2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is back! [w/video]

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 03-27-2013, 09:30 AM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

Remember when there was a bit of consternation among the Bowtie faithful when Chevrolet introduced the Camaro ZL1? The issue wasn't around the big coupe's awesome performance, it was with the name - many wondered why the company hadn't chosen to exhume the company's legendary Z/28 moniker. There was a bit less of an outcry when Chevy showed off the 1LE model, but only just. Well, apparently there's a good reason why the Z/28 nameplate wasn't used - because they were saving it for this bad boy.

Powered by Chevrolet's 7.0-liter LS7 engine (also found in the C7 Corvette), the 2014 Camaro Z/28 looks to offer massive performance above and beyond the already capable ZL1. Chevy hasn't released official power ratings yet, saying only that the Z/28 will deliver "at least 500 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque" - the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA found in the ZL1 dispenses 580 horsepower, so the track-focused Z/28 probably won't be the most powerful Camaro on offer.

Perhaps more importantly, curb weight is down 300 pounds compared to the ZL1 thanks to a comprehensive lightweighting program, including thinner rear glass and lighter wheels and making air conditioning an option. Chevy says that the weight cut and the institution of substantial chassis and braking changes are good enough to cut a whopping three seconds per lap off of the ZL1's times, though it hasn't specified what circuit it has been tested on.

Aero changes include a whopper of a front splitter tied to a lift-curbing undertray, along with flared fenders and rocker extensions. Out back, a unique spoiler and diffuser help keep the massive meats planted to the ground at high speeds.

Inside, the manual-transmission-only Z/28 gets the ZL1's excellent flat-bottomed wheel and standard Recaro seats (already optional on SS and ZL1 models). The interior is finished in a matte-metallic finish dubbed Octane. Pricing has yet to be announced, but for all the details, scroll down to look at the lengthy official press release.Continue reading 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is back! [w/video]
2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is back! [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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**Y2KArcticSS** · 03-27-2013, 10:14 AM

They finally won me over fully on a 5th Gen. Lighter, n/a and just enough tweaks in the looks. I will be buying one...in 5 years...with probably 50k or more on the clock

**konigandy6** · 03-27-2013, 10:19 AM

That is.... AWESOME.

**Y2KArcticSS** · 03-27-2013, 10:23 AM

I also like that they used '427' instead of '7.0L' on the fuel rail covers. A minor detail, but I like.

**5150** · 03-27-2013, 10:53 AM

I want one!

**konigandy6** · 03-27-2013, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by Y2KArcticSS

I also like that they used '427' instead of '7.0L' on the fuel rail covers. A minor detail, but I like.

Agreed. They did that with the Vette too to mimic the 67 big blocks. I'm nervous on how this will be priced... especially since it has 1 speaker and optional AC.

**Y2KArcticSS** · 03-27-2013, 11:21 AM

I missed the one speaker part. I am cursed with no a/c on almost everything I've driven save the gxp. If they price it around 30-35k that would be nice. I'm sure it will be like 45k or something stupid though...

**konigandy6** · 03-27-2013, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Y2KArcticSS

I missed the one speaker part. I am cursed with no a/c on almost everything I've driven save the gxp. If they price it around 30-35k that would be nice. I'm sure it will be like 45k or something stupid though...

A standard 1SS with a manual trans is low 30's. A loaded 2SS can carry itself just north of 40. A 1LE is high 30's. They have a lot of room to play with between the 1LE and a ZL1 as far as price. I wouldn't be surprised if it starts at 45.