Camaro Z/28 to return?
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
Historically speaking, the Camaro SS should be the top rung of performance in Chevy's pony car line, but there are literally millions of people in the United States who recognize the Z/28 moniker as the ultimate expression of the Camaro. Since there's so much cachet with the model, you may wonder if the General has plans to release a new Z to market now that the first production-ready Camaros are just about to roll off the assembly line.
Perhaps not. Even if GM had the money to launch another Camaro variant, which it probably doesn't, some inside the company reportedly wonder if a 550-horsepower, supercharged, 6.2-liter fire-breather is exactly what the ailing company needs now that so many eyes are intently watching its every move – especially those belonging to the federal government.
As far as we're concerned, a 0-60-in-under-4-second shot in the arm would go a long way towards fixing just about any problem. Unfortunately, market realities, politicians and CAFE regulations may strongly disagree with our knuckle-dragging gearhead mentality. Thanks for the tip, jared!
Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS
[Source: Motor Trend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
jg 12:07PM (2/17/2009)
Who cares who's watching? If it'll sell and turn a profit build it.
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Nick 12:07PM (2/17/2009)
Who the hell cares. This car is all talk, no show except on net and a couple of car shows here and there. YAWN!!!!
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mapoftazifosho 12:14PM (2/17/2009)
I just sat in one last night. And no, I wasn't at an auto show...
Dude 12:23PM (2/17/2009)
You might want to view the ads directly to the right of the post. It's for the new Camaro and you can order one now starting at $22,995.
mike 1:49PM (2/17/2009)
Nick, the rock you were living under has crushed your ability to think clearly.
Shipey 12:12PM (2/17/2009)
The original Z/28 was a Trans-Am inspired road racer.
Keeping with that tradition, a better combo would be a lightened, naturally aspirated variant with upgraded handling and braking... a real driver's car.
The SS should be the powerhouse/blunt instrument for the strip.
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IOwnCalculus 12:15PM (2/17/2009)
Ha, beat me to the punch :)
havoc 12:16PM (2/17/2009)
+1
Icon149 12:17PM (2/17/2009)
Hey Shipey, exactly right, make a Z28 lighter with a performance suspension brakes and handling bits, minimilist interior. Maybe a higher reving version of the 6 cyl would give it just that bit of extra go to help justify a more premium cost.
it would get better gas mileage than the heavier standard versions, corner better and and be more balanced. exactly in line with todays realities, and with the Z28 heritage.
tkosoccer03 12:39PM (2/17/2009)
beat me too :)
That's exactly what the Z/28 started as. In the first gen camaro, it had less power, but was always quicker at the track.
That's why I don't agree with giving the new Z/28 so much power. That's not what the car is about. Lighten it up, I say .. and maybe give it suped-up LS4, but keep in NA. That would reduce a lot of weight, and they could focus on suspension upgrades to make it a driver's car.
cdwrx 12:46PM (2/17/2009)
You're mostly correct. It should be a light weight technical tour de force - turbocharged inline 4 or small V6 twin turbo.
G-Meister 1:10PM (2/17/2009)
I think a track intended Z-28 would be sweet. Slicing out as much weight as possible, and sell it with a properly dimensioned 327.
johncuyle 3:43PM (2/17/2009)
Beat me. There's a wonderful opportunity here for them to do a lightweight version with a smaller displacemtn v8, maybe something in the LS4 range, and apply all the hot rodding knowhow from the LS7 to build a real screamer. I'd want one of those more than an SS.
Derek 8:01PM (2/17/2009)
Another +1
LS7 (or a destroked version!) would be perfect for a Z/28. It isn't too far from the C6.R motor.
SS should get a LSA/LS9 variant.
IOwnCalculus 12:14PM (2/17/2009)
If they're bringing back the Z28 badge, they should do it like they did originally - make it a lightweight stripped-out model with a light-weight, high-revving smallblock. Of course, the LS3 easily meets that definition without even resorting to a short-stroke bottom end like the 302 did, and there's no 5.0L limit to hit for any sanctioning body, but I think GM could at least do it in spirit.
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dukeisduke 12:20PM (2/17/2009)
Put in a short-stroke version of the V8, with 302 cu. in., the best handing package, and front and rear spoilers.
JZeke 12:18PM (2/17/2009)
Whats the rush? Even if GM goes bankrupt I doubt they will pull the plug on the Camaro. Save bringing out old badges when sales start to sag.
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mcampasini 12:23PM (2/17/2009)
i always liked trans am's better they were better looking had big blocks in them,the older ones, and were faster than camaros.
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why not the LS2LS7? 12:21PM (2/17/2009)
blowers are for Fords.
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Timsvtgen1 12:31PM (2/17/2009)
Annnnd Z06's ...apprently.