AW drives the Camaro ZL1, again

[kevm14]

http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews ... dailydrive

A couple quotes sum it up:

This is probably the ultimate Camaro. Never mind the Z/28 -- it’s too focused, too maneuverable, too light. This is a blunt instrument, a thirsty, testosterone-fueled mess that happens to be a heck of a lot of fun. Heavy? Bolt on a blower! Utter lack of rear visibility? Why would you ever be looking backward in this thing? The road’s ahead of you, buddy.

It’s tempting to just say “get a Corvette,” and at this price, the C7 makes a lot more sense as a daily driver. Don’t even mention the Camaro’s back seats -- you ever try sitting in one? I have, and it’s a cruel joke.

But you don’t buy the ZL1 because you’re in rational decision-making mode, and it is, as I mentioned, probably the ultimate incarnation of Camaro-ness.

And

You may think that sales of the Camaro Z/28 would cannibalize sales of the ZL1, but after driving both within a week, I’m pretty sure they appeal to different demos.
The Z/28 is a track car. It comes with special springs, massive carbon ceramic brakes, lightweight wheels, thinner glass, and can be specified with no air conditioning. The ZL1 is a big, heavy GT car.

The SS 1LE is the one to buy if you like the Z28 but obviously can't afford it. Or if you wouldn't spend your $75k on a car.

[Bob]

..or if you refuse to spend $75k on an expensive version of a mass produced car that starts at 1/3 that price.

[kevm14]

Well I submit that it's excellent hardware, and the value will probably hold.

[bill25]

Granted the SS and Z-28 share a chassis and most body panels, I think that is about where the similarities end. Sure it started with the chassis of a 33K car but it isn't like they just added an appearance package to the SS or a bigger exhaust.

The Z-28 has F1 suspension, brakes developed specifically for it and the new Corvette, and an LS7 witch is about 15K more than an LS3.

I would say that the real "bargain" is the ZL-1 though.
Magna-ride, LSA instead of LS3, bigger brakes, and a supercharger for 55K 425HP goes to 580.

The SS with a few options gets to 40K real quick (leather, paint, gauges, rims). So look at the extra you get with the ZL-1 for 15K.

I haven't price checked in a while, but I am willing to bet that there are very few cars to choose from in the 55K price point with 580HP that do 0-60 in 3.9.

I am definitely a fan of the Z-28, but at 75K, I will never own one, and at that price point there is probably a lot more competition.