2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 aims for 200 mph … and almost makes it

By Stephen Edelstein Published February 21, 2017

The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 now has one more impressive statistic to add to its resume.

Chevy recently took its most muscular Camaro to the Papenburg High Speed Oval in Germany, where it achieved a wind-corrected top speed of 198 mph. It’s standard procedure in top-speed testing to compensate for wind by averaging runs in both directions. Over Papenburg’s 7.6-mile loop, the ZL1 actually hit 202.3 mph in one direction, and 193.3 mph in the other.

Recommended Videos

For the test, Chevy used a ZL1 equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is also available), on stock tires with pressure set to 44 psi. Chevy says that’s the recommended setting for extended high-speed driving, but it’s also the maximum pressure the tires’ sidewalls are rated for, so it’s not a good idea for everyday driving. The ZL1 did its high-speed runs with some added safety and data-logging equipment, but was otherwise completely stock.

The ZL1 may have just missed the magic 200 mph, but it still put in an impressive performance for something that isn’t a pure-bred supercar. The Chevy also narrowly missed beating the rival Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, which has an official top speed of 199 mph. Both cars are armed with 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engines, with the Hellcat producing 707 horsepower and the ZL1 producing 650hp.

Besides the 198-mph top speed, Chevy says the 10-speed automatic ZL1 will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and run the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds at 127 mph. When not accelerating in a straight line, the ZL1 can pull 1.02 g of cornering grip, and come to a complete stop from 60 mph in 107 feet. A ZL1 also recorded an 11.67-second lap of Germany’s Nürburgring last year, beating a slew of supercars.

While not exactly what you would call an economy car, the ZL1 is one of the cheapest ways to attain that kind of performance. Pricing starts at $63,435 for a ZL1 coupe (a convertible is available as well) with the manual transmission, and $65,830 for an automatic-equipped coupe. Both prices include destination charges and gas-guzzler taxes.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Waymo lays groundwork for robotaxi revolution

A Waymo car production line.

In recent years, Waymo has been edging toward its long-held goal of revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service.

The Alphabet-owned company has just taken another step in that direction with the opening of a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with automaker Magna.

Cars

Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option

ram 1500 express return affordable 2026

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Cars

Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii 4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.