The Fastest Camaro Ever: 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Debuts in Chicago [w/VIDEO]

Well, we now have a Camaro that's enough to make some Corvette owners jealous. It's the all-new 2012 Camaro ZL1. Chevy introduced the Camaroat the 2011 Chicago Auto Show today, and it's calling it the "fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built." Mighty impressive words to describe a car that's already a classic.

While specs are still not finalized, Chevy predicts that the ZL1 will pull 550 ponies and 550 lb-ft of torque out of its all-aluminum, 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine. That output will be directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and will make the ZL1 the fastest Camaro ever built.

Most of the buzz is under the hood, but the 2012 Camaro ZL1 packs plenty of other equipment to be excited about. After all, the ZL1 namesake comes from an advanced, all-aluminum engine from the 1960s--an engine that was the pinnacle of Camaro performance. The ZL1 lives up to that heritage with a slew of advanced technologies including Magnetic Ride Control, which Chevy calls "world's fastest-reacting suspension system", electric power steering, Brembo brakes and dual-mode exhaust. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension system features two separate driver-selected modes--Tour and Sport--to deliver optimal handling for respective conditions of everyday and track use.

In addition to its advanced equipment, Chevy has made a number of key modifications around the exterior of the Camaro. Among these upgrades are a new front fascia, hood with air extractors and carbon fiber insert, new rocker panels and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with widened tires.

Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design explains the vision behind theZL1: "Everything about the ZL1's design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics. Our designers' goal was to execute that function-oriented design with beautifully sculpted forms, creating an imposing, powerful persona. Function becomes the aesthetic. The intent is a car that delivers on the attitude it projects."

While the ZL1 is purpose-built for all-out performance, Chevy hasn't provided a clue as to what that performance will look like. The company is still testing the ZL1 with plans to detail performance numbers later this year. Market launch is planned for early 2012.

And here we thought the Camaro Convertible was going to be the biggestCamaro story of February...

Press Release