Camaro Z28: It’s Real.
If you've read any articles of mine concerning the possibility of a Z28 before, you've noticed just how skeptical I have always been. Well, today, I drop that skepticism completely and trade it in for a nice set of unbridled optimism! The Camaro Z28 is very, very, real, and we now have spy shots of a tester to prove it.
Captured out in the wild running comparison tests with other Camaros and a Mustang GT 500, these images show a beautiful, supercharged, 6.2L, automatic transmission machine in full spy car camo. Even through the camo, the very large front intake screens are obvious. Couple that with the more aggressive front chin spoiler, rear diffuser, and quad-exit exhaust system (also the bad-ass black 5-spoke 20" wheels), and you have got a gorgeous looking vehicle there.
The knowledge that this is a Supercharged 6.2L V8 also leads to some speculation. We can safely assume that it's not an LS9, as that monster is reserved for the ZR1 and the ZR1 only. The LSA, with its 556BHP, seems very likely though, as that number puts it right in line with the 550HP Mustang GT500, against which it is being tested. It could of course be a new Supercharged LS3 or LS99, but it seems more likely, with the LSA on the books, they would use that powerhouse for the Camaro Z28. If they are, that's great news, as reviews for that engine are fantastic. With the wide-open quad exhaust on the Camaro as well, and some tuning, they've probably got a few extra Horsies out of the LSA past what the Cadillac version of it was pushing. All in all, this news is incredibly exciting, and leads itself to wonderful dreams and worthwhile speculation. So, what do you think?
Big SEMA Update! Pictures galore!
Well, it's the end of the week and I have received a ton of pictures and info from SEMA on some of the different Camaros that were shown there. I'm going to post some today, and expect more to come in the following week! Below are some of my favorites and details on each one:
Apparently DSO Eyewear customized this Camaro to support the active Urban lifestyle. I sort of thought the Camaro did that already, but never the less, they did a good job on some customization touches here. The window trim looks great, and the sound system inside is a big step up from the stock Camaro entertainment system (that is, entertainment not pertaining to the actual thrill of driving). The polished stainless touches on the side skirts and rear bumper/diffuser are a nice addition as well.
This Camaro Dusk is finished in a fantastic dark metallic blue, which works really well on the car. The ground effects, while subtle, are a great touch for the Camaro. The custom interior looks fantastic, and is a nice touch to the vehicle as well. The performance bonuses are minor, with a custom Billet exhaust being the only major performance touch for the vehicle, but with a car that looks that good and already performs as spectacularly as it does, we wont hold that against them.
Ok, so, this next one was a little disappointing to see. That Camaro that websites were saying would be the next Z28 (and I must admit, I bought in to the hype also) was in actuality a custom Camaro made by Chevy for America's most famous car collector: Jay Leno.
I must admit, the vehicle looks great and I am certain Mr. Leno is ecstatic to be the owner of it, but it did disappoint me a good bit to learn that it was not the Z28. Outfitted with twin Turbometrics turbos, Tremec 6060 6-Speed Transmission, and just about every customizable under the sun (Exhaust, intake, pressure plate, discs, hood, fog lamps, lip soiler, rear rocker, rear diffuser, and more), this is definitely one of the prize Camaros at the event. Maybe they will use this as a basis for creating the Z28, I like the styling a lot.
Ok, here's one more for today, and expect more to come still:
Well, I said the Leno Camaro was one of the prize machines at all of SEMA, but this right here is the baddest of the bad! This Camaro 2Go by Rick Bottom designs has a list of modifications too long for me to duplicate here. I'll give you the short-hand version though: extremely custom look, extremely custom suspension, braking, handling, performance, everything. Just how custom is it? How about 1000+HP Vortech Supercharged with suspension built to handle over 1G of force on a skid-pad. ARH full Exhaust system, Fedoro and Baer brake components are just a few other awesome components to the vehicle. That sick enough for you? Yeah, I thought it would be.
Anyways, keep up with me as I give you more from SEMA in the week to follow.