The new high performance Camaro to be named ZL1 not Z/28

Chevrolet will make an official announcement later today but thanks to a series of images posted at Camaro5.com (click here to see all of them), we have a very good idea what to expect from this new high performance Chevrolet Camaro.

Update: Around 10:15pm est General Motors announced the official debut of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 - click here for more on that, including images and videos!

As expected, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2L LSA V8 – the same one that powers all of the Cadillac CTS-V models – mated to a proper 6-speed manual transmission. If it provides the same power output as the Caddys, the Camaro ZL1 could produce 556hp; making it the most powerful muscle car on the market but GM didn’t stop there. The ZL1 Camaro also includes high performance Brembo brakes, electric power steering, “track ready cooling systems” and most importantly, the magnetic ride control system from the mighty Corvette ZR1.

When you combine all of these components into the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, we could very well be looking at the vehicle that sets the standard for the American muscle car segment. The biggest question now is “how much will it cost”. Hopefully Chevrolet will offer some insight into this once the new Camaro ZL1 makes its official debut later today but considering that the ZL1 has a drivetrain from a trio of cars that cost upwards of $60,000 and the advanced suspension system from a $100,000 Corvette…I would also expect this to be the most expensive muscle car in the segment.

Chevrolet’s press conference is in about 45 minutes so we should soon know more information on the new Chevy Camaro ZL1. For the time being, click here for a look at more teasers from the folks at Camaro5.com.

Other 2011 Chicago Auto Show News:
The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 debuts at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show