Newest Chevy Camaro exceeds 200 mph
HOT ROD magazine Editor-in-Chief David Freiburger helps make history behind the wheel
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (May 2, 2012) – The new Chevy Camaro ZL1 exceeded 200 mph yesterday afternoon in Uvalde, Texas with the help of HOT ROD magazine’s David Freiburger, editor-in-chief, behind the wheel for Lingenfelter Performance.
Chevrolet began delivery of the most powerful street-legal Camaro it has ever produced, the 580-horsepower ZL1 edition, in early April. The car features a supercharged, 6.2L V-8 and advanced, electronically regulated traction and stability controls. Before the car was released, Chevrolet proved its road-racing merits at Germany’s Nurburgring 12.1-mile race track, where the ZL1 posted a lap time of 7:41:27, which is definitely “supercar” territory.
On April 18, 2012, performance specialist Lingenfelter Performance added a few of its engine modifications to the ZL1 and as a result, the car ran the quarter mile in 10.794 seconds at 134.36 mph at Indiana’s Muncie Dragway. This marked the first time the ZL1 recorded a run in the 10-second range. Stock production ZL1s can run elapsed times of 11.90s.
Yesterday, Lingenfelter Performance took the same ZL1 that had been tested in the quarter mile and ran it for top speed at the Continental Tire proving ground in Uvalde. With Freiburger at the wheel, the car ran 202.67 mph, earning the title of the first ZL1 to eclipse 200 mph. Stock production ZL1s run a maximum speed of 184 mph.
“What a rush! We ran 199.8 mph or 199.9 mph three times before finally getting over 200 mph, and the car was over 190 mph for 30 to 40 seconds each time,” said Freiburger. “We finally ran the 202 mph in a headwind in 90-degree heat. This car will definitely go faster on a better day.”
The ZL1 as tuned by Lingenfelter Performance makes 720 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. The package of modifications used on the car is available to any customer, installed, for $11,945. It includes ported cylinder heads, a new camshaft, a supercharger pulley to provide more boost, a special air induction system, revised fuel-delivery components, and custom electronics tuning.
For more information, see http://www.lingenfelter.com/ and http://www.HOTROD.com.
About HOT ROD Magazine:
HOT ROD Magazine, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, is the world’s largest performance automotive brand. With over six million readers, HOT ROD has delivered the performance industry’s most respected tech tips, product tests and events for over 60 years. This magazine’s unique style attracts veteran rod builders and general car fans alike.
About Source Interlink Media:
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 75 publications, 100 Web sites, 800 branded products, 50+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.
