File this one under the Freudian slip category: the GM Media website containing photos of the 2012 Camaro ZL1 has a picture providing an exploded view of the ZL1’s beastly supercharged 6.2 liter LSA engine. What so special about this photo? It’s subtitle reads “2012 LSA 6.2L V-8 SC (LSA) for Chevrolet Camaro Z28.”
While the remaining images in GM’s official photo gallery carry the proper ZL1 caption, it begs the following questions: was the ZL1 originally destined to carry the Z28 moniker? And — perhaps more importantly — will the Z28 be used in a future, more powerful Camaro?
Our sources tell us that the Z28 will make a return after the ZL1 makes its way to market. It will be a lighter, faster, and more nimble version of the ZL1 that’s the true Camaro range-topper.
Screenshot of GM's media website showing the ZL1's 6.2 liter LSA V8 engine. The image subtitle reads "2012 LSA 6.2L V-8 SC (LSA) for Chevrolet Camaro Z28"
And MotorTrend adds more wood gasoline jet fuel to the Z28 fire, stating that its deep-rooted connections have heard that the “Z/28 hasn’t been forgotten (by GM).” The magazine speculates that the Z28 may be reserved for a track-only edition such as a naturally-aspirated LS3-powered Camaro SSX that was all the rage at SEMA. This car would potentially take on the Ford Mustang 302 Laguna Seca.
Whatever the Z28 ends up being, we think it’s safe to say that the Camaro lineup is not complete just yet.
Update: GM has fixed the subtitle of the image in question to read “2012 LSA 6.2L V-8 SC (LSA) for Chevrolet Camaro ZL1”. That still doesn’t change anything!
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Comments
I’m glad to see Chevy will be trying to compete with all the Mustang models, but calling a better-than-ZL-1 model the Z28 makes zero sense. The range would then be RS, SS, ZL-1 and Z28. Based on Chevy history, shouldn’t it be RS, Z28, SS, ZL-1?
Good point. I think they’re changing the nomenclature for the 5th gen Camaro (and going forward). The RS is no longer a model/variant — but a trim package available on both the LT and the SS… The addition of an LS and LT trim levels changes things up a bit. No?
So I was browsing though cars at Chicago Auto show (online) and noticed that Ford made a snow plowing car, kind of with permanent built in snow plow, but then I realized that it was just a Mustang GT350.
ZL-1 is for 10 second 1320ft passes right of the showroom floor. Z-28’s are for stellar handling and winning SCCA road races. Maybee Z-28 is being saved for the 6th gen and lighter weight more nimble package.
Agreed! Same car, different purpose.
Well see if any notices that the ZL1 smokes the “drivers cars” such as BMW’s M3, M series 1 coupe, Audi S5, Mercedes AMG series, Ford Boss 302 or Ford Mustang Shelby, or even the CTS V …
I believe we will find that the ZL1 will beat all these cars at race tracks like the “ring” or lets say next years Car and Driver Lightning Lap..
Wilth all the performance modifications from the factory…I really doubt any of the above mentioned cars will lap any fast road course as quickly…
Now parking lot autox’s I imagine a little miata may be faster but who cares?