If you had to take a second look at the fifth-gen ZL1 Camaro to realize it was the top-of-the-line performance variant, things couldn’t be any more different with the new model. But was it for the best? We visually compare the two to find out.

The previous 2012-2015 Camaro ZL1 with its 580hp 6.2-litre V8 was more subtle, with its body-kit, governed by a huge hood scoop, doing most of the talking.

Now, even the humblest of the current Camaros appears to be as aggressive as the once-king-of-the hill, and the new ZL1 makes quite a visual statement about the impressive grunt it pushes to the rear wheels. However, that was to be expected, as the performance coupe is a lot of things, but definitely not a sleeper.

First thing’s first: the sixth generation is nothing more than an evolution in Chevy’s food chain and that means it had to up the game in all departments, from design to mechanics and everything in between.

Oh, but the ZL1 takes it all to a whole new level. It uses the the MK5-gen design as a template, stretching its traits to near cartoon-like proportions and looking like it had its predecessor for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The front end’s design , the vehicle’s shocking lines exude aggressiveness. The beefy bonnet is a new take on the previous model’s long, crested bulged hood, and the new ZL1 Camaro’s bad boy looks are emphasized by the central cavity in the front fascia. The same story goes on at the back; while the previous one looked as tamed as the facelifted 2014 models, rocking the “old” quad taillights/quad tailpipes format and a little boot flap, the brand new comes with additional cuts and creases, one-piece taillights and a bigger spoiler. Chevy’s black bowtie option further highlights the vehicle’s sportiness, if you feel you just have to.

Open the door and the new cockpit to attack all your senses. Unlike its precursory, the 2017 Camaro ZL1’s cabin layout is a lot to comprehend from one bite, requiring you some time to get accustomed to it. The instrument cluster has merged into one unit adopting a central display, while the infotainment system sits at the central console, just above the climate control buttons. The steering wheel is completely redesigned, sporting the Camaro logo instead of Chevy’s bowtie and featuring a lot of additional buttons in a cluster.

By the looks of it, Chevrolet means even more business with the new ZL1, wanting everybody to be instantly aware of its grunt even before that 640 HP, 6.2-litre V8 awakens. A bit OTT compared to its not so overtly aggressive predecessor or just what the doctor ordered?

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