Used 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Base for sale 

Chevrolet introduced the most power trim on the Camaro lineup for 2012. It has a starting price of $54,095 and comes with standard features such as daytime running lamps, High-intensity discharge headlights, leather-appointed with suede microfiber seats, Boston acoustics premium nine-speaker sound system, keyless entry, and Bluetooth. There are optional features such as a sunroof and suede microfiber-wrapped steering wheel as well. 

We Recommend

Though there are multiple trims given on the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, we think a step up for performance is perfect if you wanna experience a thrilling ride with this new trim.

A 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine is present inside the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 which is engaged to a 6-speed manual transmission as default but you can get the optional 6-speed automatic transmission as well. Furthermore, the engine churns out 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque, and the Camaro ZL1 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds. However, if the automatic transmission is equipped then the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will save 0.1 seconds for not only reaching the 0-60 mph target but also in covering the quarter-mile distance. 

As for the real performance on the road, the Camaro ZL1 is an absolute beast that is not shy to show its tire-smoking performance. It has got a refined engine which allows a quick acceleration. The driving capability is praiseworthy as you get a smooth ride on the road, controlled handling on the curves, and a great amount of stability. Nonetheless, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 can be intimidating on the tracks but it’s not a bad choice for your daily commute provided you can ignore its thirsty engine. But the Camaro can act obediently like it has a leash on its neck which provides a more civilized ride around the town. 

With the highest engine output the Camaro wears the crown as the most powerful coupe in the competition but other rivals are not far ahead. The Cadillac CTS-V is the closest rival in terms of raw power but it is 0.2 seconds slower than the Chevrolet Camaro. The Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the slowest among the bunch but given its lower power figures, it has a respectable timing in covering the quarter-mile distance. Lastly, the Ford Shelby GT500 lacks slightly when it comes to engine output compared to the Chevrolet Camaro but it still has a more witty acceleration on the track. 

With such a massive engine, it is obvious that the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will return a lower fuel economy. That said, it provides 14 MPG in the City, 19 MPG on the Highway, and 16 MPG combined. Couple these figures with a fuel tank of 19 gallons storage capacity and you will ultimately get a combined range of 304 miles which is the second-best in the segment. 

The Ford Shelby GT500 comes out as the most fuel-efficient coupe in the city. It offers one MPG more in the city and 4 mpg more on the highway compared to the concerned car in this article. Following the lead of Shelby GT500, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 takes the runner-up position in the fuel economy chart. Finally, the remaining coupe that is Cadillac CTS-V shares the same fuel consumption as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. 

Honestly, Chevrolet has rocked the interior design of the ZL1. You have four-pack auxiliary gauges just before the gear shifter which bestows a real sports theme car inside. As for the material inside the cabin, we really can’t complain about it. Leather-appointed with suede microfiber upholstery is covering the seats while leather is wrapped around the steering wheel and gear shifter which can be replaced with optional suede microfiber material under the Sueded microfiber package. Also, trim-specific stainless steel foot pedals are given in the ZL1. 

If we focus our attention on the interior space, the Camaro ZL1 does not disappoint when it comes to the first row but it’s a different scene in the rear row, especially, the amount of rear legroom will make you eat off your knees. Front sports bucket seats get 6-way power adjustability and heating function whereas, in the second row, power reclining seats are present. 

Manual rake and telescopic steering column, red interior accent lighting, power windows with an express-down feature, keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, two auxiliary power outlets, and single-zone manual climate control are some standard amenities in the cabin. 

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 has the roomiest cabin among the bunch and it also offers a seating capacity of five while all the other coupes in the race only allow four people inside. Moreover, the most cramped interior is present inside the Ford Shelby GT500. That said, the smallest trunk belongs to the Cadillac CTS-V. Highlights of the interior features:

• Heated front seats 
• Auto-dimming 
• Single-zone manual air conditioning
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Head-up display
• Rear window defogger 
• Interior accent lighting 

How intuitive is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s infotainment unit?

Yes, there is no touchscreen inside the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. However, you do get a music navigator and Graphic Information Display. SiriusXM satellite radio, AM/FM stereo with CD Player, an aux jack, and a USB port are some standard features. Nonetheless, the list is small but a 9-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system is the main highlight of the infotainment unit. Highlights of the infotainment features:

• SiriusXM
• 9-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system
• Bluetooth
• CD player
• Graphic information display
• Outside temperature display

What separates the ZL1 from other Camaro trims is the front grille area. The black grille with the High-intensity discharge headlights brings it back to old times. At the front fascia, a front splitter is given while on the backside air diffuser and quad-tip exhaust are present which makes the ZL1 more athletic. The hood is pretty bumped up in the center and has heat extractor vents. On the side, standard 20-inch forged aluminum black painted 10-spoke wheels are offered which can be swapped with the optional 20-inch forged aluminum bright 5-spoke wheels. Moreover, the sunroof and the exposed carbon-fiber weave insert on the hood are optional but daytime running lights and fog lights are standard. The rear spoiler on the Camaro ZL1 is bigger in size compared to the one provided on the Camaro SS. 

The heaviest coupe in the segment is the Cadillac CTS-V. On the other hand, the lengthiest and tallest one is the Dodge Challenger SRT8. Meanwhile, the Ford Shelby GT500 has the smallest external dimensions but not the least ground clearance. Furthermore, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the shortest in terms of height and is sandwiched between the Cadillac CTS-V and Dodge Challenger SRT8, if we look at the size. Highlights of the exterior features:

• 20-inch forged aluminum wheels
• Front splitter and rear air diffuser
• High-intensity discharge headlights 
• Heated power auto-dimming driver side mirror
• Optional sunroof

The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro has been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and received a full 5-star safety rating. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not conducted any tests on the 2012 Camaro. That being said, the Camaro offers safety features such as an electronic stability control system, cruise control, OnStar directions & connections with the automatic crash response, rear park assist, backup camera, tire pressure monitoring system, and brake assist. Highlights of the safety features:

• Engine Immobilizer
• Cruise control
• Rear park assist
• Brake assist
• Tire pressure monitoring system 

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs Ford Shelby GT500

One of the toughest competitors on the list is the Ford Shelby GT500 which might not be as handsome as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 but it certainly has the edge when it comes to performance and fuel economy. The Camaro tries to counter with more fuel storage capacity and a slightly roomier cabin than the Shelby GT500 but the scale tilts in the favor of the latter coupe since it has a cheaper price tag in comparison. 

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs Dodge Challenger SRT8

Among all the rivals, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is the biggest one in size. It also beats the Camaro ZL1 on the fuel economy front and it has got more passenger volume as well. With a bigger trunk and a nearly sized fuel tank, the competition between both coupes gets tougher. But this opponent from Dodge cost around $10,000 less than the Camaro ZL1. Therefore, odds remain in the favor of the Challenger SRT8. 

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs Cadillac CTS-V

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Cadillac CTS-V have the same fuel economy figures. If we talk about the performance then the former dominates the latter plus in terms of practicality, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 again manages to have the upper hand. Also, the Cadillac CTS-V is the only rival that costs more than the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Hence, the Camaro ZL1 displays itself as a better choice. 

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 fought a bloody battle against the adversaries in the coupe segment. The Shelby GT500 challenged the performance and fuel efficiency of the Camaro while the Dodge Challenger SRT8 presented itself as an all-rounder. That said, the Camaro ZL1 does have its advantage if performance and newly launched hype are considered. But overall, the SRT8 coupe is a much better choice.