Z28: Almost here...

[BigAls87Z28]

The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Returns
The Ultimate Camaro is Ready to Go. But There's One Small Problem...

By Mike Connor

http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2009/16929811+pheader/112_0904_02l+chevrolet_camaro_ss+rendering.jpg


GMI's Take: A GT500 fighter through and through...but not following the image and history of the Z28 model. It should be a Z car, but perhaps another type of Z car.

These are strange times at post-bailout GM. Having taken taxpayer money, the company is no longer master of its own destiny. It was bad enough when, late last year, new-model programs were halted to conserve dwindling cash reserves. Now, though, there's another thread running through GM's product planning process: not, should we build this vehicle, but is this a vehicle we should be seen to be building?

The Camaro Z/28 is one of those vehiclesSources inside GM say the new Z/28 is basically done. The image you see on these pages is very close to the final signed-off design, based on photos of a scale clay model we've seen. Key details to note are the deeper front bumper fascia, with larger front aperture under the grille and the spotlights mounted in deep vents on either side. The Z/28 also gets a different grille mesh compared with the standard Camaro's.

At the rear is a taller lip spoiler that runs the full width of the car. A new rear-bumper fascia features a deeper section with integrated exhaust outlets. The wheels are 20-inchers with an aggressive "tuning-fork" five-spoke pattern.

A new hood features a large, forward-facing scoop. Underneath is the 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V-8 that also powers the Cadillac CTS-V. As we have already confirmed, this is quite a powerplant, delivering 556 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3800 rpm. The Z/28 will also share the CTS-Vs six speed manual and automatic transmissions.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2009/112_0904_chevrolet_camaro_z28_returns/index.html

[Knipps]

Dear Santa, if you really exist...

[LTb1ow]

Holy shiiiit!!!


I want! That hook looks bad ass.

[ar0ck]

Just needs new wheels and we're a go for launch!

[Blackbirdws6]

yea....that will work

[Tru2Chevy]

Not sure I'm liking the hood....too much like the 4th gen SS hood. Otherwise it's killer.

- Justin

[BigAls87Z28]

Not a fan. Its a Camaro GT500. Not what I wanted in a car with a Z28 lable.

[Tru2Chevy]

Not a fan. Its a Camaro GT500. Not what I wanted in a car with a Z28 lable.

As much as we all wanted a slightly higher powered stripped down race car, I think we all pretty much knew that wasn't gonna happen.

- Justin

[BonzoHansen]

that hood is a chunk blower.

Now let's just hope GM still exists to build it.

[sweetbmxrider]

spotlights eh? i love everything but the wheels. this is on my to acquire list.

[maroman88]

well then its a good thing they bumped the gt500 up to 540hp this year.... LOL

[Tru2Chevy]

well then its a good thing they bumped the gt500 up to 540hp this year.... LOL

Not that it will help much.... :twisted:

- Justin

[Dilley]

absolutely love it i was never a fan of the new camaro till now that thing is gorgeous i mean its rare that a car comes stock with nice wheels plus the stock ones are too big but otherwise amazing

[FIcamaroRE92]

This just threw me over the fence, I WANT one. if they ever do come out....

[BigAls87Z28]

Why am I not surprised...

I think its gauty and overbearing. The car itself is so hot and sexy, but this big bulky hood and multifacited lower facia looks like the guy who designed the last gen Trans Am is still alive and well in the halls of GM's design department.

[Camvill]

delivering 556 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 551 pound-feet of torque at 3800 rpm. :drool:

[Knipps]

The car itself is so hot and sexy, but this big bulky hood and multifacited lower facia looks like the guy who designed the last gen Trans Am is still alive and well in the halls of GM's design department.
The last gen trans ams are dead sexy, that's why it's still in the design department :lol:

[KirkEvil]

Still not a fan of the new camaro...SC 6.2L is nice though

[NastyEllEssWon]

this pushed me over the edge. i am now a fan of the new maro

[Knipps]

this pushed me over the edge. i am now a fan of the new maro
you forgot a few letters

[BigAls87Z28]

The last gen trans ams are dead sexy, that's why it's still in the design department :lol:

:puke:

I hope that if they bring this out, they change the name to ZL1.

[NJSPEEDER]

Once again, get rid of the HUGE friggin bow tie and put a Z28 badge in the middle of the grill. Also not digging the hood.

I think it is funny that they are gonna bill this as this GT500 fighter. The current release of the SS will give the GT500 a run for the money, adding over 100hp is gonna call for some murder charges, it just won't be fair. lol

[Knipps]

Once again, get rid of the HUGE friggin bow tie and put a Z28 badge in the middle of the grill. Also not digging the hood.

I think it is funny that they are gonna bill this as this GT500 fighter. The current release of the SS will give the GT500 a run for the money, adding over 100hp is gonna call for some murder charges, it just won't be fair. lol
Down under they like to throw those huge friggin bowties on Holdens :lol:

[mc73nova]

I like it. As fas as the hood, I like that too, I would actually like to see some commission for creating that style hood! We made a hood for my brothers Camaro like that 3 years ago. I have the same style now on my Nova, like it or not we picked up 2 tenths with that design.

[MonmouthCtyAntz]

Like everything but the wheels, ill probably pick up a 2012 or something

[Frosty]

adding over 100hp is gonna call for some murder charges, it just won't be fair. lol

Hopefully GM will be out on bail or parole in order to build it....it's not sounding too good :(

[Pampered-Z]

UM, it's just a drawing right? I think I'll hold judgement until I see one in person.

[BonzoHansen]

I would not be surprised if it never came

[BonzoHansen]

DEAD - at least for a while.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2009/02/gm-shuts-down-high-performance-vehicle-operations.html

GM Shuts Down High Performance Vehicle Operations

Chrysler to Can Three Models: But Which Three? Chrysler to Can Three...
GM Shuts Down High Performance Vehicle Operations

By Colum Wood, Wednesday February 2009 , As: bailout, Cadillac CTS-V, chevy cobalt ss, gm high performance vehicle operations, viability plan, Vince Muniga

As a part of GM’s restructuring plan the company has made the drastic decision to “temporarily” close its High Performance Vehicle Operations department.

“All high-performance projects are on indefinite hold,” said spokesman Vince Muniga to Auto News “The engineers are moving into different areas of the organization, and they will work on Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs.”

GM’s High Performance Vehicle Operations Department is responsible for many of the amazing vehicles that have come out of the company in recent years, including the Chevy Cobalt SS and the V-Series Cadillacs.

Generally the department deals with developing all SS models, including the upcoming Camaro SS. With the exception of that vehicle Muniga said that General Motors has no plans to release high performance versions of any new cars.

I guess we can kiss goodbye any hopes of a V-Series CTS Coupe then…

The decision was made as a part of GM’s viability plan, which strictly states that the company’s focus will be on fuel efficient cars and crossovers. GM has also said it would offer 14 hybrid models by 2012 and 26 hybrid models by 2014.

Muniga did say that the High Performance Vehicle Operations department could be reinstated once GM reaches profitability, however, we’re certain some of the better talent responsible for vehicles as impressive as the new Cadillac CTS-V will be searching for work elsewhere rather than engineering econoboxes. It’s also likely some other manufacturers might be head-hunting those qualified individuals.

[Source: AutoNews]

[jims69camaro]

neither of these stories, as conflicting as they are, surprise me in the least. for GM to be saying, "should we be seen building this car" pretty much puts a halt on anything over 600 hp, including the corvette. they don't "want to be seen" building cars like that - they want to be seen as environmentally responsible, building multi-fuel vehicles and electric-hybrids. now that they have "taken the tax-payer's money", they need to be seen making something that is "good" for the consumer, not the over-the-edge cars that enthusiasts are still screaming for...

[V]

if its a go, ill have one when i return to the US.... 'nuff said....

[BurninrubberGT]

spoiler looks BA from that angle