A scoop from Car & Driver states that  back during the fall of 2010, the Chevrolet Camaro development team was working on a range-topping model that would declare itself king of the ponycar hill — something that’s quick on the strip, and even faster around a road course. This car was going to be the Z/28… as the rumors suggested at the time.
Then the purists within GM voiced that this Camaro, with it’s 6.2L supercharged engine, high content, and bulky weight, didn’t match up with the heritage of the Z/28 — a de-contented, high-revving, street-legal track car. So, just before its unveiling at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show that February, this super Camaro was rebadged as ZL1.
Aren’t you glad they did? Because now, we have the 2014 Z/28 with the amazing, glorious LS7 V8 engine, DSSV shocks, minimal weight, and minimal content. The meek need not apply.
Comments
This is old news as the lower valance on the ZL1 even has a Z28 molded into it. It was all over the Camaro sites a long time ago.
This is a case where GM needs to do what they need to do. They changed it to a ZL1 because of the purist complaints and now many of the Camaro web sites lit up with complaints.
There are two camps here one that loves the original idea of a limited production car made to race that they built for 3 years. There is also a camp of folks who think this car should be optioned up like a SS but should have the 7.0 in at a price between the ZL1 and SS.
GM has taken hits from both groups and at this point they just need to do what they need to do.
One other clue to this GM will not speak publically on is the MPG of the 7.0. The price will limit sales and GM does not to sell tons of these as it will affect the CAFE. This is not my opinion but of those inside GM.
The new car is not far off and we will get a new round of happy people and those who complain. Who ever said building performance cars is easy and fun?
The COPO 9560 Camaro aka what everyone calls the “ZL1” used an all-aluminum 427 cu in (7.0 L) big-block called the ZL-1 and was designed specifically for drag racing. The package was conceived by drag racer Dick Harrell, and ordered through Fred Gibb Chevrolet in La Harpe, IL, with the intention of entering NHRA Super Stock drag racing. Just 69 ZL-1 engined Camaros were produced.
The “ZL1” was a all Aluminum 7.0 L 427 Engine……
The correct name for the original car is the COPO 9560 but ZL1 rolls of the tongue much easier.
I find it ironic that a 7.0 liter V8 is in a 2014 Z/28 when a “PURE” Z/28 had a 302 cu in (4.9 L) small-block V-8 engine. The engine was designed specifically to race in the Trans Am series (which required engines smaller than 305 cu in (5.0 L)
Those important historical facts are something the “purists within GM” forgot.
but hey…I would sell both of my kidneys to have either car…Chevy I love you but remember your history, boys…..
I must also add to my irony that the 2012+ ZL1 uses a 6.2L LSA …..so what is a Z/28 doing with a original Zl1 sized engine of 7.0L? I love all the Camaro’s and I love the 2013 Zl1 my dream car and the new Z/28 newest object of lust.. I just had to point out the differences in engines, perhaps I am the only one who finds the irony in this…
At least this history mix up is better than the folks at Ford with the SHO name
If pure displacement is the issue than yes your point is valid. BUT the 2014 Z28 packs a motor designed from the outset to be nothing but a road racing motor just like the original de-stroked 302. side by side in just about every point worth comparing the modern LS7 is every bit the superior of the old Trans Am 302. As well as being capable of the revs and has way more power plus being the same weight if not lighter.
As for the ZL1 that is much more trickier. The ZL1 was, as you stated, a all aluminum purpose built Big block for drag racing with even the same size in displacement. The modern ZL1 is not a “drag special” by any stretch of the word. So in that regard, the ZL1 is more of an affront to tradition. But the modern Z28 lives up to it’s granddaddy in every way, in fact you’d have to crazy to say it’s not superior in every way as well.
A small correction to the history of the original version of the Z28: Its production quantity was only limited by the number of people who ponied up the money to pay for it! It was advertised in the enthusiast press, after mid-year 1968, as the “Next best thing to a ‘Vette, yet”.
Before ordering my 1968 Z28, I talked with Vince Piggins at Chevrolet “Product Promotions”, i.e., “Racing”, a forbidden term at that time. I was told that there could be some time delay in getting my car, as the assembly plant was holding up orders until they had 50 or so in hand, then building them as a group. I ordered mine in October, 1967, and it was built late in December. It had no Z/28 emblems, only small “302” emblems on the front fender sides, just behind the headlights.
There were four different Z28 options, Z28A, B, C, and D, as I recall, all being built the same, but with headers and/or cowl plenum air induction packages included, shipped in the car, if so ordered. Those parts were to be dealer-installed, and were extra cost, of course. I ordered mine as Z28B, having the air induction package, which arrived in boxes in the back seat. I added headers later. I have the original window sticker showing the Z28BB option code.
After 1970, the SCCA modified their A Sedan/Trans Am rules, such that production engines could be de-stroked to achieve the 305 cubic inch maximum displacement limit. This change is what allowed the 1970 and later Z28 to be legal for competition in those classes. This change also allowed the famous Herb Adams-prepared 1964 Tempest GTO and Firebird Trans Am to legally compete: Their engines were de-stroked from 400 to 303 cubic inches, as I recall. I worked in engineering for Motor Wheel Corp., a subsidiary of Goodyear T&R, at that time. We provided wheels and partial monetary sponsorship to Herb’s effort.
A man who knows his history. that’s what I’m talking about..you are a very lucky man!
Speaking of history, a close friend of mine purchased and restored the original Dick Harrell/Fred Gibb 1969 ZL-1. He has sold it, but he now has Harrell’s original 1968 Camaro fuel funny car. It still has its original paint, even. We take it to historic drag car meets, “cackle fests” and car shows around Michigan. It has a supercharged BB Chev, running on 100% nitro. Bring your earplugs!
I don’t know the 2013 schedule yet, but, if there is interest, and if Mr. Luft will tell me how to do it, I will post the schedule on GM Authority when I get it.