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The Might Of The Camaro Z/28, Broken Down Into 28 Different Points

Chevrolet aimed to make the 2014 Camaro Z/28 three things: light, nimble and fast, just like the original Z/28. Every detail on the car is engineered to help the car quickly tackle the most challenging road courses the world has to offer.

To achieve this goal, Chevrolet engineers focused on three things. First, they increased grip, the Z/28 can pull 1.08 g in the turns.

Second, they increased stopping power. Thanks to its Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, the Z/28 can pull a face-ripping 1.5 g in stopping force.

Lastly and possibly most importantly, they reduced weight. The Z/28 weighs 300 lbs less than the Camaro ZL1 through weight saving tactics such as using thinner rear-window glass and lightweight wheels.

The release of the Z/28 is right around the corner and to get us a little excited for its arrival, Chevrolet provided us with a list of 28 different reasons why it was a full four seconds faster around Germany’s infamous Nurburgring than the supercharged ZL1.

1. Rear spoiler with ‘wickerbill’

To meet downforce requirements they had set for the Z/28, engineers fitted the rear spoiler with a small vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler.

2. Unique front fascia

While still based on the front fascia of the 2014 Camaro SS, the fog lights, air dam and grille are replaced with covers that reduce weight. The Z/28’s front fascia also has ducts for additional brake cooling.

3. Front splitter

The Z/28’s large front splitter helps push the front wheels of the car into the road while at speed, increasing cornering grip and stability.

4. Hood extractor

A carbon fiber hood extractor vent, similar to the one on the Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Stingray, helps expel hot air from beneath the hood.

5. Rocker moldings and wheel flare moldings

Different rocker mouldings provide a more aggressive appearance and provide additional aerodynamic benefits.

6. Front wheelhouse liners

Wheelhouse mouldings work with the underbody pans to direct air flow.

7. Belly pan

The underbody incorporates a belly pan that helps reduce front end lift and provide additional cooling.

8. Thinner rear window glass

Reducing the thickness of the rear window glass from 3.5mm to 3.2mm saved 400 grams. Every bit counts.

9. Lightweight rear seat

Even though it bears a close resemblance to the rear seat of the normal Camaro, the Z/28’s rear seat is 4.7 kilograms lighter due to the use of less foam and having a fixed seatback.

10. Lightweight wheels and tires

The Z/28’s lightweight, aluminium wheels and track capable tires save just under 30lbs per vehicle compared to the SS.

 11. Carbon ceramic brake rotors

Lighter than equally sized brake rotors, the carbon ceramic discs on the Z/28 save about 21 lbs and reduce un-sprung mass.

12. No Air conditioning

Because the Z/28 is a track car first and foremost, air conditioning was considered non-essential. A/C is available as an option, but customers who opt out will save nearly 30 lbs.

13. LS7 engine with dry-sump oiling

The 7.0 liter LS7 sourced from the Corvette Z06 was designed with the racetrack in mind. It features a durable forged-steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves. A dry sump oil system helps ensure adequate oil pressure in high-g turns.

14. Air intake system

The Z/28 utilizes an open box air intake system with a K&N filter to make the most of high-rpm air flow into the engine.

15. Track-capable fuel system

The road course-ready fuel system is designed to keep the primary fuel pump reservoir full even under hard cornering and maximize the amount of fuel available during high speed turns.

16. Active dual-mode exhaust system and high-flow converter assembly

The dual mode exhaust allows for a more reserved exhaust note when cruising and allows for more power and less backpressure on the track.

17. TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission

The Tremec six-speed transmission, used in the Cadillac CTS-V and Camaro ZL1, features short throws, smooth shifts  and good gear feel.

18. 5:1-ratio short-throw shifter

The Z/28 uses a short shifter with 5:1 ratio allowing for better gear feel and quicker more precise gear changes.

19. Strut tower brace

The Z/28’s strut tower brace provides extra chassis stiffness by transmitting the cornering load between the two towers, reducing chassis flex.

20. Zero-preload limited-slip differential

A high-performance, zero-preload limited-slip differential featuring s a concentric helical gear set and allows continuous torque biasing and differentiation to be managed between the two drive wheels.

21. Differential cooler

The differential is cooled by an integral heat exchanger, eliminating the need for an external pump, wiring, relays, temperature sensors and a fan. The system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger inside the diff, reducing temperatures by up to 100 degrees.

22. Uprated lower control arm ride link “travel limiter” bushing

Higher durometer ride link bushing provides greater stiffness under high loads than the SS, translating to improved steering feel and brake force deflection steer.

23. Uprated rear upper control arm bushing and lower trailing link bushings

A “P-bracket” bushing for the rear upper control arms has an increased durometer and provides greater stiffness under hard cornering.

24. Higher-rate coil springs and smaller-diameter stabilizer bars

The Z/28’s springs are stiffer in the front by 85 percent and 65 percent in the rear. The tuning of the springs provides for reduced body movement, allowing engineers to use smaller, lighter stabilizer bars.

25. DSSV® damper technology

The Z/28 is the first mass produced production car to use Multimatic’s Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper system. The system relies on spool valves to control fluid rather than conventional discs, doubling damper stiffness over the 1LE.

26. Performance Traction Management

Chevrolet says the Z/28 uses the PTM system for optimal road-course performance and consistency. It enables drivers to floor the gas pedal on corner exits while the car manages the acceleration based on grip.

27. Nineteen-inch wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires

The wheel and tire combination is a big contributor to the Z/28’s performance. The Michelin PZero tires measure 11.5 inches wide out back and 11 inches wide in the front. The 19-inch forged aluminium wheels are lighter and stiffer than those on the SS.

28. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes

Large, track-oriented Brembo carbon ceramic brakes provide stopping distances from 60mph-0 of less than 120 feet. The calipers measure 15-inches a piece.

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. My first new car at age 19 was a 1968 Z/28. Now, at 65 I seen the new “Z” and reviewed the specifications and told myself that GM got it right. It reminded me of the spirit of my 1968. I alerted a few Chevy dealers in the area to notify me when I could order one. Then, I found out the price. $75K? It was disappointing. I had figured that since it was mentioned prior that the pricing would more than the ZL1. I was good, if the pricing was in the $65K range. I’ve ordered a 2014 Corvette that is due in April. I’ve owned a 2001 ZO6 and currently own a 2004 ZO6/Z16. So, nice car but I’m sticking with the Corvette.

    owned a 2001 ZO6 and currently own a 2004 ZO6/Z16. So, nice car but I’m sticking with the Corvette.

    Reply
  2. Hacksaw, you are absolutely right, Chevrolet new Z come up with very mind blowing features.I am the owner of Lexus .I recently replace the Lexus Control Arm & Suspension Bushings
    . But I am looking forward for Chevrolet new Z.I too had alerted the dealers of Chevy in my area that I want to book this car.Please do let me inform.

    Reply

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