ZL1 - not a Corvette, but a....

Kinja'd!!! "Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
05/15/2014 at 21:09 • Filed to: camaro

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Camaro - yes, that's right. A Camaro.

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I really like the ZL1s. I think the main reason is because you just don't see that many of them around. It has a 580 hp engine...which is tons of power even if the ZL1 is a little on the heavy side. But still...it takes off quickly and is more powerful than most cars out there.

Sure you could get a Z06 Corvette which is faster, but there are way more Z06s out there than a ZL1. These days Corvettes seem to be everywhere since the prices on used models have come way down. But the ZL1 on the other hand...it's rare. Super rare. I'm actually not even sure why more people don't buy them - maybe then don't know about them?

The best thing about the ZL1 is it was built to be amazing on the track. It can compete with cars literally more than twice the cost of a ZL1. All kinds of technology and sensors are built into it. I think GM did a fantastic job in developing this car.

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Oh, yes. It's a supercharged 6.2L V8 and man, it sounds amazing. The whine along with the V8 - it's like heaven. For a car like this you would expect that perhaps the ride is not that good. But it's actually surprisingly comfortable. A little small on the inside - sort of deceiving in that you don't realize how big the car is. The ZL1 actually is fairly large and hood goes out a long way. So you have to careful when parking - or just driving in general.

The seats are super comfortable - perhaps a little too soft. I imagine on the track you might want seats that provide more support. But they're definitely way better than what you'd find in a C6 Z06 for example.

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I don't think this car is for everyone. It's relatively expensive (around $60K). But I think if you want something that is not only powerful, looks fantastic, and has a great ride for long road trips, this would be the car for you.

You'll just have to get over the fact that it's a Camaro. But it's really nothing like GM has ever built before. This is by far, the best Camaro built...ever.

My guess is most people just assume, "oh it's a Camaro and therefore it must be..." fill in with an expletive of your choosing. But it's really not like that. This car is now playing in the big leagues. And the best part? Almost no one has it! So if you get one, you might be the only one with this car in a 50 sq. mile radius.

So trust me, there's nothing to be ashamed of when you get this Camaro (assuming you might think that only rednecks drive Camaros and you just don't want to be associated with that crowd).

I mean look at this car - the stance and the looks of this car are just so aggressive.

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In case you're still not convinced, here's a video that will hopefully prove to you just how awesome this thing sounds.

So, basically, what I'm saying is that I'm super impressed with this Camaro ZL1. GM might be going through some tough times right now, but they did an amazing job with this car.

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DISCUSSION (41)


Kinja'd!!! offroadkarter > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:12

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Kinja'd!!! AthomSfere > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:16

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I know I love these, and I would love to own one, even if it costs more than a Stingray.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > AthomSfere
05/15/2014 at 21:18

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The C7s have been out for a few months but I already see them everywhere. A ZL1? Maybe 3 or 4 times since they came out?


Kinja'd!!! AthomSfere > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:20

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I have seen 3 C7s, and no ZL1s... So sad.

Camaros in general though, I have seen maybe a dozen in town. When I travel they are everywhere...


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:20

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People keep shitting on GM, but they make some damn fine cars right now.

The higher spec Camaros are nothing short of outstanding, the C7 Corvette is a world beater, I really like the Sonic, the new Impala is very, very nice as is the new Tahoe, all the GMC trucks look really nice, the ATS/CTS pair at Cadillac are fantastic...and that doesn't even include great cars overseas like the Opel Adam, Vauxhall Astra VXR, and Holden Commodores.

Seriously, I do not get the hate. They may not ALL be great but they're getting there, and most of the cars people dislike from GM are a generation older than their competition, so of course they aren't as good.


Kinja'd!!! Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:21

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I've actually never seen on of these on the road. Now that I think about it, I've never heard what the LSA sounds like in person.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > AthomSfere
05/15/2014 at 21:22

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By the time you add options to the Stingray (you at least need the Z51 package), this will be more affordable. Would I take it over a Stingray? Probably not, but I'm becoming a Corvette fanboy.

If I was shopping in this price range, I'd go vette. Lower price range? Hello SS 1LE...

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Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
05/15/2014 at 21:23

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Yeah, the supercharged combined with a V8 roar is an incredible combination. I tried to capture some of it in the video but you really have to hear it in person.


Kinja'd!!! lone_liberal > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:23

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I saw one parked on the street not far from my office the other day. I don't know if I'd buy one if I was going to spend that kind of money, but they are damn sexy to look at.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Jayhawk Jake
05/15/2014 at 21:24

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Actually the SS 1LE is a pretty good option.


Kinja'd!!! BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:24

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I drove these a couple years ago. Brutal and amazing.


Kinja'd!!! lonestranger > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:25

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I don't understand the title & intro. There's never been any Corvette with the "ZL1" name/RPO. It's been associated with the Camaro since the first one in '69.


Kinja'd!!! Jayhawk Jake > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 21:28

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If you're buying an SS, it's a no brainer.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > lone_liberal
05/15/2014 at 21:29

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For sure..


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
05/15/2014 at 21:29

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100% agree


Kinja'd!!! offroadkarter > lonestranger
05/15/2014 at 21:45

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http://www.supercars.net/cars/4324.html


Kinja'd!!! AthomSfere > Jayhawk Jake
05/15/2014 at 21:51

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I still love it! Mustang spanker and a looker!


Kinja'd!!! YoungPadwan > offroadkarter
05/15/2014 at 22:08

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That snake going to bite you.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Jayhawk Jake
05/15/2014 at 22:12

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Absolutely.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Jayhawk Jake
05/15/2014 at 22:13

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The progress GM has made in recent years has been outstanding. I hope they continue the trend.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > lonestranger
05/15/2014 at 22:15

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Ah, that was meant to be kind of a joke since there's a Z06, ZR1 Vette, so you might think a ZL1 is a Corvette also - assuming that you don't know much about Camaros. Clearly I'm not well versed in Camaro model numbers!


Kinja'd!!! Sn210 > Torque Affair
05/15/2014 at 22:24

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saw one tonight; mean lookin' thing


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Sn210
05/15/2014 at 22:26

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oooh, yea, nice!


Kinja'd!!! lonestranger > Torque Affair
05/16/2014 at 00:00

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Ahh, gotcha. Yeah, the original ZL-1 was a very limited run of '69 Camaros with all-aluminum big blocks. Highly sought after, valuable, and kinda legendary in GM circles.


Kinja'd!!! NYSS > Torque Affair
05/23/2014 at 02:48

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this is my DD... its an SS, with a ZL1 bumper swap....

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Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > NYSS
05/23/2014 at 06:14

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Looks pretty nice! Removed the front grill?


Kinja'd!!! NYSS > Torque Affair
05/23/2014 at 18:18

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from the angle, with the shadow it looks that way, but actually, I replaced the stock grill with a GM "heritage grill" that I left unpainted without a bow tie... heres how it looked before I changed the grill...

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Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > NYSS
05/23/2014 at 20:01

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Nice! Any performance mods?


Kinja'd!!! NYSS > Torque Affair
05/24/2014 at 03:44

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just bolt on stuff....

K&N Intake, long tube headers, catalytic converter delete, full exaust, SLP Loudmouth mufflers, custom tune, E85 conversion

greatest thing ever is when I downshift to a lower gear.... I shoot 3 foot flames out the back

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Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > NYSS
05/24/2014 at 07:36

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Hah! That's awesome.


Kinja'd!!! Stephen the Canuck > Torque Affair
05/25/2014 at 22:16

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I just want to point that it has the same steering wheel as the one in my Cruze. Though the material on the rim may be different.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Stephen the Canuck
05/26/2014 at 08:45

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Really? That's cool.


Kinja'd!!! Jedidiah > Torque Affair
05/26/2014 at 11:00

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A lady who lives down the street from me traded in her Mercedes for one of these because she wanted a manual. The car is about as badass as she is.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Jedidiah
05/26/2014 at 11:39

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Yeah for sure. For the money it's hard to beat the value this car offers.


Kinja'd!!! noringnocare > Torque Affair
05/26/2014 at 14:49

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There's at least 3 by where I live and they are driven daily.

Hey, when is GM going to make a recall on this???


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > noringnocare
05/26/2014 at 15:08

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Hah, yeah I'm sure it's going to happen!


Kinja'd!!! OnetimeBlueboy > Torque Affair
05/26/2014 at 16:39

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Super nice cars, mean looking. But perhaps naturally aspirated cars are more desirable to the rank and file. Also, to my eyes the outward visibility is balls in any direction other than forward.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > OnetimeBlueboy
05/26/2014 at 16:51

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Yeah ...visibility is definitely restricted. Wouldn't recommend the car to anyone who is claustrophobic.


Kinja'd!!! Stephen the Canuck > Torque Affair
05/26/2014 at 19:27

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Yupp. That's what mine looks like (not my picture). Sonic has the same one too apparently.


Kinja'd!!! Torque Affair > Stephen the Canuck
05/26/2014 at 19:47

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Oh yea...exactly the same.


Kinja'd!!! Stephen the Canuck > Torque Affair
05/26/2014 at 20:09

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Yeah. It's a pretty nice steering wheel. And it's better than them adding a couple of thousand dollars to have a special steering wheel.