Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is possible hint of things to come

Chevrolet has put to rest recent fears for the future of muscle cars with confirmation that the 2017 Camaro ZL1 will be even more powerful than anticipated.

Powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, it will produce 485kw (650 horses) and, if equipped with the optional 10-speed automatic transmission, will be capable of 0-100km/h in a Ferrari spanking 3.5secs.

The new ZL1 is also expected to drop a handy 400m time of 11.4 secs, reaching about 205km/h by the time it crosses the beams.

The good news is you’ll be able to get all this for US$62,135 for the coupe and US$69,135 for the convertible. The bad news is there will be no right-hand-drive versions so don’t expect to see it in Holden showrooms.

We can however keep our fingers crossed about seeing something similar in Aussie showrooms around the end of the decade. One reason to be optimistic is we Aussie drivers have the ear of the GM suits in the form of our own Mike Simcoe, the recently appointed head of General Motors Global design.

The father of the modern Monaro and VE Commodore told Wheels in June that he will support a push for affordable V8-powered rear-drive performance car for Holden after the locally built Commodore expires ends production next year.

He reckons GM is clearly considering a right-hand-drive conversion of the Chevrolet Camaro, either later this decade at mid-life facelift time or when the all-new seventh generation arrives early next decade.

“If you’re asking about a rear-wheel-drive performance V8 ... I understand the things this market needs so I will certainly help wherever I can,” Simcoe told Wheels. “Some people at Holden have already asked the question.”

Fair to assume they’ll be asking a lot harder after seeing the Ford Mustang almost double Falcon sales here in July and top sports car sales for the month.