Chevy announced that the new Camaro ZL1 will produce 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque from its Eaton supercharged 6.2L LS small-block, making it by far the most powerful Camaro ever and the strongest ponycar on the market. But the question remains about how much it weighs and if the extra power will allow it to beat up on Shelby's GT500 Mustang. The ZL1 is expected to go on sale the first quarter of 2012 and one advantage it will have over the Ford is the option of a six-speed automatic transmission.

GM has been hard at work developing shift algorithms for the HydraMatic 6L90 that will be beneficial on both the drag strip and road course. The ZL1 will also get the ZR1 Corvette’s Performance Traction Management system, making it easier for inexperienced drivers to achieve better-than-average quarter-mile times. No pricing has been announced yet. Thanks to Super Chevy contributor Dale Amy for the information and the photos. Look for a more in-depth story at superchevy.com later today.