aural pleasure.

djmt1 > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:17

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It's so good. Seriously if you see one, try and bribe the owner for a go.

My respect for them stems from them trying. Too many car manufacturers play it to safe and as a result are pretty boring but look at GM. The Camaro shouldn't be a track car let alone a track car that can one up both the GTR and GT3 but it is and I love that GM built it especially since they have a new Corvette and had no reason too. Same for Chrysler for that matter with the Hellcat.

America is on the up and I like your cars ... well not the ones you sell in the UK, most of them are utter rubbish. Ford made it work, it can't be that hard.

DoYouEvenShift > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:23

1

I love when people make comments on the Camaros weight. Yes, its is a heavy car. Yes, it also kicks ass on the track. Just imagine what itll do once it looses 300 lbs in the next generation.

mcseanerson > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:23

0

I'd drive an Aveo if it had an LS7

Milky > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:24

0

Haha that actually sounds like an awesome plan.

For Sweden > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 13:24

44

Yeah, I hate that we have 700+ horsepower cars for well under $100,000

[jerking off motion]

Travis Okulski > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:25

3

I'd buy a Z/28, but here's what my ZL1 would be like.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:27

1

http://www.hennesseyperformance.com/hpe800-zl1.htm…

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:29

0

I wouldn't bother.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > djmt1 09/15/2014 at 13:30

0

It weighs over 4100 lbs. Seems like normal GM to me.

Corinthian Leatherface > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:32

0

I'd get mine with much larger windows. Do they have that?

djmt1 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 09/15/2014 at 13:33

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They had no reason to build a faster Camaro especially after just releasing the new Vette but they did and I respect that.

Quasistellar > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:35

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It looks so strange to me having parking brake on the passenger side like that.

Vlan1 > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 13:35

2

I will expand that statement to Fuck Mopar.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Sn210 09/15/2014 at 13:35

1

This ~$35k Chevy was faster than any M car in C&Ds Lighting Lap. I think the new M4 clipped it by less than a second this year though.

Jim > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:36

0

I'd spec it with resale in mind. IMO, there are much better cars out there for the money, even if they aren't as fast. I used to be a GM loyalist, but, not any more.

titsinmymitts > Milky 09/15/2014 at 13:37

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ZL1 would be one hell of a track car. It's heavy, but it's capable. GM does some serious wizardry with suspension set-up. And those cheater tires are helping big time.

bryan40oop > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:37

0

By either getting a hellcat or waiting for the next shelby

titsinmymitts > Travis Okulski 09/15/2014 at 13:38

0

That interior is just a touch too gray for my taste.

drdude > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:40

1

as long as it has leather, manual trans, and the heads up display... im good. everything else is minor... obviously I wouldnt want an obnoxious paint color, but they have a good selection of good colors.

Crossed > Milky 09/15/2014 at 13:41

0

Is that thing sucking in it's own tire smoke?

1973Porsche > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:41

0

Buy a Z28 instead

PS9 > Milky 09/15/2014 at 13:43

1

Pretty much the superior option. I hate hating the 5th gen, but no matter how hard I try there is no liking it.

Milky > titsinmymitts 09/15/2014 at 13:44

0

You can take a ZL1 to a track if you wanted to, the same you could take a SRT 8 Grand Cherokee. Doesn't mean you actually should/would.

Spending $60k on a track car is 4C/C7 territory, spending $60k on a muscle car is HellcatLife.gif

IvanaTinkle > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:45

0

Why does the ZL1 have the front end of the pre-facelift model, and the rear end of the facelifted model?

Grendel > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:45

0

Don't drive it in Virginia.

KTMStriker > For Sweden 09/15/2014 at 13:45

3

Honestly I would love the car if they put some sweet suspension on it and made it not quite so fat. But I guess it's asking too much to make a low end cruise liner turn.

Triborough > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:46

1

I'd buy a Mustang as it is built by a reputable company.

Something Generic > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:47

1

convertible in yellow , all appearance options. It's over the top - as it should be with a car like this IMO. Manual, all-weather mats, outlet for portable nav, no additional logos. Oh yeah and a nice outdoor cover as I don't have an own garage.

Andrew T. Maness > djmt1 09/15/2014 at 13:48

1

For the first time in a long time we've got cars that can compete with the rest of the world, not just in our own backyard.

I can't wait to see the next gen Boss 302/ GT500.

Andrew T. Maness > E30Joe drives a Subaru 09/15/2014 at 13:50

0

Gad dayum!

When is Hennessey gonna step up and make a kit for the Forester though?

David E. Davis > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:51

1

I want to see the sky when I drive.

anonJD2 > mcseanerson 09/15/2014 at 13:51

0

Weren't Z28s like $25k in the 90s? $75k for a Camaro LOL

titsinmymitts > Milky 09/15/2014 at 13:52

1

Whoops..got the Zl1 and Z28 mixed up!

You're right. ZL1 track car is stupid.

BonafideSupraman > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:53

2

I always spec out my fantasy rides as cheap as possible, as if being frugal on a sixty thousand dollar car somehow makes it closer to my reach.

macanamera > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:53

4

If I can't have my A/C vent slats wrapped in leather, I don't want it.

Porsche configurator ftw

djmt1 > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:53

0

It's nice when your country finally gets their shit together when it comes to cars. Needless to say I'm a massive fan of the new JLR group after all that British Leyland misery and it is good to see Mclaren back at making cars. Hopefully Aston get some decent investment soon and then I can say that I'm happy with where the British motor industry is.

titsinmymitts > titsinmymitts 09/15/2014 at 13:53

0

NM...ZL1 and Z28 are too similar of names, Chevy.

You had fordboy357 at "meat tornado" > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:53

1

I'd have mine like this

Andrew T. Maness > DoYouEvenShift 09/15/2014 at 13:54

3

Yep, some folks just love to state the obvious.

A heavy muscle car?! What?!

81_VR6 > Travis Okulski 09/15/2014 at 13:56

0

I didn't get navigation with mine, since it was a CAN$995 option here. I also only have the 1SS, so no gauge pack. A $200 Nexus 7 using a bluetooth OBD interface and Torque app fixed both problems. TIG welded the frame using some aluminum J-channel.

Andrew T. Maness > macanamera 09/15/2014 at 13:57

2

You didn't see the "Drive to Montana, kill bull from Matthew McConaughey Lincoln commercial with bare hands, then skin and tan the hide for application to Camaro interior by the 2014 Sports Illustrated swimsuit girls" option?

I saw it, just passed on it because I prefer Playmates to SI girls.

Cyrus > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 13:58

1

The hellcat is within an average female's weight of the zl1

EL_ULY > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 13:59

0

is there a little square to check of the Z/28 package?

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > Milky 09/15/2014 at 14:00

5

Andrew T. Maness > djmt1 09/15/2014 at 14:01

1

Indeed, could be a breath of life into "the special relationship". You buy our cars, we'll buy yours, everyone wins.

Brits wanna feel badass so they buy 'Murican muscle, Americans wanna class up their lives a bit, get posh U.K. wheels.

At least that's what the advertisers want everyone thinking.

My first "supercar" will be an Aston Vantage GT. That much I know.

macanamera > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:01

1

It seems you are a man of fine taste.

oldirtybootz > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:02

1

Something like this.

LoganExplosion > Crossed 09/15/2014 at 14:06

0

boneheadotto > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:06

0

Id check the -5oolbs option

boneheadotto > DoYouEvenShift 09/15/2014 at 14:08

0

Are those 40" wheels?

Pibbs says once you go Swede > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:15

1

My father was the perfect customer for the ZL1. Lots of money, on lots of medication, and a real GM guy. All he wanted was an insane muscle car when he got his payday. It's comfortable (those Recaros are incredible, and the microfiber is soooo soft), and it rides pretty nice, but the amount of power it has is just insane.

MFEJAL grey because who knows... > For Sweden 09/15/2014 at 14:20

0

with four doors, enough room to put two "monsters" seats, and enough power to smile at the guy driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari.

dogisbadob > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:21

2

Unfortunately, what the Camaro really needs still isn't available: T-tops and real windows.

phatplat > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:22

1

In my area it seems that all of the "gentleman" who drove foxbody Mustangs are now buying the new Camaro. Foxbodydoucheinabowtie.

anaa > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:23

0

I'd get the minus 600lb package.

stoke > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:35

1

I'd buy a normal Camaro SS and a Spec Miata.

Drive-able > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:42

0

read on motortrend it only makes 485 @ the wheel. So I rather buy a ss 1le and supercharge that save some dough. No warranty but the amount you save would justify it.

Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 14:44

0

It has 700hp precisely because Dodge realized they couldn't successfully pull weight out of it. While most jalops faced with the question of "more power or less weight" will go with the latter, it's nice that there are people out there who will explore the former.

To paraphrase Lincoln, "Miatas can be driven by some people all of the time, all people some of the time, but they can't be driven by everyone all of the time."

NeilParkerTX > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:48

1

My only add-ons are upgraded infotainment w/nav., upgraded sound system, Recaro seats, and all weather floor mats since I live in Texas.

2015 Camaro Coupe

Price$62,010*OR

View Standard Equipment

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Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 14:49

1

What a coinky-dink.. Just saw this used ZL1 at a dealer in town yesterday

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/seen-on-a-deal…

ab3 > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 09/15/2014 at 14:50

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That's because parts of VIR where they do the lightning lap test has been repaved and widened and lap times have dropped by about 2 seconds (or so I've heard)... I'm thinking the 1LE would still beat it around the new track

DoYouEvenShift > boneheadotto 09/15/2014 at 14:54

0

Factory 20"

Bigcountrycuban > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 15:02

1

Velvet blue coupe, suede int, nav, recaros, subwoofer, z28 wing, black wheels carbon weave exposed. immediately after delivery, air kit, sct tune, full exhaust, cam, and tint.

http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-zl1-mus…

T5Killer > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 15:05

0

Spec it to the max so I can sell it and get a GT500.

puppyknuckles > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 15:15

0

Those seats do look fantastic.

cobalt_mcg > CalzoneGolem 09/15/2014 at 15:17

0

Either way, you're taking the bus.

VAXcat > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 15:17

0

I would spec mine as a 1969 ZL1...can't stand the way the new ones look.

Tareim - V8 powered > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 15:17

0

those are some very chunky Recaro's, didn't know they made any in XXXL

BonusMaximus > Milky 09/15/2014 at 15:19

1

What happens when you suck in a snootful of water through that snazzy headlight CAI?

Not hatin'. Hellcat EVERYTHING.

WarShrike > KTMStriker 09/15/2014 at 15:22

0

Always a fan of the blues that GM uses. Really wish they had it available in the ZR1 color of Jet Stream Blue though.

The wrench > Andrew T. Maness 09/15/2014 at 15:29

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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Milky 09/15/2014 at 16:03

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Maybe, but the ZL1 will likely get around a track better and faster than a Hellcat...and we all know that it would costs hardly anything to get it up to Hellcat power levels, because LSx.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider 09/15/2014 at 16:04

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I'm fucking dying, looking at this.