LA Show: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 roadster

Chevrolet has unveiled the most powerful version of its Camaro sports car at the 2011 Los Angeles motor show

One of the big stories at the Los Angeles motor show was the return of a very old fashioned power battle, as Ford and Chevrolet both revealed distinctly over-engined sports cars. 

And although most attention was won by the blue entry – the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 and its claimed 202mph top speed – GM’s entrant looks very nearly as spectacular on paper. The new Camaro ZL1 – revealed at LA as a cabriolet, although a coupe will also be offered – is powered by a 580bhp supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that’s claimed to be capable of blasting from rest to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds.

As you’d hope, the ZL1 has been substantially re-engineered from the standard Camaro roadster, with body reinforcement including a fat strut brace at the front end and additional underbody reinforcement. It comes with adaptive dampers and will be going on sale in the ‘States early next year, priced at around $57,000.

There’s no official word as to whether the ZL1 roadster, or its coupe sister, will make it to the UK – although if either does they will likely be imported in tiny volumes.

Click here for evo's full 2011 LA motor show coverage

Huge photo gallery of all the LA show stars right here

Most Popular

The Ares Wami Lalique Spyder is a 20-year-old BMW made to look like a Maserati
Ares Wami Lalique Spyder – front
News

The Ares Wami Lalique Spyder is a 20-year-old BMW made to look like a Maserati

Just 12 Wami Lalique Spyders will be built, each based on an E85-generation BMW Z4 chassis with a mishmash of ‘50s design cues
25 Oct 2023
The new Nissan Hyper Force is a 1341bhp preview of the R36 GT-R
Nissan Hyper Force – front
News

The new Nissan Hyper Force is a 1341bhp preview of the R36 GT-R

Nissan has previewed the next-generation GT-R at the Tokyo motor show with a radical EV supercar
25 Oct 2023
The new Porsche 911 (992.2) looks like the old one, but prepare for big changes
Porsche 911 992.2 facelift – front
Spy shots

The new Porsche 911 (992.2) looks like the old one, but prepare for big changes

The facelifted Porsche 911 is expected to offer hybrid power for the first time when it arrives next year
27 Oct 2023