A week of ZL1 Firsts – First ZL1 sells for $250K and Chevy releases First ZL1 Commercials
So, the release of the Camaro ZL1 to the public is nearing, and, excitement is really starting to build. To couple with this timing, Chevrolet made a few well-calculated moves this past week. The first of them was the auctioning off of the very first ZL1 to be sold. The second bit of news pertains to the release of the first set of commercials highlighting the power and potential of the ZL1 from Chevrolet. Both are exciting and fun.
First 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 goes for $250,000 at auction
The September 24th Barrett-Jackson Automotive Auction in Las Vegas, Nevada, saw the inclusion of one very special vehicle from Chevrolet. On that September Saturday the very first Camaro ZL1 of the new generation was sold, and it commanded a very serious quarter-of-a-million dollar price tag.
Purchased by renowned Chevrolet enthusiast, and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick the proceeds from the first ZL1 auction went directly to benefiting the Southern Nevada YMCA. This Camaro ZL1, in addition to being a ZL1 and the first sold, is a very special vehicle. This iteration of the 580HP GM Monster will be the only one produced in the 2012 model year in the gorgeous GM Carbon Flash Metallic paint finish. In addition to this beautiful and unique paint tone--just one other thing to set the ZL1 apart from all other vehicles on the road--this ZL1 will also bear the honor of being the official Camaro ZL1 number 69.
Possibly the only VIN Number more coveted than number 1 for this vehicle, the number 69 is meant to pay homage to the original 1969 Camaro. That vehicle, when first produced, made waves across the globe for its incredible all-aluminum reworking of the Corvette Big Block, and was produced in a very limited run of just 69 vehicles. In this way, this new ZL1 will not only replace the original '69 as the fastest production Camaro ever, but it will also honor the ZL1 that came before in both year and production numbers. In this instance, Rick Hendrick is actually purchasing a more viable collector's vehicle than even the coveted badge number 1. So, congratulations to Mr. Hendrick on his newest purchase, and thanks to Chevrolet for seeing that the sale of its very first Camaro went to benefiting a good cause.
Chevrolet Releases First Camaro ZL1 Commercials
Amazingly enough, one press attaining action wasn't enough for the men and women at Chevrolet this week. In addition to the ZL1 at Barrett-Jackson, Chevrolet also used this week as the ideal time to release their first official ZL1 commercials. These two 30-second spots are both well-made, and constructed to highlight the capabilities of the ZL1 in two very different applications.
The first ZL1 commercial focuses on the drag-racing power and potential of the ZL1, even as it's taken right off of the lot. The piece focuses on the Drag-Mode suspension option and shows a few clips of a test ZL1 burning some rubber on a drag racing track. The car, even in its camo-wrapped form, is still a beautiful and inspiring piece of American machinery certain to strike fear in the hearts of all other pony cars that try to go up against it.
Of course, in this world of YouTube videos and social media, Chevrolet also realizes that the drag race isn't the king of all American motorsport events anymore. Certainly focusing on the increased love of track and road race numbers and footage, Chevrolet's second commercial focuses on the suspension of the ZL1. This entirely unique ZL1 suspension package, highlighted by Chevrolet's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, is the focus of their second commercial and is certainly aimed at hinting towards the potential of the ZL1 around break-neck turns. Of course, with the Eaton Supercharged 580HP LSA engine, drag racing was never a question with the Camaro, and that's why I think this marketing angle is infinitely more important for the continued success of the Camaro brand.
The commercial is a short one, but a good one, and it really gets me drooling in anticipation over the first few waves of Camaro ZL1 race videos that will certainly start hitting the internet following the vehicle's release next year. I love the video's primary tagline of "It's all very technical until you bury your right foot", as that is exactly what I want out of a true sports car.
So, in short, this was an exciting news week for Camaro fans. What do you think? Is the 69th Camaro ZL1 worth the exorbitant price tag? Which Camaro commercial do you most prefer? How excited are you to really see one of these bad boys in action?