Chevrolet’s dropped a bomb on Ford’s doorstep overnight by revealing its brand new 2016 Camaro ZL1.

With it debuting ahead of next week’s New York Auto Show, the ZL1 lifts the sixth-gen Camaro’s performance to new levels with a healthy dollop of grunt, grip, and gadgets that sees it not only tower above a current top-spec Camaro SS, but call out the Mustang GT350R with an almighty cry.

Or maybe it’s more of a bellow, as GM has snaffled the LT4 engine from the Corvette Z06 for its new four-seat track weapon. With the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 the Camaro ZL1 will ready 485kW and 881Nm at its rivals – a smidge less than the Z06, but piles more than the Mustang GT350R’s 392kW/582Nm.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 rear

Based on GM’s new Alpha platform the ZL1 is 91kg lighter than old. It’s estimated to hit 100km/h in under 4sec and cross the quarter mile line in the low 12s.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 automatic

An angrier front splitter and rear wing do their bit for generating downforce and help the 20-inch Goodyears, staggered in sizes 285/30 and 305/30 front to back, press in to the road.

The chassis is further sharpened by bigger two-piece brake rotors, magnetic dampers, and the Corvette Z06’s electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 interior

Track goers will be pleased to know GM’s Performance Traction Management system, similar to BMW’s M Dynamic Mode, features along with the firm’s Performance Data Recorder which overlays GPS-based track data with footage from a dash-mounted camera.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 back

However, with the Camaro’s Alpha platform currently designed only for left-hand drive, don’t expect Holden to be asking for any.