The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 has returned with a New York Auto Show debut. They’re touting this as the most track-capable Camaro in the vehicle’s history with improved aerodynamics, increased grip and stopping power, and significant weight reductions over the Camaro ZL1.
This car was designed with a focus on track capability and a goal of making it the fastest road-racing car possible while keeping it street-legal. In testing it was a full three seconds faster than the ZL1.
There have been some significant design changes to the exterior of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with a wider, lower stance in front and back as well as a hood vent to reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. A full aerodynamic package produces downforce at track speeds while a splitter on the underbody panel works to reduce lift. It’s topped off by an aggressive rear spoiler.
Inside you’ll find a matte-metallic finish and Recaro seats with microfiber suede inserts and bolsters to enhance high speed driving. There are also cutouts reminiscent of the five point harnesses found on racing seats.
In order to decrease overall vehicle weight, both front and rear seats are manually adjusted. They’ve also got high density foam and mesh bottoms that help contribute to a 9lb weight reduction.
The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 has the lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0L LS7 originally introduced in the Corvette Z06. That compact, lightweight design helps balance the front-to-rear weight ratio and improve track racing performance.
This V8 engine was co-developed with Corvette Racing and is loaded with high performance components. It boasts titanium intake valves and connecting rods, hydroformed exhaust headers and a forged-steel crankshaft to name just a few, and it’ll deliver 500 horsepower.
The six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is the only option on the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. There is no special track package offered either, as everything required for track use, like cooling systems, is standard.
A look at the chassis shows just how much the vehicle’s development was focused on track driving. There are nearly 200 changes that combine to help make it capable of achieving 1.05g in cornering. Features like spool-valve dampers, 19″ wheels and tires and ultra-high performance Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires add to its performance.
Overall vehicle weight reduction was also a priority. Small changes like removing carpeting from the trunk, thinner rear window glass and a smaller battery help the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 weigh in at 100 lbs lighter than the Camaro SS and 300 lbs lighter than the ZL1.
Expect to see the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 at dealerships later this year and at track events in Spring 2014.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. When not drooling over cars, Nicole writes for Wired’s GeekMom.
