UPDATE: Earlier today we reported that GM has stopped both production and shipments of the new 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 due to a potential issue with the vehicles. We have since learned one Ashen Gray Metallic Camaro ZL1 was not only inadvertently shipped to Henna Chevrolet In Austin, Texas, but it was also inadvertently delivered to the customer.

Richard, the new-car sales manager at Henna Chevrolet, told us that the dealership asked the customer to bring the car back, as there might be a possible software issue with the vehicle--even though it drove perfectly The car was then roped off in the showroom until it was shipped back to the factory. Photos of this Camaro ZL1 roped off in the Henna Chevrolet showroom have been posted to the Camaro enthusiast site Camaro5.

GM had specified that this vehicle had a potential software programming issue, the sales manager had told us. But GM's spokesman for Chevrolet, Monte Doran, had no comment regarding such an issue in the ZL1. He explained that the car in question was indeed inadvertently delivered to the dealership and the customer--because it did not have the proper paperwork and should have never been shipped.

So this leads to the next question: Does the Chevy Camaro ZL1 have a software programming issue, and if so, what does it affect? Since GM has no comment at this time, we are left to wonder what system might be having an issue in the flagship Camaro. One thing is for certain, GM isn't simply holding the ZL1 in hopes of upgrading the power to match the 650-horsepower 2013 Shelby GT500.

----

GM Inside News had gotten its hands on a letter to dealers explaining that production of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and all shipments to dealerships have been held by General Motors for quality assessment.

"Indeed all shipments have been held at this time, and we are performing routine quality assessments on the vehicles." said a GM spokesman for Chevrolet, Monte Doran.

Chevrolet is not yet releasing an exact reason for the production halt. " We may have found a potential issue that we want to resolve." said Doran, who was unable to provide a time frame for when production may resume and deliveries will commence.

What this means for those who have an order in for a ZL1, is that you simply might be waiting a little longer for your shiny new testosterone-filled, 580-horsepower muscle car.

If you think you might know what the potential issue is, we'd love to hear from you. Leave us a comment or send us a tweet.

Below is the original letter sent to dealers as posted by GM Inside News:

03/02/2012

Ref. number:
Sales / New Vehicles / G_0000109294

Subject:
Update on 2012 Camaro ZL1 Shipments and DOSP

The purpose of this note is to provide you with an update on 2012 Camaro ZL1 production and vehicle shipment plans.

All Camaro ZL1 models produced to date are currently being held by General Motors for a quality assessment. At this moment, the duration of the hold is undetermined, and may last a few more weeks. As soon as the hold is cleared, a note will be sent to all dealers to advise that 2012 Camaro ZL1 shipments are underway.

Because of the hold, the upcoming Dealer Order Submission Process (DOSP) cycle that was to be dedicated to ZL1 is being postponed. This DOSP cycle was scheduled to start this Thursday, March 1, 2012, and continues through Tuesday, March 6, 2012. A new date for this DOSP cycle will be provided in the near future.

We regret to have to undertake these actions, especially given the high anticipation for the new Camaro ZL1. We ask for your patience and will continue to keep you posted on any developments regarding production and vehicle shipments from Oshawa.

Sincerely,


Russell M. Clark
Director – Chevrolet Small Cars, Small Utilities and
Performance Cars Marketing