Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Rumored To Return As 1,000-HP Electric Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog.
A Long-Standing Rumor Might Come To Fruition
Even before the sixth and last generation of the Chevrolet Camaro had been discontinued, there were rumors that General Motors was considering applying the nameplate to vehicles with more than two doors. GM neither confirmed nor denied what plans it had for future products, but MotorTrend is now reporting that such ideas are not only still under consideration but have evolved to include a ZL1 model. According to the publication, a Camaro crossover will be born on the Ultium platform that underpins the likes of the GMC Hummer EV (for the record, GM is no longer using the Ultium name for its skateboard architecture). In addition, the report claims that numerous versions will be available, including SS and even ZL1.
Up To 1,000 Horsepower Could Appear In The Camaro Crossover
Before we continue, it should be noted that MT does not cite any sources for its report, so it's worth taking the following claims with a pinch of salt. With that out of the way, the Camaro EV is said to be likely to adopt the 85-kWh battery pack currently found beneath entry-level Blazer EV models, with the 102-kWh pack reserved for "high-performance or long-range Camaro EV variants." Future Camaro EVs are reportedly likely to offer a single-motor setup on the rear axle for LT or RS trims, with 241 to 265 horsepower rumored (assuming existing motors are used). Following this train of thought, dual-motor AWD models could produce up to 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. In SS form, again with AWD, a combined output of 615 hp and 650 lb-ft might be on the cards. Presumably, such a trim would also offer sportier handling through improved suspension, braking, and steering systems. And at the top of the range, the Hummer EV's tri-motor setup could even be adopted with up to 1,160 hp (as in the Hummer EV 3X Pickup), potentially as a ZL1 model. The publication theorizes that the Camaro EV would be a 2027 model, which if true, would mean a debut sometime next year.
Why These Rumors Hold Water
Although the democratization of Ultium-based technologies has increased since the arrival of the Hummer EV, we can't help but wonder if such a broad range of electric Camaro crossover options would be viable, especially considering that regular gas-powered vehicles often have their lineups slimmed due to an overabundance of choice that confuses customers. Then again, the Mustang Mach-E that an electric Camaro crossover would rival is available in Select, Premium, California Route 1, GT, and Rally variants, and perhaps a multitude of choices would create more marketing opportunities for this new take on the Camaro.
GM President Mark Reuss has previously indicated that the Camaro could return as a four-door someday, and his most recent comments on the matter included the assertion that a new Camaro would need a "formula of beauty, and a little bit of functionality and fun." The four-seat layout of a potential Dodge Charger rival in the sedan segment would be somewhat practical, but a crossover in the vein of the Mustang Mach-E would certainly appeal to families more. Chevy has always recognized the value of this nameplate; it just remains to be seen what form the company thinks is right for its future. We'll need to wait for GM to confirm any of this, but given that Ford has just unveiled an aggressive and expensive EV strategy with new models, there's no doubt that discussions like these are being had in Detroit's product planning departments.
Related: America’s Most-Stolen Vehicle Proves Thieves Love the Camaro ZL1’s Horsepower
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Rumored To Return As 1,000-HP Electric Crossover first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Comments