Typically, when one talks about lap times for the Nurburgring Nordschleife they talk about European cars, but there are those occasions when American muscle weaves into the mix. For example, last year the Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R lapped the track in 7:32.19, a faster time than the Koeniggsegg CCS and Ferrari F12berlinetta (FastestLaps.com). But, what if I told you that the new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has recorded a time that’s almost three seconds quicker than the GT350R? Mustang fans better watch out because Chevrolet has unveiled the ZL1’s official lap time.
In a press release issued today, it was announced the new ZL1 has completed the lap in just 7:29.60. This time shatters the time set by the previous ZL1 generation by 11.67 seconds.
(Related – Ten of the Luckiest Nurburgring Drivers and Their Near-Crashes)
“To be almost 12 seconds quicker than the 5th-Generation ZL1 is a testament to the advanced design and technology of the new ZL1,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “From the improved aerodynamics, mass reduction and 650-horsepower LT4 to the Magnetic Ride Control, electronic limited-slip differential and Custom Launch Control, the ZL1 was designed to take on the world’s most challenging track, making it right at home on any track, road or drag strip anywhere.”
According to the revealing press release, the only things that made the car not stock was the data equipment, roll hoop and Sparco racing seats. That’s it. Does this mean you could get out there and run the same lap time? Well, you may have to get some lessons from Drew Cattell, the Camaro ride and handling engineer and driver of the ZL1 during its lap. “Many fast laps around the Nordschleife are dramatic, with lots of oversteer and steering input,” said Cattell in the press release. “Not so with the ZL1, which is extremely planted and stable, almost calm. With Magnetic Ride and great overall chassis balance, the ZL1 is all about being inch perfect at every turn and carrying a lot of speed.”
You can see the complete lap by clicking the play button below.
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[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrFnrcpBj5k&feature=youtu.be”]