The Z28 Camaro Revs Up to Take on the Shelby GT500
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The question of whether or not we will ever see a Z28 has been answered. Ed Welburn, Design Chief of GM has confirmed that the Z28 program is back up and running. The design itself had been signed-off clear back in April of this year, but as GM was unfortunately nearing the throes of bankruptcy, the cost and labor of such a vehicle was obviously not a priority.
With UAW contracts and labor costs leaned out, GM figures now is as good of time to get the ball rolling as any. They also have the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 to tend with, which has been up to its own improvements.
As things stand today, the Camaro SS with its 6.2-liter powerplant worth 426 horsepower, makes a pretty mean customer for the 4.6-liter, 315 horsepower Mustang. But Ford knows there’s only one replacement for displacement, and an intercooled and supercharged 5.4-liter was a good start for the Shelby Stang.
The 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 has been upgraded to the horsepower status of the GT500KR, which saw upwards of 540 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque last year. That is a solid 40 horses and 30 lb-ft of torque over the previous GT500. Shelby has also upped the ante to a 3.55:1 rear end ratio (compared to 3.31:1). Despite a rather hefty curb weight of 3900 pounds, the Mustang can still hurl itself from 0-60 in the low 4-second range, which is more than enough to take on the 5-second Camaro SS.
But the story does not end here…
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The Ford Mustang GT500 has a new foe, and the Camaro Z28 will not be limiting its aspirations… to non-aspiration. The Z28 is noted to receive the very same 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 that powers the Cadillac CTS-V. This combination will be good for about 556 horsepower and 551 lb-ft of torque. Figuring the Z28 will likely weigh-in at around 4000 pounds, its 0-60 could likely dip into the upper 3-second range, with a top speed nearing 200 mph (manual transmission).
So we know it will be fast, but what other changes will signify the Z28 from the SS.
The front end fascia will look a bit more fierce, with deep set fog lights and a slightly different grille. The hood could also receive a forward facing scoop (like the one on top of the page) or heat vents (such as the version featured at 2009 SEMA- directly above). Completing the package will be a new aggressive rear fascia, longer rear spoiler, exhaust cutouts, and “tuning-fork” 20-inch dubs.
The unofficial word at the GM headquarters, is this could be the baddest Camaro to come off the line since the ZL-1 COPO. As all good things must come with a very long wait, EPA certification will likely drag this beasts unveiling at your local GM dealer until the late 2011s. Considering the long line of VIP buyers that will be waiting at the door, don’t expect to get your hands on one until 2012.
Source: Motor Trend
