By now, you’ve seen the cringe-worthy Nurburgring crash video of an absolutely rapacious-looking Chevrolet Camaro, presumably the next Z/28. Though we don’t know all the details, but we visually see that this upcoming model will be the latest range topper, we think it’s a safe bet that this downforce-inducing monster is the next Z/28. And, joy of joys, it will be all-motor.
While the crash may have made the spy video go viral, there is a significant amount of footage leading up to the event, with the 2018 Camaro Z/28 going positively full throttle. Wonderfully, not a hint of turbo spool or supercharger whine can be heard. Yet the question remains: What engine is it?
Motor Trend thinks it could be a new version of the 7.0L LS7, or even the LS7 as we know it. Reasons being that it can’t/shouldn’t be the 6.2L LT1 V8 already found in the Camaro SS, and the LS7 is still being built as a crate motor. And everybody will tell you, the LS7 is special. Easily one of the best engines General Motors has ever created in its 100-plus years of existence.
If you ask us, we think it’s possible, but not the best idea nor the most plausible. We think it’s more likely the 2018 Camaro Z/28 engine is not going to be LS7, but rather a new member of the current Small Block family of engines, likely featuring direct injection, at the very least. And while we whole-heartedly agree that the LS7 is a modern marvel, the 500 or-so horsepower it produces might not be enough in this day in age. For example, the Ford Mustang GT350R produces 525 horses with its buzz-worthy flat-plane V8, though far less torque. Moreover, if such a machine is meant to hold track superiority over the 640 supercharged horsepower of the 2017 Camaro ZL1, which is insane, a future Camaro Z/28 is likely going to need a lot more power than the LS7 can produce as it stands. Likely by an engine we have yet to know. Maybe they’ll call the mystery engine “L88” – the name is trademarked, after all.
Comments
Sorry to disagree with you, but when I watched the video, I heard turbine whine.
Yes I agree. I can also hear a supercharger whine or something in one of the Camaro Z/28 video when played through earphone.
I guess you can make an argument that if you LISTEN CLOSELY at around seconds :26 & :27 you can hear a FAINT Supercharger whine.
I worked the course at an autocross with a few 2016 Camaro SS coupes over the weekend. When accelerating through the slalom and putting power down to the finish, they made a similar noise. But the noise could only be heard when they’re coming towards earshot, like in the video above. Not to mention, videos of any GM vehicle spotted on the ‘Ring that actually had a supercharger could be heard much more obviously. Like the ZL1, for example.
It maybe the new 427 lt1 style engine to be called the L88 , rated at 700 hp naturally Aspirated
well an updated LS7 would be nice with direct injunction , higher compression 12:5 and 8000 rpm
The LS7, and all the LS-sourced blocks, are history.
This is the new LT era. A clean slate. If there is a new 7.0L engine, it won’t be an LS7.
I still think this is a 2017. Oppenheiser said that they designed all the camaro’s at the same time so it should be ready to go. You can hear the supercharger on the very first video I think r&t released
toyota is GARBAGE
A 5.3 with flat plane crank 550HP 8500 rpm.
6.2L Supercharged right out of the Corvette Z06. You will also see more aggressive aero, wider tires, bigger brakes beefier suspension and other goodies. Horsepower and Torque are huge factors, but there are many other things that go into play in making a car faster….
Why not make a turbo 6.2 so you have the option of supercharged zl1 or turbo z28. Most drag racing enthusiast are all going turbo why because its better more low end torque better efficancy easier to tune. Use borg warner EFR ceramic turbos so durability and lag wont be an issue.
well whatever it is it needs to make more power than the ls7 and the 5.2 voodoo from ford. using the LT4 would just make the car heavier and be just a more aggressive Zl1. the LS7 was the most powerful NA engine GM made. this car needs to be special and it needs to be light as possible. my guess is either a larger displacement LT engine to replace the LS7 with Direct injection and AFM or an LT1 (maybe called LT2) with updated internals for more output.
Hennessy is doing 1000hp and 960 ft pds torque, just put the 572 or 600cu inch in the car. Hm needs to stop metric base and go back to inch motors and big blocks