Like us, you might have a couple of realizations when watching the Camaro ZL1 1LE Nurburgring lap video (below):
1. Chevy’s latest track creation is ridiculously capable, and borderline insane.
2. Chevy’s test drivers are ridiculously capable, also borderline insane.
The combination of the two variables yields a stunning Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:16.
To put that accomplishment into proper perspective, consider the following Nurburgring lap times:
991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 – 7:12.70
Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package – 7:14.64
Porsche 911 GT2 RS (997) – 7:18
Ferrari 488 GTB – 7:21.63
Maserati MC12 – 7:24.29
Ferrari Enzo – 7:25.21
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 – 7:27
McLaren MP4-12C – 7:28
That’s right. The ZL1 1LE laps the ‘ring nearly 10 seconds quicker than an Enzo. For those of us with clear memories of the Enzo era, it’s a fact that just about defies belief.
1. Chevy’s latest track creation is ridiculously capable, and borderline insane.
2. Chevy’s test drivers are ridiculously capable, also borderline insane.
The combination of the two variables yields a stunning Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7:16.
To put that accomplishment into proper perspective, consider the following Nurburgring lap times:
991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 – 7:12.70
Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package – 7:14.64
Porsche 911 GT2 RS (997) – 7:18
Ferrari 488 GTB – 7:21.63
Maserati MC12 – 7:24.29
Ferrari Enzo – 7:25.21
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 – 7:27
McLaren MP4-12C – 7:28
That’s right. The ZL1 1LE laps the ‘ring nearly 10 seconds quicker than an Enzo. For those of us with clear memories of the Enzo era, it’s a fact that just about defies belief.
And very unlike the Enzo with its starting price of $659,330 back in 2002 ($900,000 in today’s money), the ZL1 with 1LE package runs a very reasonable $7,500 more than the base ZL1 model, or about $70,000 pre-tax. (Also pre-negotiation.)
The extra coin buys lightened wheels and Goodyear track tires in sizes 305/30R19 front, 325/30R19 rear, legitimate (F1 wind tunnel) aero, adjustable DSSV dampers with camber plates*, and an overall lighter curb weight – about 60 lbs. less than the standard ZL1.
Love the Camaro or hate it, and regardless of performance car culture/brand allegiances, every enthusiast must admire the ZL1 1LE and Chevy’s recent activities in this automotive segment. The automotive world is a better, more colorful and lively place with cars like the Corvette Grand Sport and Camaro ZL1 1LE around.
Not to mention, Chevy remains one of the only manufacturers that welcomes, and expects their performance cars to be used for HPDE. Three cheers for that.
*Capable of delivering 3.7 degrees of negative camber up front.
(Rumor has it that the ZL1 1LE actually managed a lap in the 7:13 range, but without GoPro and the Performance Data Recorder system active. So we’ll have to settle for this more mundane lap…)
The extra coin buys lightened wheels and Goodyear track tires in sizes 305/30R19 front, 325/30R19 rear, legitimate (F1 wind tunnel) aero, adjustable DSSV dampers with camber plates*, and an overall lighter curb weight – about 60 lbs. less than the standard ZL1.
Love the Camaro or hate it, and regardless of performance car culture/brand allegiances, every enthusiast must admire the ZL1 1LE and Chevy’s recent activities in this automotive segment. The automotive world is a better, more colorful and lively place with cars like the Corvette Grand Sport and Camaro ZL1 1LE around.
Not to mention, Chevy remains one of the only manufacturers that welcomes, and expects their performance cars to be used for HPDE. Three cheers for that.
*Capable of delivering 3.7 degrees of negative camber up front.
(Rumor has it that the ZL1 1LE actually managed a lap in the 7:13 range, but without GoPro and the Performance Data Recorder system active. So we’ll have to settle for this more mundane lap…)
