Powered by a supercharged 6.2-Liter LSA small-block, the aerodynamic Camaro performs like a Corvette.
Chevy’s hottest enthusiast Camaro boasts Supercar levels of performance plus aerodynamic technology. With a 580-horsepower supercharged engine, the latest Camaro to wear ZL1 badging can hit 170 mph on Germany’s famed Nurburgring’s Nordschleife course. To maintain stability and steering response at that speed, the ZL1 features an aerodynamic design that generates downforce to press the tires on the track.
“The Camaro ZL1 lapped Nürburgring in an incredible 7:41.27 seconds, which would not have been possible without work of our aerodynamics team,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “The design of the ZL1 creates downforce like a racecar, harnessing air pressure to press the tires against the track for extra grip and control at high speeds.”
For the ZL1 – the fastest Camaro ever – GM’s aerodynamics team set out to generate maximum downforce for improved handing at speed while minimizing increased drag that could reduce fuel economy and the vehicle’s top speed. With computer-assisted design recommendations, engineers tested full-scale clay models and full-size prototypes in the GM wind tunnel – shaping clay and trimming foam board by hand to affect changes and measure them immediately.Tom Peters, GM Director of Design, high-performance cars, shows prototype convertible, above, at GM Design.
Outside of the aerodynamics laboratory, engineers tested the ZL1’s aerodynamic aids on GM’s Milford Road Course, below, other racetracks and the unique “rolling road” wind tunnel at the Auto Research Center in Indianapolis.
When the dust settled and the wind-tunnel blades came to a stop, the Camaro ZL1 produced 65 pounds of downforce at an equivalent 150 mph – compared with 200 pounds of lift in a Camaro SS – which was offset by an increase of only 40 counts of additional aerodynamic drag.
“From the driver’s seat, below, the added downforce makes a huge change in the feel, and responsiveness of the ZL1 at high speeds,” said Oppenheiser. “One of the best examples of how aerodynamics have improved the ZL’s performance is driving the Fuchsröhre, or Foxhole at the Nürburgring. In the ZL1, you can take that sweeping left-hand corner flat-out in fifth gear at nearly 160 mph.”
Seven elements contribute to the ZL1’s downforce qualities:
1. Front Fascia – The front fascia channels air for engine and brake cooling. The lower opening is larger than in a Camaro SS, providing greater airflow to the engine’s intercooler/heat exchanger. Even the grille’s “fins” were shaped for optimal airflow. Corners of the front fascia were reshaped to minimize lift, while the brake-cooling ducts in the outer corners of the lower grille opening provide a direct, high-flow path to the brake rotors.
2. Hood – The ZL1’s hood has a vented, carbon fiber insert, contributing to both engine cooling and aerodynamic downforce. Prototype, above, at GM Proving Grounds. With traditional sealed hoods, air trapped in the engine bay creates front-end lift. With the ZL1, the specially shaped vents draw air up through the engine bay, allowing a significant volume of airflow while keeping the front tires firmly planted on the pavement.
3. Front Splitter – Instead of a traditional front air dam, the ZL1 incorporates a racing-style splitter to help create downforce. Unlike some competitors’ vehicles that come with an add-on splitter, the ZL1’s does not have to be installed at the track. It is factory installed and designed with enough ground clearance for all driving conditions.
4. Front Tire Deflectors – The deflectors push airflow, above, around the rotating wheels and tires more efficiently, reducing lift and drag. By using deflectors in place of a traditional air dam, the downforce is less sensitive to pitch changes, making the ZL1 feel more stable at high speeds.
5. Belly Pans – The ZL1 has two: one beneath the engine cradle and one at the rear of the engine, just in front of the transmission. Both extend the width of the chassis out to the wheelhouse openings, to minimize airflow turbulence under the car. NACA-style ducts are incorporated into the rear belly pan for transmission cooling.
6. Rocker Panels – Although subtle in appearance, the carefully shaped rocker panels, above, help reduce lift and drag, while also contributing to stability during high cross winds. They also provide stone protection with the ZL1’s wider tires.
7. Rear Spoiler – One of the most dramatic aero enhancements comes with the ZL1’s rear spoiler, above, which contributes approximately 150 pounds of downforce at the cost of only one count of drag. It is taller and wider than the Camaro SS spoiler and incorporates the center high-mounted stop lamp.
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe, above, accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,995, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension, the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car. In addition, the ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine and transmission oil cooler, and brake-cooling ducts as standard equipment.
The Camaro ZL1 is Option Guide
Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls: $1,185
20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package: $470
Power sunroof: $900
Stripe package: $470
Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert: $600
Suede package, including suede microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob and boot: $500
The Camaro ZL1 goes on sale in 2012. A convertible model will also be offered for the 2013 model year, starting in the summer of 2012.
Check out this video about the aerodynamic advantages and development of the ZL1, http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-zl1/#image4
For more information about the latest Chevrolet Camaros, please visit, http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-performance-cars/