1 of the Sharpest American Muscle Cars Ever Made Won’t Be Around Next Year
2024 is a big year for the American muscle car market. For starters, the Dodge Challenger meets its maker before the 2024 model year. However, one of the lesser-touted losses of 2024 is the Chevrolet Camaro. What’s more, the nameplate’s top performance trim, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, will ride off into the sunset after the 2024 model year. It’s a shame; the Camaro ZL1 and ZL1 1LE are some of the sharpest muscle cars ever made.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will leave a gap in the muscle car market after 2024
Compared to the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Dodge Challenger’s demise, the Camaro didn’t have loudly sang praises. Dodge produced special edition after special edition in its “Last Call” lineup, while the Camaro received a Collector’s Edition and a poster reading “Thanks, Six.” Six, of course, refers to the model’s six generations.
Still, the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro will be the last of the sixth-gen models. That said, the most unfortunate part of the Camaro’s loss is the departure of the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE. The ZL1 took the horsepower wars in another direction, shrugging off Dodge’s straight-line speed gauntlet to create a corner-competent muscle car.
How fast is a Camaro ZL1?
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 produces 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque from its supercharged 6.2L LT4 V8 engine. As you might expect, that kind of power launches the ZL1 with urgency.
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
| ¼ mile | 11.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 190 mph |
| Cornering force (ZL1 1LE) | 1.18 g |
Of course, the ZL1’s claim to fame isn’t straight-line heroics. No, the Bow Tie created the ZL1 and the 1LE performance package to turn a muscle car into a corner-consuming track weapon. The ZL1, unbeknownst to James May, packs larger brake rotors than the standard Camaro 2SS. However, the 1LE transforms the ZL1 with aero aplenty, stiff suspension, and weight savings. The result? A Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE will corner harder than any other road-going muscle car.
The ZL1 1LE even left its mark on the ‘Green Hell’
Don’t let the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s impressive on-paper credentials prove its merit. GM took a sixth-generation ZL1 1LE to the notorious “Green Hell,” better known as the Nürburgring, to confirm its prowess. It crossed the line at 7:16.04, establishing it as one of the fastest American cars ever to take on the ‘Ring.
Indeed, 2025 will be a very different landscape for American muscle car fans without the Camaro ZL1.
