The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro isn’t short on power. In its most powerful form, the car makes a healthy 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, that being the 2018 Camaro ZL1 and 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE. Of course, its powerplant, the 6.2-liter LT4 supercharged V8 engine, comes courtesy of the C7 Corvette Z06.
So, naturally, we have to ask: should the 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1‘s 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 engine find its way under the Camaro’s hood?
It’s probably easier said than done. The LT5 V8’s massive supercharger, which is 52-percent larger than the LT4 V8’s, called for the Corvette ZR1’s shaker hood. We also don’t know exactly what other packaging quirks might arise in the Camaro, but it doesn’t seem like an impossible task. The other main factor is power. How much is too much for the Camaro?
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 produces 755 horsepower, making it the most-powerful Corvette to ever come from the factory. That’d have a nice ring with reference to the Camaro, too, but how many buyers will such a powerful Camaro bring in? If it’s another hardcore track package, we don’t think many. Instead, if Chevrolet takes a play from Dodge’s book and creates a straight-line-speed pony car, the LT5 V8 would make sense to challenge the Hellcats and Demons of the world.
What do you think? Should the LT5 make an appearance with the Camaro? Talk to us below and vote in our poll.
Comments
Unless GM can buy the Yenko name or is willing to use “COPO” on street cars, a straight line performer isn’t going to happen. The last addition to the 6th Gen Camaro lineup aside from a refresh will be the Z/28. The Z/28 name is reserved for the Mose track focused Camaros and no track focused car needs a gigantic supercharged V8 and complimentary intercoolers over its front end. The Z/28 needs a big displacement naturally aspirated pushrod V8 or a High-RPM DOHC V8. N/A means less heat exchangers, less plumbing, and less mass. Reducing the weight over the front axle is key to having the best handling and responsiveness. If I were Al, I’d try and convince GM to let me use LSX 454s for the Z/28. Who wouldn’t want a 454? And who cares about gas mileage on a track car? An LSX 454 has LS9 power and torque with a lot less weight. Another 427 won’t make enough power to outdo a 1LE, but a DOHC V8 with an 8000rpm redline could potentially reach 600hp.
I think it would be interesting to see if GM will apply the dual-injection method to a non-supercharged V8. An NA version of the LT5 might be the chosen heart of a gen 6 Z/28, if there ever is one.
Might consider the Z28 is going to a high rev 302 LT Engine.
The COPO Hot Wheels model has this engine now and I could see it in the coming Z28.
I agree Scott. Good point.
I’m sorry but I don’t get your perspective of a NA LT5 as it makes NO sense. A 6th gen Z/28 staying true to it’s roots is an NA, high revving track car. For this purpose, an LT5 is completely overkill. The 535hp package on the existing LT1 accomplishes this with ease and competes DIRECTLY with the ford 5.2’s in the shelby’s. All of which are NA. Dual injection is only needed when the direct injection system falls short of supplying the needed fuel supply, most commonly in BOOSTED applications, NOT normally aspirated.IF, you were looking for a stronger bottom end for a NA application, why not use the LT4????
I don’t think this question can be answered until the release of the upcoming Ford GT500. Perhaps the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE won’t even need the halo engine, LT5.
In the case of challenging the Demon, IMHO, who cares. It is a one trick pony that is already banned by most drag strips. It goes fast for 1/4 mile. Let’s wait to see what Ford unveils. GM is on the right track with the “jack of all trades” performers! Z06, ZR1, ZL1, ZL1 1LE, etc.
The last major version of the Chevrolet Camaro will definitely be the Z/28. I can’t really think of what GM will do with it it. This generation Camaro has already been so focused on being a track car already so what’s the point on making an even more extreme track car when it would be competing with the Corvette ZR1. Two models from Chevrolet stepping on each other’s toes is a stupid idea.
Chevrolet, I say let the Corvette ZR1 be your best track offering and the Camaro Z/28 be your best dragstrip offering. It’s the only way to differentiate the two products.
The Z/28 has NEVER been produced to annihilate other cars on a 1/4 strip. It has always been an N/A track star since its inception in ’67. If GM ever does make another Z/28, it will stick to this rule.
As you have pointed out and as it should be, the Z/28 should be the badass NA variant. Therefore, I would suggest the 535HP upgrade package to the LT1. Combined with the 1LE package, this is the best contender to the Shelby GT350/GT350R packages from Ford. THEN, the appropriate package to counter the up and coming GT500 based on the LT5 package is a no brainer. The Z/28 was a track star, not a strip star. That, was the ZL1’s territory and let it remain such, IMHO. Corvette’s ALWAYS need to reign supreme, period, as always has been the case.
We can only hope, then again there should never have been a tiny blower Z06. Maybe they’ll drop the LT4 out of the lineup and do a proper NA for both the Z06 and Z/28.
Detuned LT5 only to crush the Hellcat and Shelby GT500. Otherwise NO with no sibling rivalry between Corvette and Camaro, PERIOD.
As I see it the engine might make a good engine for the ZR1 but only If it is faster and a better car with it.
A car is only as good as the power it puts to the ground. All the power in the world is worthless if it does not improve the car. The Hellcat proved that. FCA is now working to harness the power now.
With real performance it is all about results not just numbers.
Keep an eye open for a high rev 302 LT in the Z28. The COPO has it now.
Dodge has set the standard by which all future street cars with big power will be measured, like it or not theyre on top !
Right. And that’s why they discontinued the Viper…….Sorry, but the Challenger and Charger can’t go around corners. Demon? Only in a straight line and we’ll see how long that lasts against an LT5 ZR1 Vette or ZL1 Camaro.
Your comment is apples to oranges and quite subjective to be honest. Sure, FCA has put out some amazingly high-powered machines, but when pitted against their GM rivals on anything but a straight line, they fall short. Even with the Hellcat Widebody (a ~$7,000 option **sheesh**), the car still falls short of what GM has already accomplished with the old 5th Gen ZL1. Yes, it handles better than the standard HC, but still can’t compete with GM’s offerings…both past and present.
If you enjoy 1/4 times, buy a Dodge. If you enjoy any other type of racing, buy a GM.
“Like what you drive. Drive what you like!”.
Given that the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE has a price of about $71K and the LT5 might add an additional $20K for a possible price of $90-85K; one would still think there will be buyers as like the C7 Corvette ZR1, a Camaro LT5 would be the most powerful factory built Camaro ever and would most likely do better than the 7:16.04 on Germany’s Nurburgring.
With no weight penalty.