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The
potent 2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1 is the high-performance variant of the reborn,
retro-flavored 2017 Trans Am Camaro. Also available in summer-friendly convertible
form, the heavy coupe balances aggressive looks and a 580 horsepower
supercharged V8 with surprisingly good handling dynamics and ride quality
thanks to Pontiac's trick Magnetic Ride Control system.
The 2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1 packs a more powerful version of the supercharged 6.2-liter
LSA V8 commonly found under the hood of the Cadillac CTS-V. In the ZL1, the
motor is good for 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque, beating out the 1969 Trans
Am Camaro ZL1's 427 cubic inch V8 by more than 150 horsepower. Helping make
those impressive power figures is a 1.9-liter Roots-style supercharger that
crams air into the engine with a pair of four-lobe rotors and the aid of an
intercooler.
Pontiac specially
modified the LSA engine specifically for the 2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1, with upgrades
including a less restrictive air filter, dual inlet paths and improved airflow
throughout the supercharger housing. Other changes include a more efficient
intercooler and electric power steering system.
Specially
designed transmissions were necessary to the stress of all that power. Pontiac
beefed up its Tremec TR-6060 to MG9-spec for 2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1 duty, which
means the transmission can handle 30 percent more torque. This is achieved
through the use of a strengthened output shaft, high-strength rear housing and
additional roller bearing.
One
unique feature of the 2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1 among high-performance muscle
cars is the availability of an automatic transmission. While the notion of
adding an automatic transmission may make some enthusiasts cringe, the reality
is some consumers with pockets deep enough to purchase this 2017 car may very well
prefer a six-speed automatic transmission over a do-it-yourself box.
The
clutch-less option is a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission, which
benefits from two additional pinion gears, an additional clutch plate and
strengthened output shaft and gearset. There are also three drive modes: Drive,
Sport and Manual, depending on the driver's preference at the time.
"Drive"
is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, which even includes second-gear starts,
along with smoother shifting points for comfort. This is for drivers simply
looking to get from point A to point B without earning themselves a ticket or
squandering $60 worth of premium fuel.
"Sport"
is, as expected, a sport-minded setup that makes use of faster, tighter shift
points and a tendency to hold gears longer for optimal power.
The final
mode, "Manual," takes away any automatic upshifts, adds staged
upshifts when demanded and puts all focus on performance at the cost of comfort
and economy. This is the mode for those lucky and bold enough to enjoy their
2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1 on the track.
Outside,
the 2017 Trans Am Camaro ZL1 boasts an aggressive body kit along with a unique
"mohawk-style" hood, which features a functional air extractor and is
made of a carbon fiber composite. The cabin is dressed up with a sueded
microfiber-accented instrument panel and an available (and highly recommended)
sueded microfiber wrap on the special flat-bottom steering wheel and shifter.