new Z28 is still coming!

[ibbilly]

Just found this on the jalopnik!1


http://jalopnik.com/#!5757938/the-ca...s-still-coming


Ray Wert— The Camaro Z28 is still comingAlthough the just-unveiled Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be the top-end performance package of the Camaro, Chevy's reborn muscle car, it won't be the last high-powered special edition. The Z28 is still coming, and GM wants to know what you think it should be.


The Camaro's Z/28 option code, introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year, was designed to allow any Chevy dealer the ability to offer a virtually race-ready Camaro. The original 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 was a muscle car that emphasized handling as much as power. Which is why, GM folks tell us, this week's introduction of the high-horsepower LSA-powered Chevrolet Camaro was called the ZL1.

Full size
GM still wants to bring to market a lighter, better-handling, more-powerful-than-an-SS version of the Camaro to market called the Z28. One source, with the product team, tells us that for the moment, although Chevy's focused on selling the ZL1, they're still working on developing the Z28 and bringing it to market in the next 12 months.

One very high-level GM official reminded me, over Facebook instant messages no less:

i know u no likey ZL1 for a name, but remember what Z28 stood for....homologated 302 high rev SCCA trans am series track car. so step back and think what could happen here…

The Sports Car Club of America's Trans American sedan series was the racing showcase for pony cars in the late '60s. And to enter the Camaro as a competitor, at least 1,000 streetable examples had to be produced. So Chevy's choice was to make a forged steel version of the 283-cid V8's crankshaft into its 327 V8 to get 302 cid, and then make the 302 a Camaro Regular Production Option Code.


So low-key was the effort that the car wasn't advertised, or even mentioned in sales literature. Knowledgeable buyers had to order a base 6-cylinder Camaro, and then find the check box for what turned out to be the most famous RPO in history: Z28.

Given that history, and given the current lineup Chevy's got — and the current lineup the Mustang's got — they're still just not entirely sure what the Z28 could be — and from what we hear, they're interested in knowing what you think. So, in the comments below, tell us what you think the Z28 should be?

[toesuf94]

ZL1 engine and transmission, KONI adjustable shocks in place of Mag Ride system, Forged lightweight wheels, Aluminum skins on the doors, hood and trunklid, thermo plastic front fenders. Eliminate the back seat, lexan rear quarter windows...in other words: Lighten the car up as much as possible, give it the horsepower and simplicity of the old Z28 and go out there and go kick some horse tail.

[cab2g]

2 options more powerful than the SS? Nice. They are setting those cars up to be collectors items for sure. The SS is a beast, but with a true racing z/28 and HP king ZL1, you can guarantee they'll be iconic when everybody is driving hybrids/hydrogen/electric cars.

[drummer5679]

Originally Posted by toesuf94

ZL1 engine and transmission, KONI adjustable shocks in place of Mag Ride system, Forged lightweight wheels, Aluminum skins on the doors, hood and trunklid, thermo plastic front fenders. Eliminate the back seat, lexan rear quarter windows...in other words: Lighten the car up as much as possible, give it the horsepower and simplicity of the old Z28 and go out there and go kick some horse tail.

this but imo make the engine the ls7 and a t-top option =P

instead of changing the zl1, just make it an upgraded 1ss.

basically make a 1ss with an ls7, no back seat, and t-top option I suppose. and make the heritage grill standard.

and keep it under 40k msrp

[Cam#7]

Well number 1 to the Z-28 heritage is a fast winding naturally aspirated small block V8. We need a V8 version of our V6. There's nothing like a double overhead cam / 4 valve engine to rev up the rpms.

Number 2 is give it some T-tops

Number 3 is a cool looking functional hood scope like a '80 Z-28

Number 4 is something specfic to the front grill and rear taillights

[The_Blur]

I trust GM's judgement on this.

[Sawyer]

YES!!!

[kbui]

Like the way GM is lining up the Camaros. To keep the price down, take the SS and reduce its weight down to about 3300lbs and add back in better suspensions and brakes (kinda like the SSX) and make all the interiors optional: less carpet, lighter seats, less seats, power windows.......As a GM alum, I am happy with the way the team is bringing back the Camaro.

[cab2g]

What if instead of a T-Top, just a Targa top that is either power or manual? Who needs the bar in the middle of the roof? Maybe they could work something out to keep frame rigidity w/o adding weight?

[macwest]

I would expect the z28 to have the following:
1) use the LS3 engin with a hotter cam, factory short tube headers, better CAI. Better and lighter exhast, most of us are already doing this and making good HP. Factory with warrenty would be nice
2) Hood similar to ZL1, since it adds downforce.
3) ground effects package
4) Lowerd by 1" all around with heaver sway bars. Stiffer shocks.
5) add in engine compartment crossbrace for better sturcture rigidity.
6) put in taller gears 2.73 to avoid any gas guzzler tax but have option of 3.73 and 4.10
7) Short Throw Shifter
8) interior seats maybe recaros?
9)Tach on hood or in HUD needs to be in better location to see
10)Wider tires like ZL1
11) have a better rear spoiler possibly use dovetail.

[brAnd7onX]

-Carbon Fiber everywhere (Similar to ZR1)
-Lightweight wheels (18"s?)
-LS7 engine (The Z28 does not need to be supercharged it just has to have more power than the SS).
-Remove back seats
-Drag Radials

[2010 SSRS]

I like those options. Let's hope GM agrees.

[OldJedi]

Everybody's complaint is that the current platform is too heavy and not much weight can be removed unless you gutted the car. The pending SSX seems to be the way that a Z28 should be moving towards if you want to stay with tradition of a light weight racer for the track. If the current platform cannot have enough weight removed then wait for the new alpha platform and build on that. Use the same theory and advancements that are used in the Z06 and ZR1 with the use of carbon fiber panels, high revving direct injection engine, adjustable coil over suspension, light weight seats and interior pieces. Bring the weight down to the 3300-3400 pound range with a 550HP engine and it should fill the Z28 heritage just fine.

[Doc]

You guys requesting a t-top are killing me. On a road race car?? LOL.

Make it light as reasonably possible. Coilovers. Upgraded bushings. Upgraded brakes. Adjustable upgraded sways front and rear. Cold air intake integrated with a functional hood scoop. N/a engine with electric water and steering pump. Separate clutch and brake fluid reservoirs. 1-piece aluminum driveshaft. Short-throw shifter; about 30% shorter than stock.

Interior: 4 minor gauges up in the vertical area above the main center vent where they can be seen at a glance instead of behind the shift lever where they're useless. Full control over what lights are on and in what combination in front. Built-in attach points and a seat that's friendly for a 5-point harness. Thin rear-view mirror with any buttons off the mirror and on the overhead console. Better sun visors with slide extensions in them for additional coverage if needed.

That will do for the moment; I'll add more later as I think of it.

[MikeSVX]

I think they should start with the SS. Lighten it with lighter interior trim, Mechanical operated racing seats, things like that. Lighten the body useing different body panel materials (aluminum and carbon). Then add in the wheels, brakes, and suspention from the ZL1 and a good aero package. That's if they base it of the current Camaro line. This gives you Camaro with greatly improved handling and performance over the currently avalible line, while still making it affordible to the general population.

[MikeSVX]

Originally Posted by brAnd7onX

-Carbon Fiber everywhere (Similar to ZR1)
-Lightweight wheels (18"s?)
-LS7 engine (The Z28 does not need to be supercharged it just has to have more power than the SS).
-Remove back seats
-Drag Radials

Curious why it needs more power then the SS?
If you go off tradition. The SS is where the big power hid. The Z28 was a light weight High-REV'r. The SS package gave you the options to get the Big Block Hi-HP engines.

I just think they need to consitrate on the weight and the handling. If you manage to take the SS as a base and shave about 800 or more pounds of it with improved handling and Aero, it will stoop on the SS and all but th GT500 Mustangs. Dropping an LS7 engine into is going to push the price up considerably, because GM will most likely want to improve the transmission and rear to guarentee the drivetrain. Shaving the weight and using better parts in the suspension that the already have on the shelve will keep the cost more reasonable and allow them to recuop more of the cost spent in developing those parts.

[Hylton]

Merge into this please!


http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128589

[lets_go_bills]

People need to know that the ZL1 will be the top of the line Camaro. How many models can they have? If the Z28 is coming and is gonna be better than the SS but lesser to the ZL1, what gives?

I'd speculate that the Z28 might be a sort of "performance package" that could be added onto the SS perhaps. It would change a few things aesthically, drop some weight, different tires/wheels.

I love the Camaro but is GM actually going to have 1LS, 2LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS, ZL1, and Z28 models to choose from? That's EIGHT different Camaros. Isn't this what got GM into financial trouble in the first place?

[kbui]

[QUOTE=lets_go_bills;2829021

I love the Camaro but is GM actually going to have 1LS, 2LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS, ZL1, and Z28 models to choose from? That's EIGHT different Camaros. Isn't this what got GM into financial trouble in the first place?[/QUOTE]


Actually there will be only 4 different models with a few different trim levels: base coupe (V6), SS, ZL1 and Z28. Base and SS in volume, ZL1 and Z28 are in smaller numbers. Z28 for the tracks and the ZL1 for strips. Hopefully the Z28 is destined to be the slimmed down track beast (-:

They got into trouble the last time around was Buick/Olds/Chevy/Pontiac...were all making the same sedan based on the same platform and slight variations...Even the Corvette have 4 different models: base, Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 and total production is less than the Camaros.

[drummer5679]

Originally Posted by lets_go_bills

I love the Camaro but is GM actually going to have 1LS, 2LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, 2SS, ZL1, and Z28 models to choose from? That's EIGHT different Camaros. Isn't this what got GM into financial trouble in the first place?

They should cut the 2x models and just have LS, LT, SS, Z28, ZL1. Then have the old stuff from 2x models be optional.

That said, I already agree with the fact that z28 should be a trim package because I don't believe the majority of people that aren't dedicated camaro enthusiasts would buy z28s as a separate model, especially if they come with options such as no power seats as described in this thread.

[600hp-lpe]

The SSX racecar with more stuff deleted...

just a purebred race car for the track.

[Kilo-9]

I'm wondering if we have seen the last of the Leno car...i.e. a forced induction V6.

[Victoryred69]

Wowww these pony car wars are just getting better by the minute!!!!!

I would like to see in the Z28:
-LS7 motor in it for sure
-Option of 3.73 or 4.10 gear
-Lightweight body configuration(carbon fiber everywhere possible)
-No back seats , more race oriented front bucket seats
-Full roll cage for stability safety and rigidity
-New gauge cluster maybe some cool options(shift light, redefined/more aux gauges)
-Wider tires* with lightweight forged aluminum wheels for weight savings and rotational mass
-New better brembo breaks close to the ZL1 if not the same.
-Full race exhaust(also like ZL1) and maybe shorty headers from factory
-Pedders suspension set up like the SSX set up for great track use.
-Functional front air ducts to the brakes to provide cooling
-Beefed up tranny/stock short-shifter (ZR1 clutch set up would be nice)
-Lightweight drive-shaft
-SLP style hood with functional air scoop
-Updated GFX body-kit ?


If i am missing anything else ill put it in, but that would be a dream car to many I would think, this thing is going to eat that Boss 302 for breakfast lunch dinner and desert. I cant wait !!

[RSokie]

Originally Posted by Victoryred69

Wowww these pony car wars are just getting better by the minute!!!!!

I would like to see in the Z28:
-LS7 motor in it for sure
-Option of 3.73 or 4.10 gear
-Lightweight body configuration(carbon fiber everywhere possible)
-No back seats , more race oriented front bucket seats
-Full roll cage for stability safety and rigidity
-New gauge cluster maybe some cool options(shift light, redefined/more aux gauges)
-Wider tires* with lightweight forged aluminum wheels for weight savings and rotational mass
-New better brembo breaks close to the ZL1 if not the same.
-Full race exhaust(also like ZL1) and maybe shorty headers from factory
-Pedders suspension set up like the SSX set up for great track use.
-Functional front air ducts to the brakes to provide cooling
-Beefed up tranny/stock short-shifter (ZR1 clutch set up would be nice)
-Lightweight drive-shaft
-SLP style hood with functional air scoop
-Updated GFX body-kit ?


If i am missing anything else ill put it in, but that would be a dream car to many I would think, this thing is going to eat that Boss 302 for breakfast lunch dinner and desert. I cant wait !!

[Ivas]

Fellahs, how much different is the ZL1, really? Does anyone know its hp and torque AT THE REAR WHEEL?
From the little I've seen and or garnered, its main claim to fame, engine wise, is a roots type blower (for what thats worth vis à vis a twin screw, centrifugal or turbo). Beyond that it has some cosmetic body and exhaust changes.

Will a modified ZL1 be intrinsically faster, quicker to accelerate and more powerful than our belovèd 2SS that we have carefully modified into drag strip beauty and the beasts?