Thursday, February 23, 2012

Supercars for the normal guy

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Cranks the Dyno Needle to 580 HP
The muscle car war that began 50 years ago is back in full force today. It all started (or rather, began again) in 2005 when Ford decided to redesign the original Mustang for a more modern era. Soon after that Dodge began reproducing the Challenger and last but not least Chevy introduced their new version of the Camaro. I wish I could say that it’s still a battle between all three of these beasts but it seem as though the Mustang and Camaro have taken center stage in this battle royale. In response to the Shelby GT 500 Mustang, Chevy recently introduced the ZL1 Camaro. This monster of a car has been dyno tested at an insane 580 hp! That’s more than a Ferrari 458! This new Camaro isn’t just a beefed up version of the SS either. This is basically a new car. The motor comes from the Cadillac CTS-V, the brakes are bigger and the wheels are wider. The suspension uses Magneto-Rheological fluid technology that changes firmness depending on the road you’re driving on. Rather than a beefed up SS this seems more like a somewhat toned down ZR1. The sub 4 second 0-60 time is even more evidence of that. So it seems like Chevy has finally won the 50 year muscle car slugfest right? Well, maybe not. Ford’s new version of the Shelby GT-500 produces a ridiculous 650 hp! Are you kidding me!! It’s beginning to sound like the “supercar” rumors are true. Maybe these new American powerhouses really will compete with those rare supercars only celebrities and internet moguls can afford.  I guess we’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime I’m just happy that Chevy and Ford are staying true to their muscle car roots by putting as much power as possible in a two door car and slapping a reasonable price tag on it.

Photo: Picture 4 - 2012 Ford Shelby GT500

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