2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe

The top-tier Camaro ZL1 carries an MSRP of $62,000, although this excludes tax, licensing, registration, a gas guzzler tax of $1,700 ($2,100 for the automatic), and a destination freight charge of $995. If you want the fastest acceleration, you'll need to get the ten-speed automatic which adds a further $1,595 to the base price. Once you've added the popular ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package, you're looking at a fully-loaded ZL1 that will cost in excess of $70,000.

Not only was the ZL1's bodywork carefully honed in a wind tunnel for ultimate aerodynamic efficiency, but it gets a number of mechanical upgrades over cheaper Camaros. An electronic limited-slip differential is standard, as is magnetic ride control, special tuning for the springs and magnetic dampers, a rear differential cooler for maintaining optimal temperatures at peak performance, and a drive selector that includes a Track mode.

Handling is exceptional in this segment, with a precise helm and great composure for what is a heavy V8 coupe. With its Multimatic dynamic suspension spool valve dampers, lighter curb weight, and adjustable rear stabilizer bar, the 1LE package further transforms the Camaro into an incredibly effective track tool. The dual-mode exhaust system provides full access to the V8's roar and this, coupled with the planted and confident body control, amounts to a seriously entertaining driver's car.

It's not a one-trick pony, though, because the adaptive dampers actually manage to provide the ZL1 with a surprisingly compliant ride. The suspension soaks up surface changes and mid-corner bumps impressively well, especially taking into account the large wheels. Along with powerful Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in front, the Camaro proves that a muscle car can be confidence-inspiring whether or not it's on the drag strip.

For the price, the Camaro ZL1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 provides exceptional performance that competes with supercars costing well over six figures. Unleashing the full 650 horsepower and reveling in the 1LE track package's enhanced handling capability are, on their own, enough reason to recommend the ZL1. Along with a generous list of standard features, aggressive styling, and ride quality that you can happily live with every day, the Camaro ZL1 is a more than worthy adversary to fellow American muscle cars from Ford and Dodge. It's just a pity that the impractically-sized trunk, small rear seats, and woeful visibility detract from the overall package. While these issues will be bothersome in day-to-day driving, they're fortunately less of a concern on a track, an environment that the ZL1 seems to have been honed for. For the diehard enthusiast, this remains a sports coupe with massive appeal.

Although the 1LE package is tempting, the standard ZL1 is hardly a languid handler and offers an exceptional price/performance ratio. We'd spec ours in Garnet Red Tintcoat paint and with the carbon-fiber instrument panel trim which gives the interior a nice lift. Together, these options add under $1,000 to the ZL1's base price.

There aren't many cars on the road that can out-muscle the Camaro ZL1, but the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is one of them. Over 700 horsepower and a quarter-mile sprint time of just ten seconds solidify its position as one of the ultimate dragsters. Both make intoxicating noises from their V8 engines and will entertain their drivers for hours on end, limited only by the regular gas station stops you'll have to make. The two muscle cars start to diverge when it comes to driving dynamics, though - the SRT may have more power, but the ZL1 is much more agile through the corners and it's the one to choose for track use. But the Challenger fights back with a much more accommodating cabin where normal-sized adults can actually sit at the back. This makes the Dodge the much easier car to live with, whereas the ZL1 is the sharper driving tool.

The horsepower war rages on unabated. The latest GT500 comes out on top here with a wild 760 hp, a phenomenal 110 hp more than the ZL1 Coupe. However, the ZL1 isn't the default winner in the handling stakes any longer - Ford has improved the GT500's dynamic balance to a point where it's blisteringly fast off the line and when the road gets twisty, too. The Mustang also has better outward visibility and a larger trunk than the Camaro, aspects that make it easier to live with every day. We do love that the Chevy comes with the option of a six-speed manual, though, whereas the Mustang only has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. At over $8,000 more than the ZL1, is the Mustang's extra power worth it? With the GT500's improved handling, we're inclined to say that it is.