Inside Line just got confirmation that the supercharged 500-plus horsepower Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is back in the product plan and is set for production. It had appeared that the extra-high-performance Camaro had fallen victim to the cost-cutter's knife.
According to Ed Welburn, GM's Vice President for global design, the on-again, off-again Z/28 is back in the plan. The modified body is done, according to Welburn. There is still calibration work to be done on the powertrain, though. We're still looking at about a year's wait before the Z/28 would appear.
The basic engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, which sees duty in the Cadillac CTS-V. In that application, the engine makes 556-horsepower and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. There's no reason to assume that the Z/28 wouldn't be offered with both transmissions and only a fool would turn down the power much. The vehicle will come with a specific body kit with a slightly raised hood to accommodate the top-mounted intercooler/supercharger unit and a tall rear spoiler. Specific wheel design and suspension tune will surely be part of the package. Wider rear rubber might prove necessary, too, we'd think. (Obviously, this isn't a Camaro Z/28 in the photo, so you use your imagination and mentally add a hood scoop.)
Alongside this news, we hear that GM is considering doing a higher-performance version of the V6 Camaro, in hopes of piquing the interest of less traditional Camaro enthusiasts. --Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
fuhteng says:
03:33 PM, 09/21/09
Sweet. I wonder how happy the Camaro tuners (like Hennessey etc) are with this announcement.
stovt001 says:
03:53 PM, 09/21/09
Being the big Camaro fan here, it may sound odd but I just don't like this idea for the Z/28. Any tuner can throw on a supercharger and make that kind of power, and they don't have to deal with CAFE regulations. I think GM should have stuck to the original Z/28 formula of a more track-oriented package. Sportier suspension, sport seats, weight reductions, smaller, lighter wheels, and aerodynamic improvements would have been the way to go here.
estreka says:
04:05 PM, 09/21/09
I foresee many Z/28s wrapped around trees.
bodyblue says:
04:37 PM, 09/21/09
Good lord, the Camaro is hideous enough without a body kit!
seacaptainmike says:
06:09 PM, 09/21/09
I gotta wonder which engine is more expensive to produce - the LSA or LS7. Because I would much rather have a NA camaro with the LS7 and some weight reduction....*shrug*
stovt001 says:
07:44 PM, 09/21/09
The LS7 is being phased out due to cost issues. It is hand-made, so I imagine it is more expensive than the LSA. Pity, as it is quite the engine, and I prefer NA to FI.
slickersdrip says:
07:46 PM, 09/21/09
I think they should go for the LS7 instead, too, and make the thing weigh less. They'd be going back to the high revving 302 in the first generation and I'd like that a lot better.
Gotta adamantly disagree with you, bodyblue, on the Camaro being hideous. However, I must admit that I really, really hate the non body colored body kit that is an option on the Camaro.
collgrants01 says:
07:55 PM, 09/21/09
That car is hot. I love it, a true American muscle car. college grants
kurtamaxxxguy says:
09:41 PM, 09/21/09
No doubt the RWD camp is in heaven right now.
Then again, how many of these GM can make/sell without driving their CAFE or other fuel economy requirements into the toilet remains to be seen.
B. Lutz commented it was good to have popular vehicles in short supply. Most assuredly this car will join that group.
slickersdrip says:
10:37 PM, 09/21/09
I hate to throw this in for a different note, but it kills me that I ended up commenting on this on Facebook before I commented on this on the actual InsideLine site... Ahhh, convergence.
charlesb says:
10:42 PM, 09/21/09
Great, just the cure for what ails G.M. Good luck to the bean counter who signs off on this project.
hondapilot2004 says:
03:55 AM, 09/22/09
the GT500 can kiss the ass of the true great pony car... better enjoy your reign at the top... the Z28 will knock your block off no problem!
Guys be happy we are getting a Z28 at all!
cbrowder says:
04:49 AM, 09/22/09
From a financial and image standpoint, it probably doesnt look too good for GM to bring the Z28 back, but I gotta admit I'd be in line to order one. Sure there's the Hennessey Camaro, but it's insanely expensive and there's just something about having it built "in house". Plus bringing back the Z28 would be more bragging rights for GM rather than an aftermarket company. Pumped up, aftermarket Mustangs are a dime a dozen and I never give "credit" to Ford. I give credit to the aftermarket company, to the driver's bank account, time,and/or personal know-how. The GT500 is Ford's bragging rights and I think Chevy is almost compelled to respond even if it doesnt make the most sense.
felonious says:
09:06 AM, 09/22/09
This just makes me want a CTS-V more.
iskch says:
09:15 AM, 09/22/09
The Z-28 looks like a waste of money. No doubt he new Z-28 will come close to the price of a new Corvette.
Heck, I'll go with the Corvette weight less, better handling and power to match.
roadburner says:
09:34 AM, 09/22/09
"I think GM should have stuck to the original Z/28 formula of a more track-oriented package. Sportier suspension, sport seats, weight reductions, smaller, lighter wheels, and aerodynamic improvements would have been the way to go here."
I agree. It would have been very cool to bring the Z/28 back to its roots, as the purpose of the original Z/28 option was to homologate the car for SCCA Trans Am competition.
stovt001 says:
02:11 PM, 09/22/09
"The Z-28 looks like a waste of money. No doubt he new Z-28 will come close to the price of a new Corvette.
Heck, I'll go with the Corvette weight less, better handling and power to match."
A few things: That money will only get you a base Corvette, with "only" 430 hp vs the Z's 550. Also, the Camaro is more of a GT, while the Corvette is clearly a sports car. Still two different market segments.
ptcdawg says:
06:48 PM, 09/22/09
Bring it on!!