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The end of the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro marks yet another discontinuation of the beloved nameplate. However, the 6th-gen Camaro did more than represent Chevrolet’s ill-fated attempts to keep pace with Ford and Dodge’s muscle car sales. In fact, the sixth-generation Camaro out-cornered and out-sprinted the Ford Mustang at several points.

What year is the 6th-gen Camaro?

A 6th-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 shows its new generation lines, a stark difference from the old Camaro.
A 6th-gen Camaro | General Motors

The 6th-gen Chevrolet Camaro took over from the fifth-generation model in 2016. It’s the current generation and will run through 2024 until GM discontinues it. The design was controversial, but the impact was plainly apparent. 

Fortunately, amid a horsepower war, fans could still get a V8 Camaro with a six-speed manual in the middle. What’s more, the early sixth-generation Camaro SS outmuscled the comparable Ford Mustang GT before its mid-cycle S550 refresh. Specifically, the SS produced 455 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 6.2L V8, while the Mustang GT stopped at 435. Of course, the post-facelift S550 Mustangs had to regain bragging rights by bumping the 5.0L Coyote V8 up to 460 ponies. 

What year Camaro is the fastest?

The fastest production and road-going Chevrolet Camaro is the king of the sixth-generation lineup: the Camaro ZL1 1LE. Unlike the SS, the ZL1 summons 650 horsepower and the same number in torque. Power is courtesy of the brutish Camaro’s supercharged 6.2L V8.

As a result, the 6th-gen Camaro ZL1 is more powerful than all but two factory Ford Mustangs: the S550 and the S197 Shelby GT500s. However, the ZL1 1LE isn’t about straight-line heroics. No, the 1LE is a performance package that adds corner-decimating kit like bigger brakes, stiffer suspension components, wider tires, and an electronic limited-slip differential. 

It’s not just explosive boulevard bullies; the 6th-gen Camaro has track chops

Chevrolet offered the 1LE kit for both V6 and V8-powered Camaros. The equipment unlocked cornering credentials well above the Camaro’s price point. However, the ZL1 1LE smashed expectations beyond that of a muscle car. When GM took it to the Nürburgring, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE posted one of the fastest times of any factory American car: a 7:16.04. That puts it less than 3.0 seconds behind the Corvette Z06 of the day.

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Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).