2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes loaded with all the features that are available for the regular Camaro and then adds a few more as well. It also features cylinder deactivation to save some fuel, while the optional 1LE package turns the Camaro ZL1 into a lethal track weapon by offering an aero kit, semi-slick tires, manually adjustable front camber plates, and rear stabilizer bars paired with DSSV dampers and race-tuned suspension. There are plenty of creature comforts on offer as standard, and a few more can be added to better spec your car for daily driving needs if that’s what you desire. 

Which trim should you buy?

As there are no trims on offer, there isn’t much to recommend in this regard. That being said, the 1LE Track package costs $7,500 more, and although it might feel worth the investment, it is better to skip that as the car is very potent without that as well and not compromise with the ride quality of the car in daily driving conditions. 

The humongous power output from its massive V8 engine means that the Camaro ZL1 drinks the premium fuel more than you would drink soda or lemonade on a hot summer day despite employing cylinder deactivation technology. The automatic sips a bit more fuel in the city while returning 1 mpg more on the highways. Either way, the combined fuel efficiency rating stays the same, which together with the 19-gallon gas tank, does not offer a long driving range and needs frequent visits to the gas station. 

None of its American rivals fare well in this regard, and both the Mustang GT350 and the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat have similar fuel efficiency ratings. The smaller capacity turbocharged V6 of the BMW M4, on the other hand, has a much higher frugality, but with a smaller gas tank capacity, the range is on par with the Camaro. The Mustang with its very small fuel tank has the worst driving range in this comparison. 

Since the ZL1 is basically the top-end trim of the Camaro lineup, it features all the features and creature comforts that Chevy can offer in its cabin. The Recaro power seats are heated and ventilated and are wrapped in leather & suede, while the steering wheel gets suede treatment with heating functionality. 

The seats are comfortable for most parts and offer a decent amount of space for most Americans to be seated without feeling much cramped. That being said, the rear seats are strictly only for young kids, and the trunk capacity is very limited too at just over 9 cu-ft. The thick A-pillar also limits outward visibility, and the small rear windshield does not help in this regard as well. 

In comparison, the Mustang offers a similar front and rear seat space but offers fifty percent more in terms of cargo space. The Challenger is a larger vehicle in general and hence has a lot more passenger and luggage space than the other two muscle cars. The BMW M4 does a great job here as it matches up with the cabin space of the Challenger and yet has a larger trunk to offer than the Camaro. Major interior features include:

• 8-way power front sport bucket seats
• Heated and Ventilated RECARO performance front seats
• Leather-trimmed upholstery w/sueded inserts
• Sporty alloy pedals w/driver dead pedal
• Tilt/Telescopic sueded microfiber-wrapped, flat-bottom heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8.0-inch LCD Driver Information Center
• Head-Up Display
• Ambient interior lighting

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Camaro ZL1 shares the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus infotainment system interface with lesser trims with an identical 8-inch touchscreen display. Almost all of its functions can be controlled through the steering mounted controls as well, while the voice commands work well with the navigation system.

If you ever get bored of the V8 roar from under the hood, which we hardly doubt will ever happen, the Bose audio system offers an impressive thump and clarity for the audiophiles to enjoy their favorite tracks. Major infotainment features include:

• 8.0-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus infotainment system
• 9-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
• Built-in navigation system
• Chevrolet 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/12-month All Access trial subscription
• Bluetooth audio streaming and enhanced voice recognition

The Camaro ZL1 is a road-legal track weapon that looks straight out of a Hot Wheels toy car collection box. Although the headlamps do not get LED treatment, the LED daytime running lights and tail lights look striking, and the redesigned rear end looks very fresh as well.

The 20-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels look stunning, while the 1LE package is offered with a set of 19-inch black-painted wheels that adds more character to the car. 

Both the ZL1 and the Mustang GT350 are similar in terms of dimensions and hence weigh similar as well. The Challenger is the largest of them all, while the M4 is the most compact one here. The Bimmer offers the highest ground clearance though for added practicality, while the Camaro ZL1 has a very low hunkered down stance. The Challenger and Mustang ride marginally lower than the M4 but have a lot more clearance than the Camaro. Major exterior highlights of the coupe include:

• Projector-beam headlights w/LED daytime running lights
• LED taillights
• Heated power-adjustable driver-side auto-dimming outside mirrors
• Front variable-speed intermittent wipers
• Rear sport spoiler
• 20-inch forged aluminum dark graphite premium paint wheels 

The high value and low sales volume nature of the ZL1 mean that the car hasn’t specifically been tested by either of the safety testing agencies, but the regular 2019 Camaro received a perfect 5-star rating from the NHTSA while also scoring well in the test conducted by the IIHS. Add to that the long list of safety and driver assistance features offered by Chevy as standard on the ZL1, there should be no worries in terms of safety, both on the track and the streets. Major safety features include:

• StabiliTrak stability control system w/brake assist and traction control
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Park Assist and HD Rear Vision Camera
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Teen Driver mode
• Chevrolet Connected Access w/10 years of standard connectivity

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe vs Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

Both the cars have been on the minds of kids all around the world with their iconic Hot Wheels like design, and impressive performance is what attracted them when they become adults.

There is not much difference in terms of price, performance, and frugality, but the Camaro is definitely the better handler amongst the two. That being said, the Challenger has a larger cabin and trunk, but nobody buys a high-performance muscle car for their practicality. 

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe vs Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 may be menacing on its own, but against the potency of the Camaro ZL1, the GT350 looks lackluster. Although it is more affordable, the ZL1 is considerably quicker and a much better handler as well.

The fuel efficiency is almost identical and so is the cabin space on offer. The only positive for Ford here is the larger trunk and a bit more technology on offer. 

2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe vs BMW M4

Germany’s best against America’s best, the BMW M4 is considered as the more sophisticated and refined rival to the muscle cars. The higher price tag of the M4 does not feel justifiable in terms of performance, but the higher fuel efficiency and superior handling are where things get interesting.

The cabin too is far spacious and loaded with plenty of modern technology. Therefore, it is a matter of personal preference, if utmost speed and performance is what you crave, then there is legit no alternative to the Camaro ZL1. 

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most exciting and affordable way to enjoy the renowned muscle car performance without spending a 6-figure sum of money. There is abundant power on offer for scintillating speeds, and the performance-tuned chassis is sure to put a huge grin on your face. Similar to all track-focused cars, it loses out in terms of practicality, but that is something that not many would mind when looking at almost 200 mph on the speedometer.