The 2014
Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates
high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high
speeds. The new Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamics package that
creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering
in Camaro’s history.
“As
the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the
original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the
best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North
America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight,
high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers
for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb
weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the
Z/28.”
The
first Camaro Z/28 was introduced in 1967, created to compete in the Sports Car
Club of America's Trans-Am 2 class. It featured a smaller, lighter, 302-cubic-inch
V-8 for improved weight balance, as well as quick-ratio steering and a
heavy-duty suspension for track use. In keeping with its road-racing focus, the
1967 Camaro Z/28 was not available with an automatic transmission or air
conditioning.
While
the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is
solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is
three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from
three areas:
- Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in
cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
- Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features
Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and
consistent brake feel, lap after lap
- 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
Like the original, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is offered
only with a manual transmission. In a nod to modern convenience,
air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.
"We
set out to make the fastest road-racing Camaro possible that was still
street-legal,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “While the Camaro
ZL1 offers exceptional performance on the street, the drag strip, and the
track, the Z/28 is entirely focused on the track performance. The Z/28 will be
too track-focused for most drivers, but offers road-racers one of the most
capable track cars ever offered from an automaker.”
The
new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013. The Camaro
Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in
spring 2014.
High-performance
aerodynamics highlight changes for 2014 Camaro
The
2014 Camaro represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of
the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006.
“The
2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our
customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom
Peters, Camaro exterior design director. “We look for solutions that are both
functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple,
powerful, honest, and more than expected.”
Compared
to the previous model, the design represents a strong visual change front and
rear, resulting in a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance. The front
fascia features a wider lower opening, and a narrower upper opening that also
updates the appearance of the iconic “halo ring” HID headlamps on the Camaro RS
package. The functional hood vent on the Camaro SS helps reduce heat and
aerodynamic lift. Moving to the rear, the sculptural decklid, horizontal lamps
and diffuser complete the powerful statement.
The Camaro
Z/28 also features a full aerodynamic package designed to produce downforce at
track speeds. At the front, the Z/28 features a large splitter, connected to an
underbody panel that further reduces lift. In profile, the Z/28 features fender
flares over the front and rear wheels, as well as extended rocker panels that
contribute to aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional
diffuser complete the aerodynamic package.
On the
interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish
named Octane, the ZL1 flat-bottomed steering wheel, and standard Recaro seats
with microfiber suede inserts. The new seats (also available on the coupe
versions of the SS and ZL1 models), feature aggressive bolsters for
high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point
harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate
manual adjustment.
The
rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. A total of
nine pounds (four kilograms) was saved by eliminating 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 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.”
7.0L,
LS7 the heart of the Camaro Z/28’s track-capable performance
Like
the original, the new Camaro Z/28 forgoes ultimate horsepower and torque for
improved weight balance and track performance.
In
1967, the most-powerful engine available in a factory Camaro was a 396 cid V-8
with 375 horsepower. To prepare the Camaro Z/28 for road racing, engineers
specified a lighter, 302 cid V-8, officially rated at 290 horsepower. While the
302 was not the choice for drag racers, it proved ideal for sports-car racing.
Today,
the most-powerful engine offered is the Camaro ZL1’s supercharged 6.2L LSA,
which delivers 580 horsepower. The heart of the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is the
lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0L LS7 first introduced in the Corvette Z06.
“The
LS7 is ideal for road racing because it delivers amazing performance in a
compact, lightweight package,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and
program manager.
“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.”
Co-developed
with Corvette Racing, the hand-assembled 7.0L (427 cid) V-8 uses a number of
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
For the Camaro Z/28, the LS7 features unique induction
and exhaust systems, and delivers at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470
lb-ft of torque (637 Nm).
The
racing-style, cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter provide
maximum air flow.
The
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.
The
Camaro Z/28 is exclusively offered with a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission.
The six-speed features close-ratio gearing and 3.91:1 final drive ratio, both
optimized for the power characteristics of the LS7.
Power
is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a
helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. The new design enables
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, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and
brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.
Unlike
some competitors’ “track package” offerings, the Camaro Z/28 makes standard all
the cooling systems required for track use. This includes the dry-sump oiling
system for the LS7, which is connected to an integral liquid-to-liquid cooling
system for engine oil.
A
second liquid-to-liquid system provides cooling for 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.
Camaro
Z/28 chassis delivers 1.05 g in cornering grip
The
singular focus of the Camaro Z/28 is most evident in the chassis, where the
most has been made of every component for track use, from the ultra-high
performance tires to race-proven dampers.
“We
used the very best components in the industry to deliver uncompromised
performance, lap after lap,” said Mark Stielow, Camaro Z/28 engineering
manager. “We made nearly 200 changes to improve the track performance, which
cumulatively make the Z/28 capable of 1.05 g in cornering. For perspective,
with all other things, equal increasing maximum grip from 1 to 1.05 g can cut
up to four seconds per lap.”
The
Camaro Z/28 is the one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven,
spool-valve dampers. Compared to a conventional damper that offers only two-way
tuning for bump and rebound, a spool-valve damper allows four-way adjustment to
precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed
wheel motions. The wider tuning range allowed engineers to dramatically
increase the damper stiffness on the Camaro Z/28 without a significant change
in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer string rates and
suspension bushings for improved cornering response.
The
Camaro Z/28 features 19-inch diameter wheels and tires, which reduce unsprung
weight by 42 pounds (19 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels
standard on Camaro SS and ZL1. In addition, the smaller diameter wheels lower
the center of gravity by 33 millimeters, further improving handling.
At all
four corners, the lightweight, forged aluminum wheels are wrapped in massive
305/30ZR19 tires. This is the first production application of ultra-high performance
Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, and believed to be the widest front tire on any
production car.
To
fully exploit the grip of the Pirelli tires, the Camaro Z/28 also features
Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large
394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x
32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size,
two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5
kilograms) per car.
The
combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve up
to 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is
also capable of continuous track use unmatched brake feel, lap after lap.
“What
makes the Z/28 so addictive is it inspires confidence through every section on
the track,” said 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.”
Extensive
lightweighting saved 300 pounds over the Camaro ZL1
To
optimize the track performance of the Camaro Z/28, the engineering team
subjected it to an intensive lightweighting program, saving 100 pounds (45
kilograms) compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136
kilograms) 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.”
Other
examples of weight savings 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 foglights 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.”
Founded
in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands,
doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million
cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient
vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high
quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
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