The new Z/28, with a $75,000 MSRP, can be had in five colors: Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White. Yet only a single option is available: A $1,150 package that adds air conditioning and a total of six audio speakers. The standard Z/28 package includes just one speaker. New Z/28 with first Z/28, 1967, above.
“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, GM Executive VP Product Development. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars, including a revamped Camaro SS and supercharged ZL1, as well as the SS sedan, Corvette Stingray convertible and 2015 Corvette Z06, which we’ll introduce at the North American International Auto Show next week.”
The Z/28’s unique exterior is designed like a racecar to produce downforce for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times. The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course that was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1’s and beat published times for some of the world’s hottest sports cars and Supercars.
Power comes from the 7.0L LS7 engine, with dry-sump oiling, rated at a SAE-certified 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque. Z/28 engines will be built by hand at the new Performance Build Center within GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant.
A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs, for optimal traction. The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of throttle and braking intervention to match their capability and driving environment.
The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune both
bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range also allows dramatically greater damper stiffness without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer spring and bushing rates for improved cornering response. Lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires reduce unsprung weight by 49.6 pounds per car compared to the 20-inch wheels
standard on Camaro SS and ZL1.
The massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires represent the first production-car application in the industry and are believed to be the widest front tire on any production car. To fully exploit their grip, the 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 per car.
The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve at least
1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable
of continuous track use.
Inside the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish called Octane,
a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts. The seats 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. Nine pounds were saved by eliminating the seat-back pass-through, as well as the use of high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.
•Elimination of the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where law requires it.
•Removal of some interior sound deadener, as well as trunk carpet.
•Use of a smaller, lighter battery.
•Thinner rear-window glass – 3.2 mm vs. the standard 3.5 mm.
•Elimination of high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and fog lights.
•No air conditioning except as part of the single option package.
The Camaro Z/28 will be available to order in late January with the first cars delivered to customers in the spring. Rights to the first Camaro Z/28, VIN 0001, will be auctioned at the Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, AZ on January 18.
The Z/28’s suggested $75,000 retail price includes destination and freight charges, as well as the gas-guzzler tax. For more information on 2014 Camaros, please visit http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-sport-coupe.html