2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Being a high-performance version of the Camaro SS, the 2013 Camaro ZL1 is a one-off track-based model that will send chills down the spine with its unmatched power and torque. It is available in both coupe and cabriolet body styles. Starting from $54,000, the muscle-coupe is extremely similar to the 2SS, but has ultra-performance upgrades such as a supercharged V8, Brembo brakes, an active suspension system, unique 20-inch wheels, and revised power steering. Carbon-fiber air extractors are included on the hood and unique front and rear fascias are also featured. A smaller steering wheel with flat bottom is inside the cabin, along with red accent stitching, microfiber suedelike upholstery, and red accent stitching.

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The 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 comes as a standalone trim, but customers have a choice of two body styles: coupe and convertible. Regardless of the style, you'd enjoy the best feature set Chevrolet has to offer. At an MSRP of $54,350, it's the ultimate Camaro you can sit behind the wheel of. We recommend the factory version without customisations, as you will not need them for your commuting needs. 

Powered by an imposing 6.2L LSA supercharged V8 engine with a cast aluminum cylinder head and engine block, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 for 2013 comes with seriously impressive performance specs. This high-performance engine produces a notorious 580 HP of power and 556 lb-ft of torque. The muscle car equipped with this engine rockets from a standstill to 60MPH in just around four seconds while a top speed of 184 MPH is reached.

Being a track-based model, the 2013 Camaro ZL1 has a maximum revving of 6200 rotations per minute. As well as this unquestionably powerful engine, Chevrolet offers the ZL1 with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Automatic shifting is available as an option. Also, some performance-enhancing features like six-piston Brembo brakes in the front, dual-mode quad exhaust system, standard Magnetic Ride Control, and performance traction management certainly give a great experience while driving the Chevy Camaro.

Being just a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Chevy, the Ford Mustang has the best power as well as performance while the Camaro ranks after, with a comparatively low top speed. The Camaro outpowers the Cadillac, however, the CTS-V reaches terribly close in terms of performance. The Challenger, on the other hand, is the least powered and the slowest of all.

In 2013, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 features a fuel tank that holds 19 gallons, which is a lot of fuel. Although it is dirty and guzzles gas, it is rather good to have a large fuel tank that is always full. The MPG numbers for the muscle car from Chevrolet are 14 in the city and 19 on the highway with the manual transmission whereas the 6-speed automatic model lowers it down to 12 and 18 MPG respectively.

Though the Ford is the fastest, it also has the best MPG figures in the class, however, its range is limited because of the smallest fuel tank. On the other hand, the Dodge has a great range, and equally good MPG figures which give it the best range whereas Chevy and Cadillac have the same MPG numbers with just a gallon of difference in the fuel tank. Both of them have an acceptable range for the power they provide.

As the Camaro ZL1 returns for the third consecutive year, it is largely unchanged for 2013. A simple layout is evident from the dashboard, with a large AC vent placed at its center. The top part of the dashboard has premium suede upholstery with the doors having a smooth exterior colored insert; the rest is either black grained or soft-touch plastic panels. There are chrome surrounds to the gauges while a good amount of buttons feel just fine to operate and are limited to the center of the dashboard. Moving over to the center console, it sits at a good depth and has sufficient storage to have a good time at the track.

Allowing seating for four, the front bucket seats have a suede center with leather overalls and some nice and firm bolstering all over them. In addition to this, these seats are also heated as standard on the ZL1. Finding the best driving position is easy as both the front passenger and driver’s seat are 8-way power adjustments. Because the leg room is fairly cramped, the rear seats don't offer enough space for a long run around town unless you're criss-crossing applesauce. However, the trunk space of the Camaro is not as much as that of its rivals, but it provides enough room to carry an extra set of tires to the track. Moreover, there are two cup-holders, a decent-sized glovebox, some extra storage space under the front center armrest, and small door bins to carry all the general stuff.

A few additional comforts include single-zone manual air conditioning, steering wheel audio buttons, sports pedals, ZL1 door sills, and a frameless interior rearview mirror. Moreover, with the suede package, the steering wheel and gear shifter knob are wrapped in suede upholstery and a power sunroof is available.

The Cadillac seems to have divided its passenger volume well with impressive room in the rear while having equally good front room, however, the cargo capacity for the CTS-V is the least. On the other hand, Dodge has the best cargo space with an acceptable interior space whereas Ford and Chevy have a very roomy front row while the rear has ugly legroom with some cramped shoulder room in the Camaro.

Standout interior features:

• Air-conditioning
• Microfiber suedelike upholstery
• Red accent stitching
• Smaller, flat-bottomed steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe’s infotainment unit?

In the 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1, a 7.0-inch MyLink touchscreen infotainment system is standard, as well as an instrument cluster with a small digital screen and a heads-up display that provide the driver with enough information about the car's dynamics. Focusing on the head unit, which has a great response to touch along with some good graphics and details, has good resolution, and is visible in bright daylight. The interface is also pretty easy to use whereas there are plenty of entertainment and connectivity apps as well.

Furthermore, there are four auxiliary gauges placed ahead of the shifter knob that display some of that classic information like the supercharger boost, oil pressure, and temperature. Being a track-based model, Chevrolet has also given a rich audio experience for the 2013 Camaro ZL1 with a 245-watt 9-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system that delivers every beat loud and clear all around the cabin, making it habitable enough even for a long road trip.

Standout infotainment features:

• AM/FM/SiriusXM radio
• MyLink 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Bluetooth handsfree phone and audio streaming
• Navigation with voice command
• Pandora interior radio and Stitcher smart radio apps
• 245-watt 9-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system

The new and updated look for the fifth-generation Camaro is not just the best-looking muscle but also has improved aerodynamics. The hood of the car has been raised and vented in the middle, and it has some striking lines. Moving over to the headlights, a resemblance to the second-generation Camaro can be seen with a pair of awesome-looking circular LED DRLs and projector headlights. Front fascia features heavy engineering with the front grille reducing drag, a lower bumper grille cooling down the engine bay, improving brakes, and increasing downforce, along with a front splitter on the front. Also, there are front tire deflectors that push the airflow around the rotating wheels distributing air in a much efficient way.

From the side, 20-inch aluminum double 5-spoke wheels in black with a refined wheel well design and some strong lines, especially in the lower door area and a stylish coupe-shaped roof make the car look very attractive. The doors are frameless with heated and power operating side mirrors with an intriguing shape. Moving over to the rear, a nice and wide rear fender is carried over from the side and that basically, makes the rear. Somewhat similar to the front, the broad rear end has uniquely styled taillights in a set of four that are surrounded in chrome. The rear bumper consists of a rear diffuser along with quad tailpipes finished in chrome. Moreover, a trunk lid spoiler adds a little more downforce at the rear.

The Ford Mustang is fast because of its least curb weight while it is also the shortest and smallest muscle in the segment. The CTS-V seems to be the next coupe in terms of being compact but has the second-largest wheelbase after the Challenger SRT8 which is the longest, widest, and tallest muscle car with the longest wheelbase as well. The Camaro ZL1, on the other hand, is fairly large and wide but has the lowest-lying roof and ground clearance of all.

Standout exterior features:

• Massive Brembo brakes
• Active "Magnetic Ride Control" suspension dampers
• Unique 20-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires
• Front splitter
• Rear diffuser

Chevrolet has equipped the 2013 Camaro ZL1 with a high-performance body, but has also prioritized safety. Its galvanized steel body is strong, while its unitized body frame ensures that neither the occupants of the cabin nor the cabin itself will be injured. Looking at the NHTSA ratings, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe has an overall 5-star rating with all the other subsections having the same ratings as well but the IIHS has not yet tested the muscle car for its safety. Talking about safety, some features like six airbags, pre-tensioning seat belts, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and tire pressure monitoring system are standard on the ZL1 whereas a rear vision package is available that adds a rearview camera system that works alongside the rear park assist.

Standout safety features:

• StabiliTrak Stability Control System
• Rear Park Assist
• Rear Vision Camera
• Trunk emergency release handle
• Tire pressure monitoring system

The 2013 Chevrolet Camaro is indeed a great sports car. The ZL1 model has ruthless power and performance while providing enough comfort on the inside. Besides having a geeky, aerodynamic approach towards the bodywork, the GM-owned brand has introduced a coupe shape adding to the already outstanding look that the hefty and muscular body possesses. The Camaro ZL1 is a track-based high-performance car that also works pretty well as a daily driver and displays pure power and dominance on the road.