Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums - Camaro5.com
 
Phastek Performance
Go Back   Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums - Camaro5.com > General Camaro Forums > Camaro Z/28 Forum - Z/28 Specific Topics


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 03-27-2013, 11:50 AM   #1
FenwickHockey65
General Motors Aficionado
 
FenwickHockey65's Avatar
 
Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2020 Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 37,371
Send a message via AIM to FenwickHockey65
Exclamation 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Introduced (in Refreshed Style)!

2014 Camaro Z/28 the Most Track-capable Camaro Ever
General Motors

March 27, 2013

Name:  z28-0.jpg
Views: 58028
Size:  158.5 KB

NEW YORK – Chevrolet today introduced the restyled 2014 Camaro line at the New York Auto Show, including the return of the Z/28, the most iconic model in Camaro history.

The 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The new Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history.

“As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.”

The first Camaro Z/28 was introduced in 1967, created to compete in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans-Am 2 class. It featured a smaller, lighter, 302-cubic-inch V-8 for improved weight balance, as well as quick-ratio steering and a heavy-duty suspension for track use. In keeping with its road-racing focus, the 1967 Camaro Z/28 was not available with an automatic transmission or air conditioning.

While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from three areas:

  • Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
  • Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap
  • Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass

Like the original, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is offered only with a manual transmission. In a nod to modern convenience, air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

"We set out to make the fastest road-racing Camaro possible that was still street-legal,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “While the Camaro ZL1 offers exceptional performance on the street, the drag strip, and the track, the Z/28 is entirely focused on the track performance. The Z/28 will be too track-focused for most drivers, but offers road-racers one of the most capable track cars ever offered from an automaker.”

The new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013. The Camaro Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in spring 2014.

High-performance aerodynamics highlight changes for 2014 Camaro

The 2014 Camaro represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006.

“The 2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom Peters, Camaro exterior design director. “We look for solutions that are both functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple, powerful, honest, and more than expected.”

Compared to the previous model, the design represents a strong visual change front and rear, resulting in a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance. The front fascia features a wider lower opening, and a narrower upper opening that also updates the appearance of the iconic “halo ring” HID headlamps on the Camaro RS package. The functional hood vent on the Camaro SS helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. Moving to the rear, the sculptural decklid, horizontal lamps and diffuser complete the powerful statement.

The Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamic package designed to produce downforce at track speeds. At the front, the Z/28 features a large splitter, connected to an underbody panel that further reduces lift. In profile, the Z/28 features fender flares over the front and rear wheels, as well as extended rocker panels that contribute to aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional diffuser complete the aerodynamic package.

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish named Octane, the ZL1 flat-bottomed steering wheel, and standard Recaro seats with microfiber suede inserts. The new seats (also available on the coupe versions of the SS and ZL1 models), feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. A total of nine pounds (four kilograms) was saved by eliminating the seat-back pass through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

“Unlike the Ford Mustang Boss 302, we felt it was important to keep the 2+2 configuration of the Camaro Z/28 as Chevrolet already has a world-class two-seat sports car in the Corvette,” said Oppenheiser. “By modifying the construction of the rear seat, we were able to reduce the overall weight of the Z/28 while still preserving the flexibility of 2+2 seating.”

7.0L, LS7 the heart of the Camaro Z/28’s track-capable performance

Like the original, the new Camaro Z/28 forgoes ultimate horsepower and torque for improved weight balance and track performance.

In 1967, the most-powerful engine available in a factory Camaro was a 396 cid V-8 with 375 horsepower. To prepare the Camaro Z/28 for road racing, engineers specified a lighter, 302 cid V-8, officially rated at 290 horsepower. While the 302 was not the choice for drag racers, it proved ideal for sports-car racing.

Today, the most-powerful engine offered is the Camaro ZL1’s supercharged 6.2L LSA, which delivers 580 horsepower. The heart of the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is the lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0L LS7 first introduced in the Corvette Z06.

“The LS7 is ideal for road racing because it delivers amazing performance in a compact, lightweight package,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager. “The broad torque curve and high redline of the LS7 mean fewer shifts are required for each lap, while the lightweight design improves the front-to-rear weight balance for better handling.”

Co-developed with Corvette Racing, the hand-assembled 7.0L (427 cid) V-8 uses a number of high-performance components, including:

  • Titanium intake valves and connecting rods, and sodium-filled exhaust valves
  • CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads
  • Forged-steel crankshaft and main bearing caps
  • High-lift camshaft
  • Hydroformed exhaust headers
  • 11.0:1 compression ratio, and a 7,000 rpm redline.
  • 10.5-quart, dry-sump oiling system

For the Camaro Z/28, the LS7 features unique induction and exhaust systems, and delivers at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm).

The racing-style, cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter provide maximum air flow.

The standard dual mode exhaust system and larger-diameter pipes enable improved air flow. By bypassing the mufflers during acceleration, the system increases both the torque and sound generated by the LS7 engine.

The Camaro Z/28 is exclusively offered with a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. The six-speed features close-ratio gearing and 3.91:1 final drive ratio, both optimized for the power characteristics of the LS7.

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. The new design enables the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster, by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction.

The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

Unlike some competitors’ “track package” offerings, the Camaro Z/28 makes standard all the cooling systems required for track use. This includes the dry-sump oiling system for the LS7, which is connected to an integral liquid-to-liquid cooling system for engine oil.

A second liquid-to-liquid system provides cooling for the transmission and differential. This system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger in the rear differential before traveling to the transmission. This reduces differential temperatures as much as 100 degrees F.

Camaro Z/28 chassis delivers 1.05 g in cornering grip

The singular focus of the Camaro Z/28 is most evident in the chassis, where the most has been made of every component for track use, from the ultra-high performance tires to race-proven dampers.

“We used the very best components in the industry to deliver uncompromised performance, lap after lap,” said Mark Stielow, Camaro Z/28 engineering manager. “We made nearly 200 changes to improve the track performance, which cumulatively make the Z/28 capable of 1.05 g in cornering. For perspective, with all other things, equal increasing maximum grip from 1 to 1.05 g can cut up to four seconds per lap.”

The Camaro Z/28 is the one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers. Compared to a conventional damper that offers only two-way tuning for bump and rebound, a spool-valve damper allows four-way adjustment to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range allowed engineers to dramatically increase the damper stiffness on the Camaro Z/28 without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer string rates and suspension bushings for improved cornering response.

The Camaro Z/28 features 19-inch diameter wheels and tires, which reduce unsprung weight by 42 pounds (19 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1. In addition, the smaller diameter wheels lower the center of gravity by 33 millimeters, further improving handling.

At all four corners, the lightweight, forged aluminum wheels are wrapped in massive 305/30ZR19 tires. This is the first production application of ultra-high performance Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, and believed to be the widest front tire on any production car.

To fully exploit the grip of the Pirelli tires, the Camaro Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kilograms) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve up to 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use unmatched brake feel, lap after lap.

“What makes the Z/28 so addictive is it inspires confidence through every section on the track,” said Stielow. “The incredible, balanced performance helps you carry much more speed through every corner: the brakes are so good you can adjust your braking points later and later; the grip and suspension damping allows you to carry more speed through the apex; and then the limited slip allows you to make the most of the LS7 as you power out of the corner.”

Extensive lightweighting saved 300 pounds over the Camaro ZL1

To optimize the track performance of the Camaro Z/28, the engineering team subjected it to an intensive lightweighting program, saving 100 pounds (45 kilograms) compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) to the supercharged Camaro ZL1.

“We looked at every subsystem for opportunities to save weight,” said Oppenheiser. “Our goal was to get rid of everything that didn’t make the car faster, and keep only what was required by law. For example, we wanted to eliminate the audio system completely, but we had to keep a single speaker for the seat-belt chime to meet safety requirements.”

Other examples of weight savings include:

  • Eliminated the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
  • Removed interior sound deadener, and carpeting from the trunk
  • Replaced the standard LN4 battery with a smaller, lightweight, LN3 battery
  • Specified thinner, 3.2-mm glass for the rear window, compared to 3.5-mm glass on the standard Camaro
  • HID headlamps and foglights are not available
  • Air conditioning is only available as a stand-alone option

“The team was so fanatical about saving weight, we even stripped the unused wiring out of the harness when we eliminated the fog lights, speakers, and air conditioning,” said Oppenheiser. “Every ounce saved contributed to making this the most track-capable Camaro we have ever built, and a worthy successor to the Z/28 name.”

Photography

Name:  z28-0.jpg
Views: 58028
Size:  158.5 KB

Name:  z28-1.jpg
Views: 35524
Size:  178.9 KB

Name:  z28-2.jpg
Views: 33338
Size:  166.2 KB

Name:  z28-3.jpg
Views: 33807
Size:  178.3 KB

Name:  z28-4.jpg
Views: 37180
Size:  113.3 KB

Name:  z28-5.jpg
Views: 29997
Size:  124.7 KB

Name:  z28-6.jpg
Views: 28817
Size:  133.7 KB

Name:  z28-7.jpg
Views: 31950
Size:  101.3 KB
FenwickHockey65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:52 AM   #2
ATX211
Custom User Title
 
ATX211's Avatar
 
Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS LS3
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 179
The Z/28 is back!!!!

I read a lot of comments today even how the LS7 would never make it into this car. SO glad they were wrong. Holy hell, I want. Well done Chevy. The release yesterday of the SS was totally to screw with us. Well done indeed.
ATX211 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:56 AM   #3
shaffe


 
Drives: 21 Bronco
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Carol Stream
Posts: 6,023
Seems like GM hit the nail on the head with this car with the wish lists in the Z28 section. Bravo to GM
shaffe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:56 AM   #4
blackswan

 
blackswan's Avatar
 
Drives: 2012 2LT/RS
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Northeast
Posts: 1,443
Z/28 Baby!

So THIS is the surprise!

Not for me, but hey, what a great thing!
Attached Images
      

Last edited by blackswan; 03-27-2013 at 12:11 PM.
blackswan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:56 AM   #5
jksynergy

 
jksynergy's Avatar
 
Drives: 11 SW SYNERGY SERIES/14 1SS 1LE
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,223
Sign me up!!! I'll take one thank you very much
__________________
2011 Summit White Synergy Series Edition, the hot innocent woman named Ava that we show off around town, dressed in white complete with angel's wings. Sold, but never forgotten.

2014 1SS 1LE. Bama, sporting Red Rock Metallic demon's horns, when we are ready to get naughty and open a can of whoopass! Airaid, Spectre, Xpel,Bowler shifter Peddars, UMI, Ult Perf. Diode Dynamics, JRE Tune, XS Power battery,
Hooker Headers Blackheart exhaust,Powerbrake
InstaGram & Twitter: @jlouie62
FB: hangtimeracing
jksynergy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:56 AM   #6
sanjosebmx
 
sanjosebmx's Avatar
 
Drives: 2011 2SS Synergy Green
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Ripon, CA
Posts: 383
I love it!
sanjosebmx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:57 AM   #7
68vert
 
68vert's Avatar
 
Drives: 2010 SIM SS/RS, 1968 RS convertible
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 744
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!
oooo, looks to be in a pearl white too, interesting.
__________________
2010 SIM SS/RS see garage for mods
68vert is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:57 AM   #8
tramtwo


 
tramtwo's Avatar
 
Drives: 2021 1LE
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: N'Awlinz
Posts: 6,315
sweet
tramtwo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:57 AM   #9
alanhurst
Master Chief
 
alanhurst's Avatar
 
Drives: 2011 Camaro SS RS L99
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Shippensburg, PA
Posts: 414
19" wheels and tires hmmmmm interesting.

In before the mad rush to the wheel vendors for 19s LOL
alanhurst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:57 AM   #10
SNK
 
SNK's Avatar
 
Drives: 2010 2LT...Black
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chevy Chase, MD
Posts: 298
Well F**K me! That's insane. I wonder what the Z28 will do to the next ZL1??
__________________
SNK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:59 AM   #11
Smokye
 
Drives: 2013 SW 2SS/RS M6
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sumter, SC
Posts: 385
Yup I Love it lol probly can't afford it being that I left work early to watch this unveiling. Totally worth it
Smokye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:59 AM   #12
shl4Z28
 
shl4Z28's Avatar
 
Drives: 2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4x
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Lost Wages, NV
Posts: 329
Finally!

A car to go with my handle!!! Now I just need to come up with the cheddar!
shl4Z28 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:59 AM   #13
Overflow
Space Shuttle Aficionado
 
Overflow's Avatar
 
Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 30,899
Ugh.. I'll say it. It looks great.
__________________
Overflow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2013, 11:59 AM   #14
Jalberdi99

 
Jalberdi99's Avatar
 
Drives: 2014 Summit White 2SS/RS M6
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: @ ur moms house in VA
Posts: 1,405
im wondering what the price for the Z28 will be
__________________
Jalberdi99 is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply

Tags
2014 camaro z28, 2014 camaro z28 forum, 2014 camaro z28 forums, 2014 chevy camaro z28, 2014 z28, bad ass, camaro z28, camaro z28 forum, camaro z28 forums, chevy camaro z28, chevy camaro z28 forum, chevy camaro z28 forums, new camaro z28, new camaro z28 forum, new camaro z28 forums, z28 forum, z28 forums

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.