Milton Ruben Chevrolet’s 2014 Z28 Camaro

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 package.

“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.”

The impressive power produced by the LS7 in the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, not traditional clutch packs.

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.

To optimize the 2014 Camaro Z/28 for 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.”

“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.

Seating was also optimized for a lighter vehicle – but you’d never know it from the sport suede seats, reminiscent of racing harnesses on the track. Rear seats were redesigned to save pounds as well.

The interior of the Z28 was optimized to be as light as possible – including optional air condition and radio. This particular vehicle has both. Other features include the flat bottom steering wheel found in the ZL1.

The Camaro Z/28 comes exclusively with the Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. The six-speed gearbox features close-ratio gearing and 3.91:1 final drive ratio, both optimized for the power characteristics of the LS7 V8.

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 conjunction with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system (PTMS). The system allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

Unlike competitor’s racing technology, the Z28 includes cooling systems necessary for track racing.

The 2014 Z28 is the most powerful Camaro yet – topping the charts with over 500 horsepower through a lighter, naturally aspirated LS7 7.0 liter V8.

Since 1967, Chevrolet has been experimenting with weight and power in large engines within the Camaro line.