Now that the ZL1 is out, what do you want the Z28 to be?

[Lazerbrainz2k3]

I don't think GM is going to give you a factory-built, warrantied minimalist race car, and I don't think they should, either, unless it's a limited-run version similar to the Boss 302 Laguna Seca will be. Even if the number of track-happy people who have the money for a car like that (and for any other cars they'll need for daily life) are well more than I think there are, I doubt that'll justify production.

In my opinion Z/28 should be what the Boss and Z06 are: a performance stepping stone between the civilized V8 and the supercar version. Some people will just want a car called a Z/28, with better-than-an-SS power and performance, but still everyday car practicality, and there's nothing at all wrong with that. In fact considering all the noise about heritage and proper usage of badging and all that, I'm surprised there isn't more calls for censure over the demands that the Z/28 be a stripped-down racer, something the historical car NEVER was out of the factory.

Give it the race-inspired suspension, wheels, tires, different gear ratio, better cooling, performance splitter, more aggressive exterior maybe, and all that, along with a naturally-aspirated powerplant in the 450-460hp range, to edge out the Boss (assuming Ford doesn't upgrade the Boss beyond that point by then), but NO supercharged LSA or any of that - ZL1 is the King Camaro and should stay there, out the factory door anyway. Some of the weight-saving stuff from the ZL1 like the carbon fiber hood mohawk are obvious possibilities.

And yeah there should be an auto - hopefully without a hp loss like the L99. The ZL1 should have an auto, too, if GM judges the extra business from offering it is worth the investment, as opposed to what Ford does with the GT500. Honestly, who cares if an automatic is offered, they already cost more as it is. Don't like it/don't want it, then don't buy it and save a thousand bucks. This anti-automatic, purist-elitist stuff is getting tiresome.

Add to that some option packages to delete an ever-increasing amount of stuff, from the radio to the rear seats, and I could see it being a viable product. Do it the other way around, expecting GM to make a dedicated racer with only options to add livable stuff to it, and you never, ever see the car built.

[ZNOLMT]

I think Twin Turbo V6 would be the way to go. Come on GM, just release the Leno car!

Also, a good performance suspension, chassis bracing, maybe some CF panels or roof as an option.

[3 SS's]

how about a truly more retro look ...then all the performance goodies too.

[JimE]

Assuming they keep the SS in the lineup, it will likely be: Camaro w/V6, Z/28 w/small block v8, SS w/6.2, and the ZL1 w/supercharged 6.2.

Option wise, I suspect the base Z/28 to be similar to the current LT/SS models (ie: packages of similar tech and features), but with options only available on the Z/28 (ie: ground effects, spoiler, badging, seating, etc.).

Think of the gen2/3/4 models. I would be really surprised to see an "all performance" model, especially when the ZL1 is their top dog.

[Saltyflats]

1. Racing Seats
2. Light weight 19" racing rims
3. Carbon Fiber front splitter and rear wing
4. ZR1 Engine
5. Rear seat delete
6. Proper racing steering wheel.
7. Computer controlled suspension for driving style
8. Onboard computer to record: track times, 0-60, top speed, measured G's
9. American Lemans style body kit
10. Whatever needed to lighten this overweight powerhouse.

[jshaf]

IMO you will see the Z28 after the Alpha Camaro comes out,2014-2016

[shawn18]

Originally Posted by jshaf

IMO you will see the Z28 after the Alpha Camaro comes out,2014-2016

^ I agree with this........

[Number 3]

Originally Posted by Hylton

It's actually Corvette envy......

The early Z/28's did not have lighter parts in them but they were generally lighter due to stock orders being built with very few options. It's extremely rare to find a 67-69 Z/28 "loaded up". Heater and radio delete were also available options which found their way into a few Z cars.

The early cars were not available with automatics and A/C due in part to the nature of the solid lifter engine but this also saved on weight.

Having worked on the Corvette and Z06, that is one program to be envious of the cars weight. Seriously better than anything on the road for mass. For the Z06, we took out well over 100 lbs with the aluminum frame, carbon wheel house, carbon floor pan, caron fenders and all of that was offset by the LS7, dry sump oiling, giant wheels, tires and brakes.

But Hylton, would you really buy a car without air today? At least on a car you would drive regularly? I think some would, and also radio delete etc. but at that point you'd be looking at some pretty low volumes selling to the really hard core. Wait, oh, I forgot.............that's you.

Even the aftermarket hasn't spawned the car you are describing. All of them are pretty much "add a supercharger" and go from there, rather than strip stuff off and attack the chassis.

I think I just gave you a business idea.

[R6P]

Like Jay Leno said... "This, should be the Z28" TT V6 !
I realize the die hard V8 guys will disagree, but you now have the ZL1.

[Number 3]

Ok, so here is the question for you guys. Why is a twin turbo V6 that weighs the same as the LS3 and if GM were to SUPER tune it, make the same HP, why do you think that makes a better engine for a Z28...........Fuel Economy? If you are assuming GM can bring the Taurus SHO engine to production, that's only 355 HP or so.

[King Sun]

Originally Posted by Number 3

Ok, so here is the question for you guys. Why is a twin turbo V6 that weighs the same as the LS3 and if GM were to SUPER tune it, make the same HP, why do you think that makes a better engine for a Z28...........Fuel Economy? If you are assuming GM can bring the Taurus SHO engine to production, that's only 355 HP or so.

kits for the v6 are already making a little be over l99 with 5 psi.

[Number 3]

Originally Posted by King Sun

kits for the v6 are already making a little be over l99 with 5 psi.

Exactly my point. From GM, meeting GMs durability requirements, all things being equal, a TT V6 won't make better HP than a small block V8. It should get better FE, but no mass improvement, more expensive and no more HP.

You guys have to quit comparing what YOU can do vs. what GM can do.

And with about 10 HP per PSI, you can get L99/LS3 power from a V6, but to do more costs you durablity and GM can't do that.

So compare what GM can do to what GM can do. Not what GM can do with an L99 or LS3 and what you can do to a V6. Two different scenarios.

Again, Ford's V6 SIDI turbo is 355. Assume GM is better (and they are) you can maybe get L99 or even LS3 power. But no more. So why is this a Z28?

[TaylorRyanSS]

Originally Posted by ChevyTech

Like Jay Leno said... "This, should be the Z28" TT V6 !
I realize the die hard V8 guys will disagree, but you now have the ZL1.
Attachment 205741

I want this bumper!!!!!!!!!!!

[Z/28orSs]

THERE will be no Z28
as far as no ac goes GM has a" body in white" for you sickos who dont want ac
this is not 1967 once again for the old guys with the thick skulls

BODY IN WHITE