Chevrolet’s 485kW Camaro ZL1 quicker than Hellcat

Chevrolet has released performance figures for its most extreme sixth-gen Camaro ZL1 that one day could come to Australia.

Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 (LT4) that produces an incredible 485kW while churning out an equally astonishing near 870Nm of torque, the 'hero' coupe is also fitted with an all-new Ford-GM developed 10-speed transmission that contains closely-spaced ratios.

Chevrolet says it created the Camaro ZL1 to offer "supercar performance with daily-driver refinement", and the high-performance coupe is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) in just 3.5 seconds... 0.1 seconds quicker than the 527kW Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.

The US car maker also says it will complete a quarter mile (402-metres) in just 11.2 seconds at 204km/h.

Enormous 285/30 ZR front and 305/30 ZR rear tyres are claimed to help the coupe pull a maximum 1.02g though corners.

Also helping the car's handling are re-tuned, adjustable Magnetic Ride dampers that are claimed to provide for improved on-the-limit handling.

Reigning in all that speed are massive 390mm two-piece disc brakes that come with six-piston Brembo callipers.

The ZL1 also gains plenty of weight saving under the skin, including a pair of Recaro bucket seats.

Sadly, the Camaro has still not been confirmed for Australia, but at the New York Motor show in March this year, General Motors announced it was studying the Camaro’s Australian prospects in the wake of Ford’s decision to offer the Mustang in right-hand drive (RHD) markets.

The latest suggestions, from within GM, is that a RHD Camaro could be feasible, if the numbers work, around mid-life update time later in the decade, or when the seventh generation arrives around 2021.

In any case, it would be very unlikely a Camaro ZL1 would sell for the same $81,160 US buyers will be charged when the most powerful ever Camaro goes on sale later this year.