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2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

In 1967, the most-powerful engine in a factory Camaro was a 396 cid V8 making 375 horsepower. In preparing the original Camaro Z/28 for road racing, engineers utilized a lighter 302 cid V8 officially rated at 290 horsepower — making it the ideal choice for sports-car racing.

Fast forward to 2013: the most-powerful Camaro is the ZL1. It features a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 (LSA) engine making 580 horsepower. Enter the Camaro Z/28 — which returns for the 2014 model year. The car is more powerful and more capable than ever. And like the original Camaro Z/28, the 2014 Z/28 trades ultimate horsepower and torque for improved weight balance and track performance, while utilizing a lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 (LS7) first introduced in the Corvette Z06.

2014 Z/28 highlights:

  • Aerodynamically optimized exterior developed for downforce
  • All-aluminum, naturally aspirated LS7 engine rated at 505 hp
  • One of the first production vehicles fitted with standard spool-valve dampers
  • Capable of up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration and 1.5 g in deceleration

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 is solely available in a two-door coupe body style.

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 incorporates a full aerodynamics package designed to produce downforce at track speeds.

At the front, a large splitter is connected to an underbody panel that reduces lift. The aerodynamics are further improved with fender flares over the front and rear wheels, along with rocker panels that assist in attaining aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional diffuser round out the aerodynamics features.

Inside, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 features the cabin of a 2014 Camaro, while incorporating several unique features, including:

  • A distinctive, matte-metallic trim called Octane
  • Flat-bottom steering wheel shared with the ZL1
  • Standard Recaro seats with microfiber suede inserts and aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving; the seats also have cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats; both front seats utilize manual levers for adjustment to save weight
  • Modified rear seats optimized for weight reduction: nine pounds (four kilograms) were saved by removing the seat-back pass through as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom

“Unlike the Ford Mustang Boss 302, we felt it was important to keep the 2+2 configuration of the Camaro Z/28 as Chevrolet already has a world-class two-seat sports car in the Corvette,” said Camaro chief engineer Al Oppenheiser. “By modifying the construction of the rear seat, we were able to reduce the overall weight of the Z/28 while still preserving the flexibility of 2+2 seating.”

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 is the most track-capable model in the nameplate’s history, building on the legacy of the original SCCA Trans Am-series contender introduced in 1967. While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In fact, its unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the tires against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times.

The aerodynamically-optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a 7:37 lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course — four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and faster than published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Additional contributors to the car’s track performance included greater stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap. The Z/28 also has a reduced curb weight.

The naturally-aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass. In fact, 100 percent of the un-sprung mass (suspension, wheels, tires and brake system) has been changed from the Camaro SS, dramatically enhancing the balance and overall driving feel of the Z/28.

“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars.”

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 tips the scales at 3,820 pounds (1,732 kg).

To make the car extremely capable on the track, Camaro engineers creatively removed mass from the vehicle, or what General Motors calls “an intensive lightweighting program”. The efforts resulted in a 100 pound (45 kilogram) decrease in curb weight compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) when compared to the supercharged Camaro ZL1.

“We looked at every subsystem for opportunities to save weight,” said Oppenheiser. “Our goal was to get rid of everything that didn’t make the car faster, and keep only what was required by law. For example, we wanted to eliminate the audio system completely, but we had to keep a single speaker for the seat-belt chime to meet safety requirements.”

Examples of weight saving techniques include:

  • Eliminated the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
  • Removed interior sound deadener, and carpeting from the trunk
  • Replaced the standard LN4 battery with a smaller, lightweight, LN3 battery
  • Specified thinner, 3.2-mm glass for the rear window, compared to 3.5-mm glass on the standard Camaro
  • HID headlamps and fog lights are not available
  • Air conditioning is only available as a stand-alone option

“The team was so fanatical about saving weight, we even stripped the unused wiring out of the harness when we eliminated the fog lights, speakers, and air conditioning,” said Oppenheiser. “Every ounce saved contributed to making this the most track-capable Camaro we have ever built, and a worthy successor to the Z/28 name.”

Engine

Power comes from GM’s naturally-aspirated 7.0L V8 LS7 engine, with dry-sump oiling, rated at an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 pound-feet of torque (652 Nm).

According to Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager at General Motors, the “LS7 is ideal for road racing because it delivers amazing performance in a compact, lightweight package. The broad torque curve and high redline of the LS7 mean fewer shifts are required for each lap, while the lightweight design improves the front-to-rear weight balance for better handling.”

The 7.0 liter LS7 (427 cid) was co-developed with Corvette Racing and is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center within GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant. It utilizes several high-performance components, including:

  • Titanium intake valves and connecting rods, and sodium-filled exhaust valves
  • CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads
  • Forged-steel crankshaft and main bearing caps
  • High-lift camshaft
  • Hydroformed exhaust headers
  • 11.0:1 compression ratio, and a 7,000 rpm redline
  • 10.5-quart, dry-sump oiling system
  • Unique induction and exhaust systems

Other components of the Z/28′s powertrain include:

  • Racing-style, cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter to provide maximum air flow
  • Standard dual mode exhaust system and larger-diameter pipes enable improved air flow. By bypassing the mufflers during acceleration, the system increases both the torque and sound generated by the LS7 engine
  • Limited-slip differential with a helical gear set that works in unison with Chevrolet’s Performance Traction Management system
  • Cooling systems for engine oil, transmission, and differential

Transmission

The Tremec TR6060 close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered.

Drivetrain

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs, enaling the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction. The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of throttle and braking intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

Chevrolet made it a point to mention the following: “Unlike some competitors’ “track package” offerings, the Camaro Z/28 makes standard all the cooling systems required for track use.” Specifically, the cooling systems in question include the dry-sump oiling system for the LS7 that is connected to an integral liquid-to-liquid cooling system for engine oil.

There is also a second liquid-to-liquid system to cool the transmission and differential. This system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger in the rear differential before traveling to the transmission. This reduces differential temperatures as much as 100 degrees F (37.7 degrees C).

Engine Note & Exhaust Notes The Z/28′s 7.0 liter LS7 V8 is sure to have an inspiring exhaust note. Check out these examples of how the car sounds:

Engineers made the most of every component of the 2014 Camaro Z/28′s chassis for track use, allowing it to achieve up to 1.05 g in cornering performance, and 1.5 g in deceleration.

“We used the very best components in the industry to deliver uncompromised performance, lap after lap,” said Mark Stielow, Camaro Z/28 engineering manager. Over 200 changes were made to improve the Z/28′s track performance; these enhancements allow the Z/28 to achieve 1.05 g in cornering. According to Mr. Stielow, all other things being equal, increasing maximum grip from 1 to 1.05 g can cut up to four seconds per lap.

The Camaro Z/28 is one of the first production vehicles to feature race-proven spool-valve dampers. Compared to a conventional damper that only provides two-way tuning for bump and rebound, a spool-valve damper allows four-way adjustment to accurately tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range allowed engineers to significantly increase the damper stiffness on the Camaro Z/28 without a significant change in ride quality. Other chassis changes include stiffer spring rates and suspension bushings for improved cornering response.

Brakes

To take full advantage of the grip offered by the high performance Pirelli tires, powerful 500 horsepower LS7 V8 engine, and race-tuned chassis, the Camaro Z/28 features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The front 394 x 36 mm rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the rear 390×32 mm rotors work with four-piston calipers. The lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kilograms) per car compared to similarly-sized two-piece steel rotors.

“What makes the Z/28 so addictive is it inspires confidence through every section on the track,” said Camaro Z/28 engineering manager Mark Stielow. “The incredible, balanced performance helps you carry much more speed through every corner: the brakes are so good you can adjust your braking points later and later; the grip and suspension damping allows you to carry more speed through the apex; and then the limited slip allows you to make the most of the LS7 as you power out of the corner.”

Wheels & Tires

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 rides on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and tires that reduce unsprung weight by 42 pounds (19 kilograms) compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on the Camaro SS and ZL1. The smaller diameter wheels lower the car’s center of gravity by 33 millimeters — which contributes to improved handling.

All four lightweight wheels are wrapped in 305/30ZR19 Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, marking the first production application of the ultra-high performance tires; GM believes the rubber to be the widest front tire on any production car.

The combination of the grippy Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires and Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors allow the Camaro Z/28 to attain up to 1.5 g in deceleration. According to GM, the Z/28′s standard front brake cooling ducts allow make it capable of continuous track use unmatched brake feel.

As with all other fifth-generation Camaros, the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 continues to utilize GM’s Zeta rear-wheel drive vehicle architecture. The Camaro will continue to be underpinned by the Zeta platform until the all-new sixth-generation 2016 Camaro comes to market in 2015 on GM’s new Alpha platform.

The Camaro ZL1 is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs.

The Body

A strong body structure is designed to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. Notably, the 2012 Camaro was the first passenger car to receive NHTSA’s revised quadruple 5-star safety rating.

Safety Features

  • Coupe models come with six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash. Convertibles have four standard air bags
  • Rear Vision Package includes a rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature
  • StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both
  • Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation
  • Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts.
  • Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly
  • Standard tire pressure monitoring system
  • Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm

OnStar

Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on the Camaro ZL1. The system uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar service also includes MyLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer’s smartphone.

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 began arriving in dealerships across the United States in the spring of 2014.

The MSRP for the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is $75,000, including a $995 destination charge, excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees. It is offered in five exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White – and only a single option is available: A $1,150 package that adds air conditioning and the six audio speakers that are standard on the Camaro SS. The standard Z/28 package includes one speaker.

OVERVIEW
MODEL: CHEVROLET CAMARO Z/28 COUPE
BODY STYLE / DRIVELINE: FOUR-PASSENGER, FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-DRIVE COUPE
CONSTRUCTION: UNITIZED BODY FRAME, ONE- AND TWO-SIDED GALVANIZED STEEL
EPA VEHICLE CLASS: COUPE
MANUFACTURING LOCATION: OSHAWA , ONTARIO, CANADA
ENGINE
ENGINE: 7.0L V8 (LS7)
DISPLACEMENT (CU IN / CC): 427 / 7008
BORE & STROKE (IN / MM): 4.125 X 4.00 / 104.8 X 101.6
BLOCK MATERIAL: CAST ALUMINUM
CYLINDER HEAD MATERIAL: CAST ALUMINUM
VALVETRAIN: OVERHEAD VALVE, TWO VALVES PER CYLINDER
FUEL DELIVERY: SFI (SEQUENTIAL FUEL INJECTION)
COMPRESSION RATIO: 11.0:1
HORSEPOWER (HP / KW @ RPM): 505 / 376 @ 6100 (SAE CERTIFIED)
TORQUE (LB-FT / NM @ RPM): 481 / 652 @ 4800 (SAE CERTIFIED)
RECOMMENDED FUEL: PREMIUM REQUIRED
EPA-EST. FUEL ECONOMY (CITY / HWY): TBD
TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION: TREMEC TR6060 SIX-SPEED MANUAL
GEAR RATIOS (:1)"
FIRST: 2.66
SECOND: 1.78
THIRD: 1.3
FOURTH: 1
FIFTH: 0.8
SIXTH: 0.63
REVERSE: 2.9
FINAL DRIVE RATIO: 3.91
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
FRONT: DOUBLE-BALL-JOINT, MULTI-LINK STRUT; DIRECT-ACTING, 25MM SOLID STABILIZER BAR; PROGRESSIVE-RATE COIL SPRINGS; INVERTED MONOTUBE SHOCK ABSORBER
REAR: 4.5-LINK INDEPENDENT; PROGRESSIVE-RATE COIL SPRINGS OVER MONOTUBE SHOCK ABSORBERS; 26MM SOLID STABILIZER BAR
TRACTION CONTROL: STABILITRAK ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
STEERING TYPE: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WITH VARIABLE-RATIO, VARIABLE-EFFORT RACK-AND-PINION
STEERING RATIO: 16.1:1
STEERING WHEEL TURNS, LOCK-TO-LOCK: 2.5
TURNING CIRCLE, CURB-TO-CURB (FT / M): TBD
BRAKES
TYPE: FOUR-WHEEL DISC WITH ABS; BREMBO CARBON CERAMIC MATRIX VENTILATED TWO-PIECE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS; SIX-PISTON MONOBLOC FRONT AND FOUR-PISTON REAR CALIPERS
ROTOR DIAMETER X THICKNESS, FRONT (IN / MM): 15.5 X 1.4 / 394 X 36
ROTOR DIAMETER X THICKNESS, REAR (IN / MM): 15.3 X 1.3 / 390 X 32
WHEELS & TIRES
WHEEL SIZE AND TYPE, FRONT: 19 X 11-INCH ALUMINUM
WHEEL SIZE AND TYPE, REAR: 19 X 11.5-INCH ALUMINUM
TIRES, FRONT: P305/30/ZR19 SUMMER – PIRELLI PZERO TROFEO R
TIRES, REAR: P305/30/ZR19 SUMMER – PIRELLI PZERO TROFEO R
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE (IN / MM): 112.3 / 2852
OVERALL LENGTH (IN / MM): 192.3 / 4884
OVERALL WIDTH (IN / MM): 76.9 / 1953
OVERALL HEIGHT (IN / MM): 52.4 / 1330
TRACK, FRONT (IN / MM): 66.14 / 1680
TRACK, REAR (IN / MM): 64.65 / 1642
CURB WEIGHT (LB / KG): 3820 / 1732 (WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING)
WEIGHT BALANCE (% FRONT / REAR): TBD
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
SEATING CAPACITY (FRONT / REAR): 2 / 2
HEADROOM, FRONT (IN / MM): 37.4 / 950
HEADROOM, REAR (IN / MM): 35.3 / 897
LEGROOM, FRONT (IN / MM): 42.4 / 1077
LEGROOM, REAR (IN / MM): 29.9 / 757
SHOULDER ROOM, FRONT (IN / MM): 56.9 / 1444
SHOULDER ROOM, REAR (IN / MM): 42.5 / 1080
CAPACITIES
CARGO VOLUME (CU FT / L): 11.3 / 320
FUEL TANK (GAL / L): 19 / 71.9
ENGINE OIL (QT / L): 10.5 / 8.5
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