CAMARO ZL1 test mule spotted during track testing!!

[IROCZJEFF]

Originally Posted by Tran

As reported on Homepage.

It's alive!! Although not the best photos, the way that this Camaro has been camouflaged (front fascia completely covered) makes it very likely that we're looking at a Camaro Z28 test car! The only other likelihood is that it's some type of facelifted Camaro, but a facelift for a car not yet one year into production seems highly unlikely. Also, one change which is not camouflaged are what appears to be wider fenders, particularly in the rear, no doubt to accomodate the Z28's wider track and to provide the car with a more aggressive look.

This car was spied during an extremely brief test track run, but the exhaust was said to be "blaring". The front and rear fascias on the car are extremely camouflaged, but based on past hints from GM, the new Camaro Z28's front fascia will be very close to the Transformers 2 Bumblebee Camaro. We do not yet see any type of ram air scoop type hood yet, but expect one on the Z28, which will require much more air to be fed to its monster engine.

According to the photographer (take this info with a grain of salt as it has yet to be confirmed): "The wheels and tires on this Z/28 are likely non-production, however, we felt like we'd seen this particular setup before. A quick look into the archives and we realized the 2009 Cadillac CTSv sedan prototypes used almost exactly the same wheels and tires as we see on this Z/28 test car. That isn't surprising when you consider the Z/28 will share a heart with the CTSv!

Lurking under the hood is the 6.2L, supercharged V8 known as the "LSA." While that motor is good for 556hp in the CTSv, there seems to be some debate as to whether GM will allow the Camaro to have that much power. Along with a lot more power, an upgraded suspension package along with even better brakes can be expected."

Awsome! What a great way to start a Monday off! It looks like I will be putting the Z06 on hold and waiting just a tad bit longer for the Z28! Great pictures! Thanks, Jeff

[Vega]

Hm well looking at these pics i cant see anything to tell me one way or the other whether it is just an updated 2011 SS or a new Z/28, BUT that being said if it were just a 2011 SS i dont really see the need in the camouflage, especially since the competition already knows the drivetrain. Sooo, im open to the Z/28 testing idea yet again, i hope it really is a Z/28 haha ive been wanting it ever since i heard the first rumors of a new 2008 Camaro! (which turned into 2009, then 2010, suspense is a dick! lmao) Also does anyone know anything official about this? Like is it for sure a GM test and not just an aftermarket company testing their mule-car? Or some movie-car crap again? LOL

I also agree with what-cha-ma-call-it up there though, i think GM should allow you to order different engines in your Camaro, and i know exactly how they could do it without hindering factory production: Okay so you order your Camaro with say an LS7, its built like any other normal SS Camaro with an LS3 and whatever goodies you asked for with it, then its shipped to the dealer, meanwhile an LS7 crate engine is also shipped to the dealer from GMPP, the dealer does the engine swap right there in their garage, then sends the un-used LS3 back to GMPP for a full refund on what an LS3 crate engine runs and the LS3 is then re-sold as a crate engine. After all that you take the price of an LS7 crate, subtract the price of an LS3 crate, add maybe a thousand for the swap work and wha-la, there's your price and a new LS7 Camaro....whatcha think guys? Yay or Nay?

[Sheitskees]

Originally Posted by Vega

Hm well looking at these pics i cant see anything to tell me one way or the other whether it is just an updated 2011 SS or a new Z/28, BUT that being said if it were just a 2011 SS i dont really see the need in the camouflage, especially since the competition already knows the drivetrain. Sooo, im open to the Z/28 testing idea yet again, i hope it really is a Z/28 haha ive been wanting it ever since i heard the first rumors of a new 2008 Camaro! (which turned into 2009, then 2010, suspense is a dick! lmao) Also does anyone know anything official about this? Like is it for sure a GM test and not just an aftermarket company testing their mule-car? Or some movie-car crap again? LOL

I also agree with what-cha-ma-call-it up there though, i think GM should allow you to order different engines in your Camaro, and i know exactly how they could do it without hindering factory production: Okay so you order your Camaro with say an LS7, its built like any other normal SS Camaro with an LS3 and whatever goodies you asked for with it, then its shipped to the dealer, meanwhile an LS7 crate engine is also shipped to the dealer from GMPP, the dealer does the engine swap right there in their garage, then sends the un-used LS3 back to GMPP for a full refund on what an LS3 crate engine runs and the LS3 is then re-sold as a crate engine. After all that you take the price of an LS7 crate, subtract the price of an LS3 crate, add maybe a thousand for the swap work and wha-la, there's your price and a new LS7 Camaro....whatcha think guys? Yay or Nay?

I would imagine that would work, but I was thinking something a little easier. Since they already use the LS9 in the ZR1 why wouldn't they just use some they have for the ZR1. It's not like they couldn't get their hands on some. And for the whole transmission thing that was address earlier, if you just put a tranny on there that's strong enough to handle all of the motors and it wouldn't be a problem. Obviously wouldn't put the ZR1 tranny in there, seeing as that would really jack the price up as well, but I'm sure they could find a substitute. If you just build it the way they want it right off of the production line then you wouldn't need to pay for swap work because it wouldn't be any swapping. It would come right off the floor like that. There must be something that I'm not seeing for everyone to think this is unreasonable...

Sheitskees.

[The Black Stig]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I dunno how much wider it should get. It's already as wide as a Z06...anymore and it'll be hard to park.

it's not all ready hard to park? LMAO

Originally Posted by Scarrzz

It's OK, I'll walk from the far end of the lot.

People can cruise by & drool better out there anyway, and I won't have to break people's fingers for bumping it with their SUV doors.

X2 it's fun to park on the far end. and it sucks we have to brak fingers though:( if it was impala i could just stuff them in the trunk LOLZZZ

Originally Posted by Sheitskees

I would imagine that would work, but I was thinking something a little easier. Since they already use the LS9 in the ZR1 why wouldn't they just use some they have for the ZR1. It's not like they couldn't get their hands on some. And for the whole transmission thing that was address earlier, if you just put a tranny on there that's strong enough to handle all of the motors and it wouldn't be a problem. Obviously wouldn't put the ZR1 tranny in there, seeing as that would really jack the price up as well, but I'm sure they could find a substitute. If you just build it the way they want it right off of the production line then you wouldn't need to pay for swap work because it wouldn't be any swapping. It would come right off the floor like that. There must be something that I'm not seeing for everyone to think this is unreasonable...

Sheitskees.

I agree on using the strongest trans available for engine options., but you couldn't use the Zr1 transmission or any corvette transmission, because the trans is in the back of the car on Gen 5 & 6 corvettes.

FYI we have the SAME transmission from the mustang GT500 the only difference is the gear ratios but otherwise the same. I wouldn't be surprised if we used the same trans we have now on the Z28's

Also what Gm could do is make a engine pacakges a "Dealer installed option" one of the good dealers neare me(rockahenbach Chevy ) they have a huge slection of GMP parts hell that have lS7's in stock

[radz28]

I like the ideas above, but I just don't think it's practical these days. I don't know how it seemed so easy before but it would seem to me that it's not that easy to keep several engines at one assembly plant just chillin' for orders. Also, they'd probably have to completely dedicate the plant to Camaro, rendering it unflexible... Again - I love the idea

[tmurphycardesign]

z28 = smiles all around

[Sheitskees]

Originally Posted by The Black Stig

it's not all ready hard to park? LMAO



X2 it's fun to park on the far end. and it sucks we have to brak fingers though:( if it was impala i could just stuff them in the trunk LOLZZZ



I agree on using the strongest trans available for engine options., but you couldn't use the Zr1 transmission or any corvette transmission, because the trans is in the back of the car on Gen 5 & 6 corvettes.

FYI we have the SAME transmission from the mustang GT500 the only difference is the gear ratios but otherwise the same. I wouldn't be surprised if we used the same trans we have now on the Z28's

Also what Gm could do is make a engine pacakges a "Dealer installed option" one of the good dealers neare me(rockahenbach Chevy ) they have a huge slection of GMP parts hell that have lS7's in stock

I'm not quite sure the tranny in the SS would be able to hold down an LS9... So if they did the options of motor swap it would have to be a different trans. Well you wouldn't necessarily have to have motors sitting around seeing as you can just take one from the Corvette assembly line. You wouldn't need to dedicate the entire plant to the Camaro, it could be done the same way it's being done now. There wouldn't be a need for a change because they would still get built one at a time.

Sheitskees.

[Vega]

Originally Posted by Sheitskees

I'm not quite sure the tranny in the SS would be able to hold down an LS9... So if they did the options of motor swap it would have to be a different trans. Well you wouldn't necessarily have to have motors sitting around seeing as you can just take one from the Corvette assembly line. You wouldn't need to dedicate the entire plant to the Camaro, it could be done the same way it's being done now. There wouldn't be a need for a change because they would still get built one at a time.

Sheitskees.

The Tremecs in the manual Camaros are pretty beefy, they might be able to handle it, but just to be safe id swap for a T56 Magnum, its the same thing just strengthened for higher output, thats just for the LS9 though, i know the auto or manual tranny from the Camaro could handle an LS7 or LSA

As for the Z/28, i hope this finally is the legend we've been wishing for haha, im pushing for an LS7 Z/28 myself since its a lot lighter than a supercharged engine with the same output as an LSA, but really thats for another thread sooo, lets keep our fingers crossed that our long awaited savior has finally arrived =D haha

[bolteon593]

i love people talking about stuff they have no clue about; for example field testing, validation and just about anything to do with production pipelines and managment.

i'm sure they just dont feel like giving you what you want; there's no way there could be things in place keeping them from doing whatever they please.


*sigh*


the internets.

[Sheitskees]

Originally Posted by Vega

The Tremecs in the manual Camaros are pretty beefy, they might be able to handle it, but just to be safe id swap for a T56 Magnum, its the same thing just strengthened for higher output, thats just for the LS9 though, i know the auto or manual tranny from the Camaro could handle an LS7 or LSA

As for the Z/28, i hope this finally is the legend we've been wishing for haha, im pushing for an LS7 Z/28 myself since its a lot lighter than a supercharged engine with the same output as an LSA, but really thats for another thread sooo, lets keep our fingers crossed that our long awaited savior has finally arrived =D haha

Well I think that's when the price increase and complications come when you add both transmissions into the mix, it would just be better all around to have 1 universal trans. And it may be able to hand a stock LS9, but what about a SC LS9? Doubtful... But then again it may save money to offer a somewhat cheaper and "weaker" trans for the "non-LS9" models if this is what is even to come, which is doubtful in it's self lol. I just think it would be a good idea personally. But I would imagine more customization would attract a bigger crowd of buyers. People like options lol. I would love it if they would do that. I would definitely be in the market for the LS9, that's for sure .

Sheitskees.

[Vega]

Originally Posted by Sheitskees

Well I think that's when the price increase and complications come when you add both transmissions into the mix, it would just be better all around to have 1 universal trans. And it may be able to hand a stock LS9, but what about a SC LS9? Doubtful... But then again it may save money to offer a somewhat cheaper and "weaker" trans for the "non-LS9" models if this is what is even to come, which is doubtful in it's self lol. I just think it would be a good idea personally. But I would imagine more customization would attract a bigger crowd of buyers. People like options lol. I would love it if they would do that. I would definitely be in the market for the LS9, that's for sure .

Sheitskees.

The LS9 comes supercharged, without the supercharger its basically just an LS3, same with the LSA its just a supercharged LS3 (although for argument's sake both engines are modified to be supercharged but still, they're all LS3 motors with different superchargers) which is why i like the LS7, its a different motor altogether and is the only N/A of the bunch. But all that aside i totally agree with you, i think you should be able to order a variety of V8s in your Camaro just like you could in the good ole days. The Camaro should have a vaaast variety of customization options from engine and drivetrain to gearing (pleeaase give us 3:73 gears!) to interior and exterior cosmetic options, etc., the heritage grill is already a great step in the right direction, now i wanna see the ducktail spoiler from the Dale Jr. Camaro, throw in a few other goodies like extra colors (without lame catches like "oh its gotta be non-SS and non-RS, basically nothing cool, but you get an awsome color") haha, but yeah customization is key, ohhh and give us some hood options, im salivating over those Nickey Stinger hoods

[a_Username]

If this isn't the Z/28 imma

[Sheitskees]

Yeah I sure hope that's what they do. But who knows, I doubt that's what going to happen but it would totally be awesome. I agree with the color options as well, because I heard the synergy green color is going to be released but not for the SS? If that's true it's pretty stupid. I don't personally want it in that color for now, it was cool looking at first but I don't think I want such an attention grabbing car. They car already grabs enough attention as is, but in lime green would probably make it a little worse! Personally I don't really care much for hood options, I'll be replacing the hood with CF anyways. Also with the rims, I hope with the Z28 they'll let you put the more standard rims on for cheaper if you don't want the rims they're offering seeing as I plan on replacing that anyways.

Sheitskees.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by bolteon593

i love people talking about stuff they have no clue about; for example field testing, validation and just about anything to do with production pipelines and managment.

i'm sure they just dont feel like giving you what you want; there's no way there could be things in place keeping them from doing whatever they please.


*sigh*


the internets.

You're right. I don't know what I was thinking. My apologies. GM can offer everything that everyone wants and even some things that nobody wants, and can do all the safety, reliability, and emissions testing for free so that there is 0 cost passed down to the consumer. They simply choose not to so that people complain more, after all ... GM loves making potential customers complain.