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2002 Camaro ZL1 Prototype
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BEHIND THE WHEEL, IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, ON THE STREET
As started earlier, the interior of the ZL1 Camaro prototype is mostly unchanged, so sitting behind the wheel isn't much different than any late model Camaro.  Turning the key to start the car is another story.  Because the engine is emissions legal, it fires up with the familiar authoritative LS1 sound, but has a bit more thunder to it.  Other than that, it is very easy to mistake the LS6 powered Camaro with an LS1 powered version from the driver's perspective.  As most of the components that make up the performance upgrades are off-the-shelf GM parts, nothing felt all that different when engaging the clutch, putting the car and gear, releasing the clutch and rolling out to the road.  Then while driving, some very nice differences began to arise.  The suspension seems to absorb common road irregularities with more confidence, and it is easy to feel the engine flowing much more air while accelerating.  The entire ride feels much more refined and more in tune with the driving surface.  Then, when at full throttle, the engine really comes alive.  Pulling hard and smooth through first gear and into second invokes a great rush and instantly assures you that this is no ordinary engine under the hood.  Like all 6-speed F-bodies, third is the magic gear and pulls quickly and effortlessly to the redline without coming close to running out of breath.  Before you know it, you are well out of the range of the legal speed limit just about anywhere.  Slowing down is just as impressive as the Corvette brakes clamp hard and secure but not unexpectedly touchy, and bring the car to a short and smooth stop.  Once stopped, you want to throw it in gear and dump the Z06 clutch and power your way through the gears once again.

A RARE AND WINNING COMBINATION
The new ZL1's combination of the very powerful but not overwhelming engine, balanced but not harsh suspension and refined but bold appearance makes this car a winner.  Everything about this Camaro is confidence inspiring and breathtaking.  The new ZL1's power both accelerating and decelerating combined with an excellent ride and incredible handling is what makes this car a true dream to drive.  Without a doubt, this car has all the right things to make it worthy of the ZL1 badge and will not dissappoint the car collector and the performance car enthusiast.

Will this car make it to a showroom floor near you?  It's possible.  Details to make this car a reality are being worked out at the time of this writing, but if this 400 horsepower snake eater does indeed find it's way to production and you want one, you'd better be fast.  If this Camaro is given the go ahead for limited production by GMMG, a minimum of only 69 (to match the number of original 1969 ZL1 Camaros produced) will be made, or a maximum of 200-250 could be made depending on demand.  If the plans for the production of this car fall through, keep in mind that most of what makes this Camaro tick has GM part numbers.

With first generation power and fourth generation technology, if this car is indeed produced by GMMG, it could be one of the greatest Camaros of all time and would make an excellent end of the fourth generation run.




2002 ZL1 CAMARO SPECIFICATIONS
CONFIGURATION











Four-passenger, two-door coupe
Rear-wheel drive
Front-engine
101.1-in wheelbase
ENGINE
Aluminum block 5.7 Liter LS6 V8
2002 Pre-production cylinder heads
(Specs undisclosed)
2002 Pre-production camshaft
(Specs undisclosed)
Corvette Z06 Intake 
ASP Underdrive Pulley
Altered Camaro PCM
Stock mass air sensor w/composite ends
180 degree thermostat w/turned down fans
GM Motorsports plug wires
CNC ported extrude honed cast iron manifolds (specific to vehicle)
GMMG stainless steel chambered cat-back exhaust
Full Mobil 1 Synthetic Performance Package
DRIVETRAIN
Stock Camaro transmission
Hurst shifter w/classic black shift knob
Corvette Z06 clutch
Lightweight billet flywheel
Stock Camaro driveshaft
4.10 posi-traction differential
GMMG rear differential cover w/drain plug
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
35 mm zero-deflection front sway bar
24 mm 1LE rear sway bar
1LE control arms and panhard bar w/grease fittings
8700 series Penske triple adjustable nitrogen filled shocks with remote canisters
Specific-rate Eibach lowering springs
Rear control arm relocation brackets
INTERIOR
Custom silver gauges w/ZL1 logo
Automatic dimming rearview mirror w/compass
Houndstooth interior (planned)
Horsepower, Torque, Displacement and Compression specs dash plate
EXTERIOR
1969 Garnet Red paint color
Custom stripes w/"400 HP" decals
Satin black rear panel
Chrome CAMARO rear fill-ins
Historic gray grille w/blue 1969 Chevrolet bowtie
Body side moldiness removed
Power antenna
Front wheels - Corvette Z06 17" x 9.5"
Rear wheels - Corvette Z06 18" x 10.5"
Corvette Brakes and Calipers
Ball-milled brake rotors


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