The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe has cracked 200mph on a high speed oval in Germany - recording an official average of 198 mph.
Compensating for wind speed at the Automotive Testing Papenburg GmBH proving ground, the top speed is the average achieved from running in both directions on the 7.6-mile loop.
202.3 mph was recorded in one direction and 193.3 mph in the other, resulting in the 198 mph average. The high-speed oval features 2.5-mile straights and 1.3-mile turns with 49.7-degree banking on the top lane. The steep banking allowed Chevrolet test drivers to run the ZL1 flat out around the track without lifting off the throttle in the turns.
The Papenburg test was conducted on standard production Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tyres, fitted to the 20-inch alloy wheels, with pressure set at 44 psi - the recommended setting for extended high-speed driving. The car’s only deviations from stock were mandatory safety equipment and data logging equipment.
“The ZL1 was developed with high-speed performance in mind, incorporating a balanced aerodynamic package that reduces lift without significantly affecting drag” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer.
Special aero features include a stanchion rear spoiler that offers an advantageous lift/drag ratio compared to a blade-style rear spoiler, and a patent-pending auxiliary transmission oil cooler cover that reduces front-end lift with no drag penalty. The front-to-rear aero balance was also fine-tuned for high-speed stability.
Oppenheiser added: “After testing the car in standard settings, which produced the 198-mph average, we set the front and rear camber adjustments to 0 degrees and the tyre pressures to the maximum allowable sidewall pressure, and saw the ZL1 average over 200 mph.”
The Camaro ZL1 Coupe tested, with 10-speed automatic transmission, has a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds courtesy of it’s 650 hp, supercharged LT4 engine.