2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is back! [w/video]

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2014 Camaro Z/28 the Most Track-capable Camaro Ever
2013-03-27

NEW YORK ￜ 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 ￜ 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 Matrixￜ 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."

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's
largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and
selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet
provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited
performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on
Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

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