New Camaro ZL1 Can Hit 60 In 1st Gear

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Credit: © Chevrolet)

Sorry, Mustang fanboys, we keep learning how the new Camaro ZL1 is just completely awesome. The latest bit of information is that the car can reach 60 mph in first gear.

That tall first gear combines with the 650-horsepower V-8 engine for lightning-fast acceleration, because you don’t have to lose any forward momentum when shifting. Oh, and there’s line-lock to help you heat up the rear tires before doing a sick launch.

For now, everyone inside Chevrolet is keeping their lips zipped about just how fast the new ZL1 can hit 60. The previous version could do it in 4.0 seconds. According to some rumors based on speculation, the new one can hit 60 in 3.5 seconds. Hopefully that’s true, or the time’s even more insane.

And the Camaro ZL1 is supposed to be a track monster, and we’re not talking about just drag strips. No, the car will be able to stick turns, making it more than a straight-line, one-dimensional beast. If you want a Chevy that can really carve up the track, look for the next Z/28 to be revealed in the near future.

All this info comes via CarScoops’ conversation with Al Oppenheiser, the head engineer for the Camaro. I think Oppenheiser knows a thing or two about the ZL1. I’m just excited to see exactly what this car can do.