Chevrolet unleashes 480kW Camaro ZL1

The Chevy Camaro power meter has just been cranked up to extreme, with unveiling of the new-generation Camaro ZL1.

Not due for US release until late this year but a chance for Australia if the Camaro ever makes it here, the 2017 ZL1 is powered by a ridiculously powerful supercharged 6.2-litre V8 codenamed LT4.

GM estimates it'll belt out roughly 480kW, or 640 horsepower, and has been "engineered to excel at everything".

Torque is equally mad at almost 870Nm and, although the company is yet to release 0-100km/h or top speed figures, the ZL1 is likely to be one of the fastest Camaros ever – particularly when the blown V8 is hooked up to GM's all-new 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 10-speed auto has been dubbed a 'quick-shift' transmission, ensuring very close ratios for rapid acceleration. A six-speed manual or 'stick shift' will also be offered for traditionalists.

Designed to take on the best rear-drive muscle coupes available in the US such as the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be highly competitive on road and track claims Mark Reuss, GM's Executive Vice President of Global Product Development.

"This car, we've taken it to just about every different track situation and road situation in the world.

"The new ZL1 In sixth-generation form is made and engineered to excel at everything," said the former Holden chief.

As well as the extensively modified powertrain the all-new Camaro ZL1 features a bold body kit comprising a huge front air dam with extended front lip, an audacious bonnet shaker, black side skirts matched with rear trim and set of big 20-inch alloy wheels.

The giant hoops are shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres measuring 285/30 ZR at the front and a whopping 305/30 ZR at the rear. This thing will lay down some thick elevensies!

Suspension has been fine-tuned for improved at-the-limit control and adjustable Magnetic Ride dampers are also added.

An electronic limited-slip differential has been designed to improve corner exit speed and stability, while massive 390mm two-piece disc brakes are worked over by hefty six-piston Brembo callipers.

Perhaps of most interest to racetrack junkies will be the car's 90kg lighter weight, and also the inclusion of Recaro front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and sweat-soaking suede trim on all major touch points (wheel, gear stick, etc).

GM executives have previously told motoring.com.au the current Camaro will not be coming to Australia, which means Chevrolet's pony car is unlikely to take on the Mustang in this country at least until it's facelifted or replaced later this decade.

That means Ford's sold-out Mustang and its upcoming Roush supercharger kits (which output up to 500kW - more than the Camaro ZL1) will continue to have no direct rival Down Under as the Camaro remains off-limits outside left-hand-drive markets led by North America.