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2014 Camaro Z/28 the Most Track-capable Camaro
Ever
General Motors
March 27, 2013
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.”
