Photo: Chevrolet
This just in from the show floor of the New York Auto Show. Just like we expected, the performance upgrade for the 2014 Camaro is actually a whole car designed specifically for use on the track.
Chevy has brought back the iconic Z/28 name to give use one insane powerhouse with no carpets and isolation and delivering pure thrills for the enthusiast.
The biggest engine you can currently get with the street Camaro is a supercharged 5.2-liter LSA fitted to the ZL1. However, for the Z/28, they chose to use a bigger but lighter LS7 first introduced to the Z06 Corvette.
The 7-liter does not have an official power rating yet, but has been fitted with a cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter to help it deliver "at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm)."
So while the Z/28 looks to be a better car for the track than the ZL1, it doesn't offer the same level of power. It's good then that they've focused on shaving weight. 500 hp might not sound like much these days, but Chevy's engineering team subjected the Z28 to an intensive dieting program, saving 100 pounds (45 kilograms) compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) to the supercharged Camaro ZL1.
“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.”
The biggest engine you can currently get with the street Camaro is a supercharged 5.2-liter LSA fitted to the ZL1. However, for the Z/28, they chose to use a bigger but lighter LS7 first introduced to the Z06 Corvette.
The 7-liter does not have an official power rating yet, but has been fitted with a cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter to help it deliver "at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm)."
So while the Z/28 looks to be a better car for the track than the ZL1, it doesn't offer the same level of power. It's good then that they've focused on shaving weight. 500 hp might not sound like much these days, but Chevy's engineering team subjected the Z28 to an intensive dieting program, saving 100 pounds (45 kilograms) compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) to the supercharged Camaro ZL1.
“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.”
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