In a predictably linear fashion, General Motors has uprated the output numbers of one of its new models just before it launches onto the market.

When GM revealed the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at this year’s edition of the Chicago Auto Show in February, the company said the coupe’s 6.2-liter supercharged V8 would deliver an estimated 550 horsepower and a massive 550 lb.-ft. of torque (745 Nm).

Fast forward to today, and those numbers have jumped to 580-horsepower and 556 lb.-ft. (754 Nm).

Not that we’re complaining, but for those of you with a weaker memory, let us remind you that GM did the same with the Cadillac CTS-V, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and many other models in the past.

Billed as the most powerful production Camaro ever, ZL1 links the force-fed V8 engine to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, with the latter featuring three drive modes including “Drive” where the shift pattern is calibrated for optimal fuel economy, “Sport” which is aimed for aggressing driving and “Manual” that has no automatic up shifts.

The ZL1 will also get GM’s erformance Traction Management (PTM) as standard equipment. The system, which was first introduced on the Corvette ZR1, integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control, to improve performance on the racetrack and drag strip. The PTM offers five different driving modes:

  • Mode 1 – Traction control set for wet conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
  • Mode 2 – Traction control set for dry conditions, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Tour.
  • Mode 3 – Traction control set on Sport 1, with stability control on and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
  • Mode 4 – Traction control set on Sport 2, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Sport.
  • Mode 5 – Traction control set on Race, with stability control off and Magnetic Ride Control set on Track. Launch control tuned for VHT-prepped drag strips.

“The Camaro ZL1 delivers supercar performance and technology in the sports-car segment,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “For sheer power, the ZL1 delivers more horsepower than a Ferrari 458, more torque than an Aston Martin DB9 V12, and a better power-to-weight ratio than a Porsche 911 Carrera GTS”, he added.

The Camaro ZL1 is scheduled to go on sale early next year.

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