ZL1

ZL1 is a Chevrolet performance designation used for two distinct high-performance configurations. In 1969, Chevrolet offered the ZL1 engine as part of the COPO Camaro program—a specially optioned 427 cubic inch V8 built with an aluminum block and high-performance components. The ZL1 engine was rated around 430 horsepower (gross) and was installed in a very limited number of Camaros, with production figures commonly cited as 69 units. The combination was designed for drag racing and is highly prized by collectors.

In 2012, Chevrolet revived the ZL1 as the nameplate for the top-tier Camaro. The Camaro ZL1 is equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (the LSA-based engine) delivering around 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission. It features performance-oriented engineering such as upgraded brakes, a tuned suspension, and aerodynamic enhancements, and was marketed as the flagship track-focused variant through the late 2010s.

The ZL1 designation has become synonymous with Chevrolet's high-performance branding, used across generations to denote serious performance variants rather than a single model. The two uses illustrate the brand's long-running strategy of pairing a potent powerplant with a recognizable badge.