Five Things We Dislike About The 2014 Camaro Z/28
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After seeing the 2014 Camaro Z/28 in person at the New York Auto Show, discussing the car and its development with the folks at The General, and then mulling all that information over in our collective heads, we’ve come up with a list of the five things we do not like in the new track monster from Chevy. Here they are:
The Rear Fascia Design
For the 2014 model year, the Chevrolet Camaro sees a visual exterior restyling. So far, reviews have been mixed. And while taste in design is completely subjective, we’re in the camp that finds the looks of the new Camaro a bit awkward, at least when it comes to the rear fascia. Yes, the new lights provide a sleeker, stretched look. But in the process, the 2014 Camaro seems to have lost a sense of depth, as the 2010-2013 model’s tail lamps had some visual layering that we enjoyed. Though, at least now nobody can say the 2014 Camaro tail lamps look like the Corvette Stingray’s. Not that they ever really did in the first place. Maybe the looks just need to grow on us.
The Deletion Of HUD And Gauge Pack
We’re well aware of the fact that the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is purpose-built as a no-BS performance car that is sure to tear up the track against vehicles three to four times its price. That’s a given. However, we were hoping to see some driver-friendly tools to use in the process, especially something as essential as a Head Up Display (HUD), which projects vehicle speed, RPM and other useful information on to the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road (or track). When going for the best lap time, glancing down at the speedometer and tachometer could cause the driver to lose a split second or two… and every second counts.
The deletion of the retro-inspired gauge pack is also a head-scratcher. Though it was awkwardly placed by the shifter to begin with, it displayed vital information such as oil temperature and pressure, transmission temperature and battery voltage — all important stats to have on a track day. Though getting rid of all that wiring probably contributed to the 300-pound weight savings compared to the Camaro ZL1.
No Friction Bubble Or Other Performance Monitors
Friction bubble is a fancy name for that cool circle that displays lateral and longitudinal G-forces. It lets the driver know just what kind of physical stresses are being put on the car, and how much it is being pushed to the limit. Something like this would be perfect for the Z/28. Sadly, the car will not have it. Nor will it have any of the cool “Track Apps” offered by the Ford Mustang, which allow the driver to record acceleration rate, lap times, braking, and other kinds of performance metrics. Though we’re sure the aftermarket already has a solution.
Why Even Bother With The Radio?
So, GM couldn’t give the Z/28 a bunch of track-day tools, but it kept the radio. A radio with one speaker, that is really just there for the door and seat belt chimes (since those are all digital). Whatever music that will be played will probably be drowned out by the LS7 engine and lack of sound insulation. At the surface, it’s puzzling. Our inner-project manager would have at least found a way to make the radio an option, like the air conditioning, while keeping the speaker.
Could Have Done More With Weight Reduction
The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 may have gone on a diet, but it’s easy to find spots where there could have been even more weight saved. The hood, for instance. Why isn’t the hood carbon fiber? Or the front splitter? Or the rear wing? The interior plastic paneling could have also been swapped out for a composite material. Sure, that would have driven up costs, but the Z/28 is already investment-grade material as it stands, and those looking to buy one probably wouldn’t mind if the MSRP grew by a few grand. Something tells us that the engineers wanted to, but the Corvette team probably wouldn’t be too happy if the Z/28 and the new Stingray Z51 posted identical lap times.
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I agree with the weight saving. If you’re making a Z/28, why compromise. Carbon fiber: hood, trunk lid, rear wing, front splitter, rear diffuser, even roof to get C-of-G down. Titanium exhaust. Rear seat delete option. Like you said, stripped down lighter interior materials.
But with that said, a “carbon” package similar to the Z07/CFZ for the C6 could be on the horizon for the 6th gen Z/28.
The issue with that is that most “weight-saving” parts are very expensive. GM could have made the Z28 lighter, but it would have driven the cost up far too much. Per dollar, it’s about as light as you can get.
the hood is already aluminum, and a carbon fiber rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser would cost way too much. would also cost too much for a one model roof. rear seat delete can be easily done by the owner if they want it along with other weight reductions. aftermarket cf trunk lids and hoods would be lighter than a gm one anyway simply because it would have to meet higher strength specs. a plastic trunk lid however could’ve easily been done to all models from the begining
the carbon package on the c6 is more of an appearance package than anything and the actual weight savings are laughable.
They wouldn’t actually cost “way too much”. There is nothing structural about them, they need to handle the live-load being applied to them and that’s it.
I think you need to go look up what is include with both the Z07 package and CFZ package for the Corvette because you’ve been misinformed.
The CFZ is the “appearance” package, I think it runs $3500 for a bunch of carbon fiber goodies. And the CF corvette factory hood is around $2k.
The Z07 package equivalent is more or less already on the Z/28 and drastically improved on the Z06.
The CFZ package is an added option, options are typically big money makers, had GM including those parts I mentioned as standard on the Z/28 they wouldn’t necessarily have to charge as much for them.
Unless you spend massive money of aftermarket C/F hoods/components, they are going to look like shit.
Having a clean, factory done, rear seat delete option (not like the GT-R’s) would be nice. Sure the owner can do it, but an owner can also take their V6 Camaro and essentially turn it into a Z/28, so why even offer a Z/28 from factory if the owner can just do it?
Back lights don’t quite look right.
Why Compromise?
You had better wait to see the price of this one! Trust me this one may be as much or even more than the ZL1. Yes you heard this correctly. Anything with 4 second faster lap times is not going to come at a cheap price.
With that said this is a limited production car that is framed with track performance in mind and still remain street legal.
Just how much would anyone pay for a Camaro loaded up with all the other wants here? They are near the limit on what the public will pay
The real weight reductions will come in two years and will be done at less cost to keep the price in line.
Most of the people who complain were never going to buy one anyways.
The only issue I have with the car is GM should have held back the name till the 6th gen and decide then if the car would be a back to the roots homologated car for racing like the Z was in 67-69. Or GM could replace the SS as the loaded up performance model for the car. With the Z/28 there are two different cars represented and GM must decide which one the public identifies with the most.
For me I am ok with the name here but with the general public I think they may have been better off replacing the SS with the Z/28 name in the Gen 6. But to be fair there would be complaints either way.
Well no doubt it will cost more than the ZL1. I never thought it wouldn’t. Just because it has less HP doesn’t mean it should automatically cost less.
As soon as a read it had dynamic suspension and carbon-ceramic rotors I new it would be more. So if they are going to the extremes they are in certain areas, why not also cut more weight in easy areas. Carbon wing, deffuser, and front chin/splitter are easy to make C/F, they aren’t structural. Same with hood and trunk lid. Titanium exhaust is easy too. Same goes for magnesium seat frame rails.
I’m glad they brought the Z/28 back now. I wanna say this stands as the most complete Camaro lineup Chevrolet has ever had in one generation. V6, RS, SS, 1LE, Z/28, ZL1, COPO… all that’s missing is the IROC name. But considering IROC is out of business, it’s fine that it’s not found in the fifth-gen lineup. Going forward, Chevrolet should introduce some new names — something to give my generation.
The single speaker is useful for anyone trying to listen to track or autocross announcements that are broadcast over a short distance radio transmitter. A local autocross group I run with uses a little radio setup. One speaker is better than none.
To add all these things you speak of would not be easy on the price as it is going to be maxed out now. While GM will be limited on this car they still want to sell more than 50 units.
Hood, Trunks, fenders and Exhaust as you speak of are not cheap. Just look a the Z06 with the carbon package is right at $100,000 already as I saw one stickered at $98,000.
The goal of this car was to make it lighter but still somewhat affordable. Many are already complaining that this car is not priced close to the SS as it is and if you add another $15K to the price on top of what they are already going to add it would be a mess. GM already has a dilemma with those who expected an affordable Z.
This is where a sub Camaro 2.0 Turbo rwd coupe will be a blessing as the Camaro is at a price now where even in V6 form it is out of the range of many to afford and it will not get any cheaper. The inclusion of the cheaper Sub Alpha coupe would open the door for a lower volume better Camaro. They can afford to sell less at a higher price and still fill the needs of the cheaper car with the smaller car.
The market is changing with the coming CAFE. Unless some new people are elected with different thinking things will only get tighter in the performance segment.
In time anything with a V8 will have a huge price.
This car is not supposed to be price near the SS.. People need to stop thinking horse power drives the echelon of price. Are you aware that carbon cermaic brakes very similar to the ones on this car, from StopTech, run for $15000. That’s fifteen thousand, not hundred. I’ve never priced Brembo for their rotors (which are the ones on this car) but I’ll assume they are the same price, or more.
Titanium exhaust could add just $1000-1500 to the price of the car, and could drop 30-40lbs compared to an SS system.
Dont let the 500hp Z/28 vs 580hp ZL1 fool you, these cars will run parallel, just for different reasons. People need to stop look at the paper facts, and if they are they need to look past the power-torque figures
I think the two main reasons for me is the options and the weight savings. I understand that using other ideas for weight savings would be costly but I always imagine that the Z28 would be the top level compare to the ZL1 because with that monster engine. I really do think that the 7.0L would make more power than the supercharged 6.2 found in the ZL1. As for weight savings they could of done all aluminum or at least put some carbon fiber part on the car without having to delete the necessities that people need. Besides when this car goes on sale pretty much all of them are going to have air conditioning when they go on the lot unless customer special orders it.
I totally agree. I though the Z28 would be a step up from the ZL1, as opposed to the horizontal shift that it is. It’s not to say that it’s poorly placed (I think there is certainly a demand for it) and it does make some sense (Adding another $15k to the ZL1 would push it into GT-R/Viper territory).
I admit that I personally would have liked to see the Z28 be the next step beyond a ZL1, but it’s not really feasible. Still, the Z28 has always been a “track-pack” car and sure enough, here she is again. Though, I think there might be some aftermarket stuff that will push the Z28/ZL1 farther, so we shall see.
You’d have to add $40000 to the ZL1 to get into GT-R or Viper territory
GM has already official said the Z/28 trounces the ZL1 around a track. They have succeeded in making a track Camaro, I just think they could’ve pushed it a little bit more.
I actually like the new rear. The lights remind of me of the first gen camaros. Im a fan of both pre and facelift models
You got the ugly rear fascia exactly right. If we had a picture of a ’13 and ’14 side by side (in the same scene/light) it would be easy to see how the design has lost character and has become gimmicky.
I think the best analogy is when they screwed up the 74 Chevelle with the same kind of treatment, they went from the iconic 2 tail light design to a single lens with the cost-cutting reverse light in the center. The Camaro has lost character in the same way.
http://www.inflexwetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/zzzz6.jpg
http://chevellestuff.net/1974/chevelle/gallery/index.htm
Dammed if they do, dammed if they don’t, They give us a bad ass car and it’s still not enough!
Bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch. You sound
like my wife.
I think most of us are looking at this car all wrong. We’ve been looking at this car like its a stripped down street car for the race track, but really isnt. Its a race car thats been given just enough equipment to make it street legal. As much as I love Camaros, this is not one I would ever buy to use primarily as a daily driver and I dont think Id enjoy taking it on a cross country road trip. Its real appeal is for the hardcore racer who doesnt want to have to put it on a trailer to take it to the track. And that explains why it doesnt it lacks a few things we would think would make it a great track car. Sure it doesnt have the auxiliary gauges, but they can always be added in, and they can even be placed in more logical places. And the HUD and friction meter arent necessarily needed in a racecar. As nice as they might be to have, they add a bit of unnecessary complexity to the car. And as much as Id love to see more weight reduction, why go to too much trouble when theres a good chance that the hardcore racers that get ahold of these things are probably going to change out body hoods and rear deck lids to suit their needs and tastes? All in all, this a COPO with a VIN and a speaker, not a stripped down SS with an LS7.
For those of you who want an insiders thoughts, check out Scott Settlemire’s thoughts on the Z/28.
Should put most complaints to rest!
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/04/unscripted-gms-scott-settlemire-aka-fbodfather-on-2014-camaro-z28-and-more/
Read his comments, great link. His comments were appropriate for the first gen of this product, but HIS problem is the market has ACCEPTED the first gen design (look at sales) as they did with the 2005 Mustang- 150,000 units, that’s a mighty big acceptance. The 2010 Mustang did a lot of the same things that the Camaro just did (squitny griil, more rear plastic) that were defended by the designer, panned by enthusiasts, then rejected by the marketplace, leading to a hasty 24 month redo that is still struggliing. I think the Camaro is going to join that club.
the biggest thing i hate is not being able to own one !
I know Scott and many of those involved with the Camaro. This is a passionate car only second to the Corvette in fever.
While Scott, Cheryl, Al and the others who are behind this car are trying to address the needs and wants of the buyers they also have to answer to GM, Public and Country.
Yes they would love to make a car that will please 100% of you out there but the problem is simple the idea of what the car is to everyone is different as the role of this car has evolved over time. Some wax nostalgic on the old days where it was an entry level performance car and could be had stripped down for racing.
Other will reminisce of a time where the Camaro became a more upscale 4 seat GT car. As time moves on there are other variations over the years other expect this car to live up to.
The time has come to take the rose colored glasses of the past off and let this car be what it is. If we can let GM do this we will get a much better car and remove some of the walls that box GM in on what they can do.
The fact is the Camaro is no longer a cheap base car and will not become one again. Also we have to understand that GM knows there are limits to what people will pay. Just take the fact that in building the 5th gen they had to consider if the smell of leather was important enough to include in the car. While it may not sound like a big deal that few dollars a car adds up over 100,000 units and adds to the price and could take away from other important things.
While some here cry for more carbon fiber and titanium exhaust these all cost money and add to a price that will now work in the big picture for GM.
Mix in also the fact the team has to deal with CAFE and other issues for the government that make the degree of difficulty even larger.
The only issue I see here with GM is they should have been up front and defined this car at the intro to make sure it was clear what the mission of this car was. Too many people in the pubic have their own ideas and just don’t get it. They may still not be happy with the results but GM would have made it clear from the start. I expect this to start again when pricing is announced as some people just are that thick. Note I do not work for GM so I can say what they can’t.
I think GM needs to lay some ground work now on the new car as there are some big changes in Store. I believe they can set the stage and still keep the facts close the them. Lets face it the Gen 6 is a tighter secret than the C7 was at this point.
GM can and will do a lot with the new car ands they need to let the people know this is not just a rehash retro car of the past. I see the Gen 6 as big of a jump as the Gen 3 was. Yes people complained then too.
Also watch GM address the Camaro issue with it sharing the Alpha platform and plant with the Cadillac’s and other Alpha based cars coming. This takes the burden of the high volume they have to keep now for their line in Canada.
I also would watch for a Sub Alpha car soon after the Gen 6 arrives that will fill the void of the cheaper Camaro. It will be smaller, Cheaper and RWD with a Turbo 4. This segment will become very popular soon as it will be the volume performance line.
Also many need to take to heart the V8 will become more limited and more expensive as time goes on. You will be able to get it but you will pay dearly for it. The next Camaro I am sure will feature some version of a Turbo V6 as the main player with the V8 left to the high end models only.
I know Scott is frustrated with the many Camaro critics as many have no clue what is all involved. But I feel Chevy and the Camaro team should better giving some kind of a mission statement on where this game is heading. I know it is a fine line but I feel it will better open the playing field for them and let them do the things they need to do.
As for this car less is more as it is in most cars of this nature. The real issue is too many were expecting the Z/28 of the 80’s and 90’s and not the one of the 60’s. The issue here is more people remember or owned the latter than the earlier one. I think GM underestimated what Z/28 means to many. If this car has been call a 2LE or something of this nature it would not have been as much an uproar.
Let face it the original Z in 67-69 was not a cheap car then either. Same for the ZL1 as that is part of the reason so few were sold and since they were race so many were used up. Today many will get put away and saved but at least some will enjoy them and drive them in anger as intended. [on track]
My plea to the haters or those who want more or less. Keep an open mind here and into the future of the Camaro. Let the Camaro team and Al at the RWD engineering platform do what they can do with what they are given to work with. If you keep an open mind you may not be all that retro but you will get he best car on the market bar none.
Just look a the present car. They wanted to change many things but because people wanted retro or show car they had to hold the line.
Trust me when I say the Gen 6 will be the best Camaro ever bar none. It will do things few other cars in it’s price line will do. The new Mustang will soon be forgotten after it arrives.
We put up posts like this for the sake of constructive discussion. These minute gripes are completely eclipsed by what is amazing about the new Z/28, which should be pretty obvious.
are you guys going to do what you guys don’t like about the Buick Regal too?
Of course.
When the lap times come in and comparisons vs. the others generally the critics vanish as to car content.
I think the real issue here is that while some are fine with the name use many are disappointed as they wanted to own a Z/28 and now know they will not.
To me this is petty but to many car buyers name and ownership mean more.
I think the years of the use of Z/28 for the masses has made it difficult for many to accept the new role for the limited for this name.
With all new things performance the general rule is 50% love it 50% hate it and in the end 80% of the haters accept. This is something I have noted on the Vette for years and this has been stated by Settlmire over the years too.
Being the head of a car program like this is like being the judge at a car show. While you make a few happy you piss off the others even when they know your right. LOL!
That is why so many people in Detroit have grey hair.
If those people want a Camaro matching the capabilities of the Z/28s of old, there’s the Camaro V6.
The Z28 Camaro is a counterpart to the Boss 302, a streetcar that can trounce most everything it comes across. The proof will be whether it’s better than the Mustang which is a very, very good machine. I’m confident it will have motor on the Boss but if it does no better than equaling the handling it will be “King Camaro” !
I like the new tail lights…Oh, and don’t forget the Boss sounds magnificent the “Zee” sound has got to be right too !!
But, the average Camaro customer is not going to interested in the track pack Z28, he will want a less capable but still good version that trades on the performance rep of the full house “Zee” !
I can’t help thinking though that a high performance (say 275 – 300 Horse) version of the Cruze would have served Chevy’s bottom line better, it is dominating World Touring Car and already has a World Class performance reputation while the Camaro is just beginning to build one…
The Camaro 1LE is what competes with the Boss302. This car will cost nearly twice as much.
Here’s my list… The headlights going rectangular is bad, so is the honeycomb grill; what’s left of it. Camaros are supposed to have egg crate grills. The pencil thin upper and big fat lower grill is just gross. NO style. The tail light shape is a shout out to 1969 but when they wrapped them around the corner, they made it look like an older Camry. The front splitter and ZL1 air intakes I can live with but we need to shy away from the ground effects. I thought that went out 20 years ago. Stop bolting ugly ventilated plastic crap all over the car, especially the hood! The HUD should have stayed. That was a very useable feature. The console gauge cluster was a much loved feature in 69, and a welcome future in the 2010-2013’s. Put it back in! I noticed that even though those are gone, we now have a tray for your cell phone, a drink holder, and On-Star? The wheels are ugly. If you want a custom look, go with something that looks like the old American Racing Torque Thrust wheels. NO wing on the back please! Small duck tail is ok. If you want to restyle the lines, bring back the rectangular 69 wheel wells and style lines. The biggest problem of all is the lack of visibility. Not enough glass. Even another inch or 2 of windshield and side glass would be great. In short, bringing back some of the style of the 60’s is what resurrected Camaro sales. Now you are migrating to the late 80’s again??? Sales will suffer.
Sorry should have read “welcome feature”
Great comments. Anytime you add a bunch of cheap plastic on a car it never looks right and smacks of design desperation- they keep tweaking the Mustang with plastic and they have never got it right after 2010, and sales did suffer.
@JFD Hamilton “Camaro is just beginning to build one…”
Are you kidding me? how long has the Cruze been around (not the Suzuki)? ’08! The Camaro doesn’t need to be raced on the world stage or any other for it to be immediately recognized, been there done that!
This is not a bottom line car, that would be your cruze! As far as your Boss 302?
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/07/2013-chevy-camaro-1le-crushes-mustang-boss-302s-vir-lap-time-by-4-46-seconds-video/
Just for starters!
The only gauge you need when racing is a tach. No racer gives a rat’s ass about a speedometer.
No racer gives a rat’s ass about a radio, rear seat, air conditioning, or what the tail lights look like.
A front carbon fiber splitter is nice but is a pricey luxury. Even worse is the fact that you WILL hit things and break it. Every time you do expect to shell out $1000. Ask me how I know!
The new Z28 is going to be a milestone in sub-$100k performance vehicles.