The New Camaro ZL1 Can Reach 60 MPH in First Gear

It’s safe to say the anticipation for the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is at an all-time high, especially after the recent announcement that the upcoming ZL1 will match the current Corvette Z06 with 650 horsepower, but there’s a new revelation regarding the muscle car’s 0 to 60 capabilities that might leave you speechless.

Speaking at an event known as Factory Fest, Camaro’s head engineer Al Oppenheiser told everyone in attendance that the 2017 Camaro ZL1, equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, will be able to hit 60 mph using only first gear. That impressive time is made possible thanks to the 650-horsepower supercharged V8 engine that lives underneath the hood of the new ZL1.

Chevrolet previously announced that with its new 10-speed automatic transmission, the sixth-generation Camaro ZL1 will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. For reference sake, the previous ZL1 could propel itself from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, but that vehicle was approximately 230 pounds heavier than the 2017 version.

General Motors collaborated with the Ford Motor Company to produce the new 10-speed automatic gearbox, which Chevy says can shift faster than the Porsche PDK. The 2017 F-150 Raptor pickup will be the first Ford model to use the new 10-speed automatic transmission and it’s been rumored that it could also be used with the next Cadillac Escalade.

Neither of those vehicles will be as fast as the Camaro ZL1, but the 10-speed automatic should improve fuel efficiency for both vehicles.

The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is scheduled to be released later this year. The Chevrolet muscle car will carry a starting MSRP of $62,135.

Gallery: Check Out the 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1