Why the 2018 Camaro ZL1 May Be Just the Upgrade You Need

Whether you’ve owned a Chevrolet Camaro for years or have yet to commit to the muscle car lifestyle, the 2018 Camaro ZL1 may be just the upgrade you need. The Camaro is already a high-performance vehicle, but Chevrolet has managed to improve upon just about every facet of its design in the ZL1 model. Take a look at some of the highlights here.

Engine

As a prospective or current Camaro driver, you’re going to want to experience this engine for yourself. The 2018 Camaro ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8 engine capable of delivering an outrageous 650 horsepower and 650 pounds per foot of torque. When you’re behind the wheel of the ZL1, you’ll be able to reach 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. The engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Either way, you’ll be ready to harness the unprecedented driving performance provided by this impressive powertrain. In other Camaro trims, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine comes standard. This still puts out an impressive 275 horsepower but comes nowhere close to the speed and acceleration of the ZL1. However, if you don’t see yourself racing down the highway, the LS, LT, or SS trims should suit you just fine.

Coupe or Convertible

The 2018 Camaro ZL1 distinguishes itself from the rest of the Camaro lineup with its speed and power. However, one similarity all the trims share is the choice between a coupe or a convertible. While you might prefer the convertible for sheer style points, consider that coupes generally have better handling. This is a result of their stiffer construction since they have a full metal roof rather than a canvas soft-top. Another consideration is the price: the coupe version of the ZL1 has an MSRP of $62,495. The convertible has a higher MSRP of $68,495. The other trims have similar price cuts for the coupe.

Driving Performance

The ZL1 features wider tires and its own suspension system, in contrast to the regular Camaro lineup. If you want to squeeze every possible ounce of performance from the car, choosing the automatic transmission is the way to go. This transmission allows you to shift gears more quickly and therefore improves your acceleration time. You might also consider adding the 1LE package for some additional performance-based perks. Drivers less focused on performance will love the lower Camaro trims, which still feature the choice of a 6-speed manual or 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the 2018 Camaro ZL1 as Good in driver-side, moderate overlap front, and side crashworthiness categories. The car also earned a Good rating for its head restraints and seats. While the ZL1 has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the basic 2018 Camaro received a five-star rating. The ZL1 does feature blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert software. The performance standards offered by the 2018 Camaro ZL1 are hard to beat. If you’re excited about getting behind the wheel of this powerful muscle car, you have good reason to be. An upgrade to the best Camaro in production will reward you with an unmatched driving experience.