The debut of the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is a definite show stopper here at the 2013 New York Auto Show. And to compliment the bold new looks of the Camaro refresh is a high-revving, 500 horsepower 7.0L LS7 V8 engine, and a strictly minimalist interior (there’s only one audio speaker for crying out loud).
Indeed, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is a track-oriented, naturally aspirated tire slayer. But what do you make of its new looks? Is the fifth-generation Camaro Z/28 hot? Or not?
Comments
I was hoping for a new dashboard. :/
+1 to John
I think it falls short even if its an evolutionary change.Considering what the competition has in store, I think its a bit of a let down. If the next Mustang looks anything like the concepts and sketches, its going to crush the Camaro… and I’ve NEVER been a Mustang guy at all. I think all of the head/taillight work is definitely a step backwards. No LEDs? Really?? GM did such a beautiful job with other recent debuts so this one is a little bit of a head-scratcher.
You do know that the next Mustang is supposed to be a 2015?
And the next all new Camaro is also supposed to be 2015?
So the new Mustang will have to try and crush the new Camaro.
It has failed in “crushing” the current on so good luck on that.
The point I failed to articulate was that, in my opinion, this was underwhelming where as Ford has showcased a REALLY revolutionary future Mustang. I was expecting more from this mid-cycle update as it seems its been hyped as “all new”, but you make a great point in that this Camaro is really only a stop-gap until 2015. You don’t have to get defensive — I’m as big of a GM fan-boy as they come! I just expect and want the best and this did not live up to MY personal expectations. Just sayin.
Great comments John, ditto ‘dat!
what 62vetteefp said. also the tailights ARE leds just not on this track and low weight oriented model
This shows how serious they were to make this Z28 light. Actually tooled up separate taillamps. If true simply amazing.
I’m not a mustang guy ether or a ford one come to that, although the falcon certainly looks tempting.
Hot, plain and simple… Smokin Hot…
This Z28 is simply amazing from the specs. Does anyone else build a track ready vehicle like this? Reuss is doing great things with the product. Let hope the huge profits and sales follow.
Would everyone stop with the dashboard. This model is DOA in 2 years and being replaced with a entire new car. This was only a mild refresh to buy time for 2 years so you are not going to also get an interior.
The Z will please the gear heads and fail for those who want all the extra options but that will be what the SS will be for.
GM did a lot with so little here. This will help them ward off the new Mustang as they finish the Gen 6 for late 2015 as a 2016.
I would much rather them save the money on the interior here for the new car and do it right. If the new CTS sedan is 3616 pounds this should give you an idea where the new Camaro is going to go. Weight loss will add much more performance to this car than just power alone. Handling and braking will do so much more.
Funny, if the interior sucks so bad, why is it outselling the Mustang, as well as why has it been the best selling “sports car” for the last three years? Looks like most are just fine with the dashboard.
I’m curious also as to the phenomenon of people complaining “why don’t they build a car like the show car” then when GM bends over backwards to do so, you get “it looks like a show car, it’s looks like a Hot Wheels, the interior is to spacey, blah blah blah” GM delivered with what they teased us with in 2006, and must have done something right, because they are selling like hot cakes, and GM is laughing to the bank.
The headlights are disgusting and the tail lights were inspired by the stingray dame thing on the SS not cool.
After looking over some of the images in higher res I realized it’s much better than I thought GM did a great job. Highlights:
carbon ceramic breaks
LS7 V8
recaro seats
nice looking rims
weight loss
hood extractor
Been waiting on this,really wanted more for the streets,but this will work,427,around 500 HP, Z28,whats the price? whats the problem a lot of ask for this,in 67 the Z28 started out much the same way,and look at the Z now,Thanks Chevrolet
Front end = super sexy. Back end = ok….. Non-Updated interior = too bad, oh well
GM is hitting on all eight cylinders in the performance and styling department these days. I really liked the ZL1 and contemplating a used 1LE. Now I may just have to buy a new Z28! They took it back to it’s roots! A high winding race bred V8, race proven track ready suspension, and (WOW) bad a$$ areo to include front AND side splitters plus FENDER FLARES! I want one so bad, yet I’m crazy with anxiety. If GM did this as just a “refresh” what have they got in-store for the 6th gen?!
For the first time ever the C6 Z06 and GS had me in solidly in the Corvette camp, the C7 made me almost forget about the Camaro, but just seeing what GM did with this Z28 has me thinking the 6th gen may bring me full circle.
The truth is the Camaro staff has regretted the interior and the lack of change from the show car. They wanted to make changes but GM stopped them as to keep the promise of the show car.
While the car was cool it need some real world help just as the SSR. I know that the same mistakes will not be made on the next gen as they have proven to GM they know better.
At least GM addressed the two worst point the shifter and steering wheel.
Also keep in mind that with all that was going on at the time this car was built it is a miracle it turned out as well as it did let alone even happen.
It is time for people to stop the pissing and moaning and just enjoy the golden age of performance cars as they have never been better. Trust me I have driven and owned some of the best of the 60’s and while they have their charm they are no match for today cars. Hell even my 2.0 HHR SS Turbo would bury my stock 68 SS Chevelle in all ways so imagine what Z28 will do.
Now is the time for those who complained GM has not built a car true to the Z28 formula. GM has done their part so now it is their turn to put their money where their mouths were. Funny how so many complain and when a automaker delivers they complainers never pony up and support the car they cried for.
Hot hot hot hot hot.
I have a 2LT 2011 V6 Camaro fully loaded…I’m not complaining just stating a observational fact since I spend nearly every day in my Camaro.
Aside from the minor changes to the 2012/13 interior is the same.
I would of hoped that they would of at least used better materials for the dash and console. The optional color drivers information center should be standard. Every other refreshed GM product has received at least a minor upgrade to it’s interior the Malibu for god’s sake is improved. I was not hoping for a complete redesign nor would I have the expectation that they would. But at least improve on the cheap plastic that abounds on the car If your selling a up to 60k+ car the interior quality should at least be better. Lets hope for Gen 6 they improve like the C7 Corvette..
It’s the SOUL TRAIN!!!!!! Chevy has got some serious SOUL!!!!!! BAM!!!!!
Well eevrythinbgs great except the SS’s taillights being LED they look extremely cheap and tacky without even a bezel…. I like the taillights on the z28 being standard… i usually like LED over standard except I. this case… and every one talking about it looking like a integra or whatever… tisk tisk
Well everythings great except the SS’s taillights being LED they look extremely cheap and tacky without even a bezel…. I like the taillights on the z28 being standard… i usually like LED over standard except I. this case… and every one talking about it looking like a integra or whatever… tisk tisk
Scott,
I was one of those complainers. I owned two Z28’s both 02 35th editions and an 81 Berlinetta. 02’s: One in sunset orange metallic coupe with no options and the other a fully loaded black on black on black convertible. The Berlinetta was gold auto 305. I have had a son since and my toys are gone.
I was disappointed in the new camaro as I thought it too much a direct shot at the Mustang. I preferred they kept going forward with the body instead of “starting over”. I also didn’t like the dash or the layout.
My friend and I were talking a few weeks ago about GM, he asked me what would it take to buy a Camaro? I said simple. A LS7 in a Z28. Thank you GM. This is literally what I dreamed of. Nothing else matters behind the wheel of 427. Slam 7.0l in a Camaro?! This is the dream build. I want to pay. Sign me up.
I once had a ’86 IROC Z/28 in black. Tuned port 305 W/ T-tops and a Flowmaster. Bone stock nothing special just clean and sharp.It was the only vehicle I ever owned that people noticed me in.I bet lots of mustang folks and the ladies would notice this roller. This is the most exiting Chevy’s line up has been to me in a long while.
very hot car , please RHD for Australia
Does the ATS have RHD?
The Camaro was looking good until it turned to the rear. The tail light design is a disappointment for me. I’m a proud owner of a 2010 Camaro SS and I believe GM should have kept the four single tail light design like the 2010-13 models. To me, the tail lights looks like a 1999 honda prelude. The rest of the Camaro is beautiful but the tail lights doesn’t say muscle car for me even with the dual or quad exhaust. GM should have gone with a tail light design similar to the new Stingray. That would have been a sharp look.
For myself, and I may be in the general minority regarding this designation of the Camaro, I do not see the real world function of this car that could possibly justify its cost. I have found the ZL1 so admirable because of its versatility, including its availability as an automatic. The LS7 does indeed have a highly desirable kind of power that I would choose over the 6.2 supercharged LSA, and, I do not like the sound of forced induction. The whole notion of a track car stikes me as rather just not practical, and overdone. The LS7 Z28 would do better if it was also availablle in a more sensilbe configuration with MR suspersion. a full option list and more streetable tires. That is the version and with an automatic that I would buy. The current wheels also appear rather cartoonish, at least for the more useful format that I imagine. Other than that though I think the 2014 refresh is very well done