One of the greatest automotive rivalries exists between the Chevy Camaro
and Ford Mustang. Although it lay dormant when the Camaro ceased
production, the 2010 model reignited the rivalry. However, when it comes
to discussions of horsepower, Ford could hold the Mustang-based Shelby
up as having no competition among Camaros. Until now.
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 adds a supercharger to a big V-8, the same strategy
as the Shelby, to produce massive horsepower. And while the Shelby is
still the power king, Chevy can boast other tech tricks that help give
the Camaro ZL1 the edge at the track.
Foremost among these is the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, also used
in the Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V. This technology uses electromagnets
to stiffen the dampers, reacting to driving style and road conditions.
The result is very flat handling in the corners.
This generation of Camaro lacks some of the cabin electronics that come
in handy during everyday driving, but it does have a performance
computer accessible on the instrument cluster. And OnStar provides
excellent telematics services.
