Chevy unveils new Camaro ZL1

The pony car war between the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro just got a performance boost.

Chevy pulled the lid off its new Camaro ZL1 at the Chicago Auto Show today, revealing a 550-horsepower monster designed to go toe-to-toe with the various special editions of the Mustang that Ford has been rolling out in recent years. The automaker claims that the new ZL1 is the fastest Chevy ever built, powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and equipped with a "track-ready" suspension and brakes

"Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing in a news release. "It's the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we've chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."

For those who only came onto the pony car scene recently, the ZL1 moniker refers to limited edition engine offered in some versions of the 1969 Camaro. The Wall Street Journal calls the ZL1 the "Holy Grail" of Camaro engines.

While the sleek and powerful ZL1 certainly wowed the audience, it's unknown when the limited edition car will eventually hit showrooms – or how much it will set drivers back.