The first new Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE rolled off the line at General Motor's Lansing Grand River Plant Thursday but it won't be going on sale.
Driving it off the line and picking up its keys was NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick from Hendrick Motorsports.
“It felt like Christmas,” said Hendrick. “It felt like coming down the stairs at Christmas to see a present when I was 8-years-old.”
Plant manager Steve Notar Donato was just as thrilled as the hard working Mid-Michigan men and women putting the sports car together.
“To see a true enthusiast like Mr. Hendrick come in and take possession of his vehicle and drive it off the assembly line is an honor for us,” said Notar Donato.
“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into building these vehicles and these folks are dedicated,” said Notar Donato. “They’ve been at this for a while they understand how important it is to build a perfect vehicle every time.
Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE is equipped with a 650 horsepower engine with a special front end and spoiler for better handling and stability. The new Camero is unlike any general motors production vehicle.
“The fact that we can produce such a phenomenal track capable vehicle down a production line speaks volumes for our company and the technology that goes behind it,” said Notar Donato.
As for the competition, Notar Donato has this message.
“Good luck and we'll see you in the rear view mirror,” said Notar Donato.
Hendrick says his new Camaro will be roped off in a showroom museum.
Hendrick is in town for this weekend's "Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400" at Michigan International Speedway.
Click here for more information on the Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE.
