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December 4, 2014
The Chevrolet Camaro: The 2014 Model Arrives | Chevrolet
Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Refined Styling and Performance with Minor Changes
2014 Camaro Model Announced
The 2014 model of the Chevrolet Camaro, America's iconic grand tourer,2013 New York International Auto Showwas unveiled at the.
Text by SAKURAI Kenichi
Equipped with a 427 Big Block. The Return of the "Z28"
The 2014 Camaro features design changes that refine its aerodynamics. Details have been refined for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The entire lineup now boasts an exterior design that is the most aerodynamically superior and achieves higher downforce in Camaro history.
However, the biggest topic of this minor change is the reintroduction of the "Z28," once a symbol of high performance. The Z28, making a long-awaited comeback, maintains its 2+2 seating layout as a sports model (unlike its rival, the Ford Mustang's performance models, which have removed the rear seats). By altering the rear seat structure, significant weight reduction has been achieved. The adoption of a powerful V8 engine, K&N air filters, and carbon-ceramic brakes delivers genuine performance that can be enjoyed even on the track.
The engine to note is a 7-liter V8, all-aluminum unit inherited from the Corvette Z06. The dry-sump engine, contributing to a low center of gravity, is hand-assembled and features titanium intake valves and connecting rods, sodium-filled exhaust valves, a high-lift camshaft, hydroformed exhaust headers, and a redline starting at 7,000 rpm with a 11.0:1 compression ratio, achieving the best performance of any naturally aspirated engine in history with 500 hp of maximum output and 637 Nm of maximum torque.
It is also characterized as a truly hardcore model, exclusively paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The interior features a D-shaped steering wheel, unique matte metallic trim, and Recaro seats with micro-suede inserts. These left and right Recaro front seats are designed and equipped to accommodate the use of 5-point racing harnesses, and are manually adjustable to reduce weight.
The chassis features the first production car application of spool valve dampers, along with stiffer spring rates and suspension bushings to improve cornering response. For braking, Brembo carbon-ceramic rotors are also employed. While the standard Camaro SS and ZL1 use 20-inch wheels, the Camaro Z28 deliberately uses 19-inch wheels, reducing unsprung weight by 19 kg per vehicle. Furthermore, weight reduction is thoroughly pursued not only by omitting the audio system, air conditioning, and fog lights, but also by removing their wiring in the Z28. Its identity as a serious performance machine, prioritizing performance over looks, is evident in these aspects as well.
The Camaro Z28 appears poised to be Chevrolet's powerful counterpunch in the high-performance coupe category, a segment where its main rival, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, had taken the lead. It signifies the return of a long-awaited, authentic sports car that fans of American sports cars have eagerly anticipated from this traditional brand.