Camaro ZL1 might not have the awesome power of the new Shelby GT500, but there’s no denying the Chevy has a more sophisticated chassis and is easier to live with everyday. Granted, that is not the reason you buy a muscle car. You buy muscle because you want power and badassery. But if you ever found yourself on the Mullholland Drive like Matt Farah did, you’d have a much nicer time in the ZL1 than the GT500.

Isn’t that, having a good time, what driving fun is all about?

As the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet, the ZL1 is powered by a 550-hp supercharged V8 engine. With 550 lb.-ft. of torque (677 Nm), this engine gives the rather heavy Camaro a constant surge in straight line. It is only around the corners that you feel the weight of the car. Mind you, it is still better than the GT500 at negotiating bends.

The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they’ve achieved mythical status among enthusiasts.

speedandmotion via lsxtv