2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevy wisely adds the Teen Driver parental-control system to the standard equipment list- Autotrader

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 is an all-new model for this year and is the performance-oriented model in the Camaro lineup. It has a sale price of $61,140, excluding a destination fee of $995 and a gas guzzler tax of $1,300. Only an RWD configuration is available in the Camaro. Similarly, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard but an optional 10-speed automatic is available for $1,595. 

Being the top-end model, the Camaro ZL1 is nicely equipped with features, be it comfort, technology, or performance. There are not many optional packages available in the Camaro ZLE. But, it is available with an exclusive $1,183 Performance Data Recorder that allows the driver to record video of the driving experience on the track and provides analysis of the run. 

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The Chevy Camaro appeals to a lot of young buyers who are looking for a stylish and performance car. The ZL1 model specifically is intended for people who visit the race track much often. Therefore, we recommend opting for the Performance Data Recorder to hone your driving skills on a racetrack. 

This Camaro is the thirstiest in the lineup- The Car Connection

For people who think of saving money in the name of fuel economy, steer away from the Chevy Camaro ZL1 as it is the least efficient car in this segment. The fuel ratings include 14 MPG in the city, 20 MPG on a highway, and 16 MPG combined. These ratings are on par with its segment rivals. 

A 19-gallon fuel tank capacity is fitted in the Camaro ZL1, which is the biggest in the segment. It delivers 323 miles of combined range when filled with premium fuel. Compared to its rivals, it has the best city and highway ranges thanks to its large fuel tank. Therefore, you don't need to visit gas stations regularly. 

The Ford Shelby GT350 displays wonderful fuel efficiency due to which its fuel costs would be less. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat's city rating is less by 1 MPG but the highway rating matches its rivals. Also, its large fuel tank helps to deliver a better range than the Shelby GT350. Meanwhile, the Camaro ZL1 is the last car on the table. 

Though the interior of the ZL1 is a nice place to be, with high-quality materials and a sleek look, usability suffers- Edmunds

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Seating and Comfort

The interior of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 is pretty much like all the other Camaros.  The ZL1's specific changes are few but they are nice. First things first, the front seats are Recaros, they are nice buckets with good amounts of lateral support but they don't feel uncomfortable. They are wrapped in leather and also have some Alcantara inserts. Moreover, these seats are power-adjustable and come standard with heated and ventilated functions.

The seating position is very far down which may not suit some buyers. The next key difference is the flat-bottom steering wheel that comes wrapped in Alcantara. There is plenty of space available in the front row for taller occupants. But, at the back, both the head and legroom are minimal and cannot fit adults. Also, due to the sloping roofline, rear visibility is very bad although there are some technologies to overcome it. 

Looking at the figures on the table, it is clear that the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat's cabin is the roomiest. That's because it has a wide wheelbase among its rivals. Strangely, the seating capacity of the Ford Shelby GT350 is four, though its rear seats are not adult-friendly. Its space levels are almost similar to the Camaro. 

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Infotainment

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 comes standard with an 8-inch MyLink infotainment system. The infotainment display in the ZL1 looks funky as it looks like it's tilted in. Although when you start using it, you'll realize it's super intuitive. This infotainment system is one of the best in the business. It is known for its straightforward interface and quick responses. It also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This system is connected to a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system. From the driver's seat, you will notice two analog gauges and in the center is an 8-inch multi-function display that is configurable and above that is a head-up display. There are very few physical buttons placed below the screen in a straight line. These controls can be reached easily from the driver's seat. 

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Interior Features

• Tilt & telescopic multi-function leather, heated steering wheel
• Color-adjustable ambient lighting
• Power front Recaro sport seats with heated & ventilated functions
• Push-buttons start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Alloy foot pedals
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8-inch customizable instrument cluster
• 9-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Voice recognition audio system
• Wireless charging

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Cargo Volume

Sport coupes usually have less cargo capacity and it's the same story with the Chevy Camaro ZL1. Only 9.1 cubic feet of storage is provided in the trunk, which is the least in its segment. Honestly, there is enough space available to store two large duffel bags. Also, since the rear seats aren't usable for adults, they can be used for keeping your shopping bags. 

You also don't get a power tailgate. Loading items into the trunk could be an issue as the trunk has a very small opening and the lift-over height is pretty high. One thing you have to accept in the Camaro's interior is that there is no interior storage. You get small dor pockets and there's some space in the armrest but not for anything bigger than a phone. 

Once again, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat shines as it offers the most cargo space. Just behind it is the Ford Shelby GT350 with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Camaro is the least practical vehicle among its rivals and comes in last. Therefore, this vehicle is perfect for a weekend getaway and not for inter-state travel as it cannot carry more luggage. 

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro sports clean, tight lines to go with its tidy dimensions, owing a little to the classic 1969 model- Kelly Blue Book

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Design and Styling

The exterior of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 doesn't look dramatically different from the Camaro SS models except for the front fascia. Upfront, you see the big differences with the ZL1. On the hood is the ZL1 badging and carbon fiber dome. The front fascia has gigantic air openings because the ZL1 needs a lot of air to keep it cool. It has a low ground clearance of 3.5 inches, which is good for handling and increases the potential for speed. 

Over on the side, it retains the shape that Camaros are loved for. Being the top-end model in the Camaro lineup, the ZL1 gets 20-inch wheels but they are staggered equipment. So the front tires are a bit smaller than the rear and that gives a nice purposeful look. The wheelbase measures 110.7 inches, which is less than its arch-rival.  You could also distinguish the ZL1 from other models because it has big exhaust pipes and a ZL1 badge at the back.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has the widest wheelbase, measuring 5.5 inches more than the Camaro. Therefore, its rear row is spacious and can accommodate adults. With 0.5 inches of ground clearance more than the Camaro, the Ford Shelby GT350 can be driven over those high bumps without fearing its underbelly getting scraped. 

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Exterior Features

• HID headlamps
• LED DRLs
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Black grille
• Black window trim
• Rear spoiler wing
• 20-inch aluminum wheels

An Acceptable rating for the roof strength test prevented the Camaro from earning a Top Safety Pick- MotorTrend

In view of safety, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 earned great ratings. NHTSA gave a perfect 5-star rating to it while it received 'Good ratings in almost all crash tests. It also received an 'Acceptable' rating for its roof strength. It didn't win the Top Safety Pick award as it does have any technologies for front crash prevention. 

Despite being a sports coupe, Chevy was generous enough to provide some driver-assist features to reduce the risk of an accident. This year, Teen Driver became a standard safety feature that provides custom settings to enforce safe driving habits for teenage drivers. Some of the other safety features include:

• Rearview Camera
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Head-Up Display

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most expensive and most powerful muscle car in the U.S. market. It makes 57 horsepower more than the Camaro XL1 and yet, its performance stats a tad bit slower due to its heavy curb weight. The fuel economy of both cars is the same but the Camaro offers a better range. The main highlights of the Challenger are its spacious rear seats and class-leading trunk volume. Also, it hosts more driver aids than the Camaro.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs 2017 Ford Shelby GT350

The Ford Shelby GT350 is the cheapest alternative in this segment. With a power difference of 124 horses, the GT350's acceleration is a bit slow but offers great performance. Moreover, it is the most fuel-efficient car in its segment. Both the cars offer almost equal rear-seat space but the GT350 is ahead in terms of cargo capacity. The Camaro strikes back by offering more features than the GT350. With regards to safety features, the GT350 comes with more technologies. 

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 is all about style and performance. From its heritage-based exterior design to its remarkably simple and thoughtfully laid out dashboard with one of the easiest infotainment systems in the business, the Camaro ownership is a source of pride whether you are inside of the car or outside. If you are looking for the best all-around American muscle car, look for the Camaro ZL1.