2015 Camaro Commemorative Edition Debuts at SEMA

Sun, Nov 2 2014  - LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet revealed the 2015 Camaro Commemorative Edition at the SEMA Show today. The special edition celebrates the success of the fifth-generation Camaro – which is on track to be America’s best-selling performance car for five consecutive years – and marks the final year for the fifth generation. The special edition goes on sale this spring.

Photo: Chevrolet

More than 400,000 fifth-generation Camaros have been sold since April 2009. Since then, Camaro has been America’s best-selling performance car for four consecutive years. Camaro sales for the first 10 months of 2014 are up 8 percent over the same period a year ago, and Camaro currently leads Mustang by 10,000 sales – putting Camaro on track to be America’s favorite performance car for a fifth consecutive year.

“The fifth-generation Camaro was a success from the moment it was introduced, in attracting both long-time Camaro fans and new buyers who have never owned a Chevrolet,” said Todd Christensen, Camaro Marketing Manager. “We wanted to create a special edition Camaro that celebrates that success as the fifth generation comes to a close as the end of the model year.”

The 2015 Camaro Commemorative Special Edition is available on 2LT and 2SS coupes and convertibles and includes the RS package.

The exterior features of the Commemorative Edition include unique 20-inch wheels; exclusive stripe; body-color front splitter; ZL1 rear spoiler; and Commemorative Edition fender emblems.

Photo: Chevrolet

Five exterior color combinations are available: Black with Cyber Gray stripe, Silver Ice Metallic with Cyber Gray stripe, Summit White with silver stripe, Ashen Gray Metallic with silver stripe and Red Hot with black stripe. SS models receive a body-color hood insert.

The new Adrenaline Red interior, only offered on the Commemorative Edition, features adrenaline red and black leather seating surfaces, adrenaline red instrument panel insert and red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob, shift boot, door trim armrest and center console lid. Additional details exclusive to the Commemorative Edition include a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel and Commemorative Edition sill plates.

Photo: Chevrolet

Fifth-generation Camaro special editions

The Commemorative Edition builds on the fifth-generation Camaro’s legacy of uniquely equipped, limited-run models with custom-inspired exterior and interior appointments. Previous special editions included:

• Camaro Transformers (2010 and 2012)
• Camaro Indy Pace Car (2010 and 2011)
• Camaro Synergy Series (2011)
• Camaro Neiman Marcus Edition (2011)
• Camaro Synergy Series (2012)
• Camaro 45th Anniversary (2012)
• Camaro Dusk (2013)
• Camaro Hot Wheels Edition (2013).

Since its introduction, the Camaro line has expanded to nine distinct models:

The 323-horsepower V-6-powered LS coupe and LT coupe and convertible – including the 2LS with an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway – which match performance with efficiency.

The SS coupe and convertible come with Chevy’s legendary small-block V-8, featuring a 6.2L engine delivering up to 426 horsepower and 0-60 acceleration 4.7 seconds.

The road-racing-inspired Camaro 1LE performance package for SS coupe (manual transmission only), with unique gearing, suspension tuning and tires that make it capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration.

The Camaro ZL1 (coupe and convertible), which is at home on the race track, the drag strip or daily commuting. It features a supercharged 6.2L V-8 with 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque – making the ZL1 the most powerful Camaro ever from Chevrolet. It is also the most technologically advanced, with standard Magnetic Ride Control and, on coupe models, Performance Traction Management.

The Camaro Z/28 – the most track-capable Camaro ever. It features exterior elements designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the car against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times. Motor Trend named it their Best Driver’s Car for 2014.   

Chevrolet has also offered the COPO Camaro since 2012, a hand-built race car designed exclusively for drag racing. It’s the first purpose-built Camaro race car from Chevy and the quickest Camaro ever from the factory. Only 69 were built in 2012, 2013 and 2014, with 69 planned for 2015.

Join the social conversation at #CHEVYSEMA.

RPO changes for the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro

2014 was a big year with the front and rear refresh and, oh yeah, the new Camaro Z/28. 2015 marks the fifth model year since the return of the Chevrolet Camaro.

With models like SS, 1LE, ZL1 returning, Two colors are discontinued, Deep Magenta Metallica and Blue Ray Metallic.  A new color will be offered, Blue Velvet Metallic.

GM Accessories will have two new LPO options, Illuminated Foot Wells and Spoiler Extension.

Changes to the offering include;  the rear tonneau cover on the 2LT convertible will now be optional rather than standard. RS package 20" wheels will now be painted bright silver.

2015 Camaro SS
GM Media

Camaro stop delivery order for ignition key issue

GM issued a Stop Delivery Order to all GM dealers yesterday, June 12, 2014. Apparently this ignition key issue impacts all 2010-2014 Chevrolet Camaro models on their lots. 

Maybe GM should use the push button start on more cars like the Camaro?

GM Media image

Update 6/14/14

GM has issued a recall for all 2010-2014 Camaro models (roughly 500,000 units). This appears to be a precautionary decision to prevent any injuries or accidents that could potentially result.  We've driven Camaros, one would need to TRY to have any part of their body hit the swtichblade key assembly. Many other Camaro owners have posted images and videos of their Camaro online showing this same thing.

GM has informed the media that this is unrelated to the earlier recall involving Chevy Cobalt and similar vehicles. The ignition system meets all GM safety engineering specifications.

We are hearing mixed reports on a fix. One is GM replacing the ignition cylinder in the vehicle steering column allowing users to retain their original 'switch blade' design key fob / key assembly.  The other option is GM replacing the switch blade assembly with a more traditional key with the key fob featured built into the head of the key itself, this would eliminate the moving/swivel parts.

Stay tuned for more developments as they are released.

Below is the GM STOP order shared online this week.

Update 6/25/14

A Chevy dealer posted the following key configuration online today. Have you had your key replaced yet? Let us know about your experience.

Problem with LSA superchargers?

According to General Motors, the Eaton supercharger on the 6.2l LSA motors found in the 2009 - 2013 Cadillac CTS-V and the 2012 - 2013 Camaro ZL1 models may not function properly, causing the unit to develop a noticeable rattle noise at idle. The noise will normally go away when the engine revs start to rise, but the problem, if left unresolved, may lead to contamination of the internal shaft bearing grease and cause the bearing to squeal over time. This could lead to the bearing overheating, which in turn could cause the engine to seize or simply fail to start.

Image Source: GM Media

GM dealers will replace the supercharger at no charge. Vehicle owners will receive a Special Coverage Adjustment for the problem. This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle is sent in to receive the new supercharger, regardless of ownership.

For more details, contact GM at 1-800-458-8006. You man also contact your local GM dealer if you have any questions.

2014 COPO Camaro and Weld Wheels

Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices. GM made the announcement at SEMA 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. 

Looking to purchase one of the exclusive models? Visit ChevroletPerformance.com for detalis.

Weld Racing confirmed recently that their forged wheel, which was shown on the concept vehicle at SEMA, will come as standard equipment on the 69 models built the 2014 model year. The wheels, of which full-scale production began back in March, are direct descendants of the revolutionary new Delta-1 drag racing wheels that Weld Racing developed and released for the Top Fuel Dragsters and Funny Cars, Pro Stockers, and Pro Modified cars, two years ago.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production run – the only one to be painted Ice Blue Metallic – was auctioned off for charity by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson’s annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. The car sold for $700,000 with the proceeds going to charity.

From the GM Media Press Release:

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the General Motors Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros, including the same body in white body shells (part number 19243374) racers can purchase from Chevrolet Performance, along with other COPO-specific parts, to build their own dedicated race car. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

The newly designed racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type supercharger. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. Customers select the engine based on their intended NHRA racing class. They can also purchase all four engines, each serialized to match the car.

The 2014 COPO Camaro also includes new racing seats, updated graphics and a new, available wheel design.

“The COPO Camaro contingent was strong at the first Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in 2013 and we expect an even larger turnout with the new cars in 2014,” said Campbell. “The new engines will make the racing more exciting and COPO drivers more competitive.”

Expanded COPO crate engine lineup
The same high-performance engines used in the COPO Camaro production race cars are available as crate engines for racers building their own Camaro race cars. Each is engineered for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes, offering sportsman racers a range of factory-developed-and-assembled racing engines.

The COPO crate engine family grows to five for 2014 and includes a naturally aspirated 427 7.0L engine, two 5.3L supercharged 327 engines – a new combination using a Whipple twin-screw 2.9L supercharger and the other using a 4.0L Whipple supercharger – and all-new 396-cubic-inch and 350-cubic-inch naturally aspirated engines. Each is assembled by hand at GM’s Wixom, Mich., racing engine shop. 

The 427, 396 and 350 engines are designed to cover NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes from E to AA. Curb weight adjustments are the primary requirement for class qualification.

Chevrolet Performance engineers designed and tested the engines with the same methods used to develop production engines, ensuring their performance and durability. A Holley engine management system is included with each engine.

Genuine GM Accessories 88958767 COPO Camaro Build Book provides an insider’s look at the assembly of the production race cars through hundreds of color photos. Additionally, the book includes detailed specifications for NHRA classification and descriptions of the aftermarket parts and their manufacturers used for the production vehicles. Important start-up, warm-up and pre-/post-race procedures are also included as well as fluid and maintenance recommendations. The book is available from Chevrolet Performance retailers.

Racing enthusiasts interested in more information on the COPO program can follow the latest COPO information at theblock.com – the online automotive community powered by Chevrolet Performance.

2014 Camaro Z/28 on the dyno

Is the new Camaro Z/28 what it's cracked up to be?  While this is just one dyno test, it gives us an idea what type of power to expect.

Redline Motorsports of Pompano Beach, Florida takes us through a visual tour and a dyno pull to give a quick baseline. This is one beautiful car with impressive numbers to match.

Checkout the video below and let us know what you think. With 455 Horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels, did GM hit the mark?

Camaro Z/28 SOLD OUT and parts restrictions

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 was priced at $75,000 MSRP. Many 'enthusiasts' bawked and posted all over social media on what a bad idea that was.  "Who will pay that", "What is GM thinking?"

Chevrolet recently announced all 500 units are sold, spoken for, no longer available. Not bad for an expensive Camaro.  Chevrolet announced they plan to produce 2,500 2015 versions (orders opening soon, contact your Chevy dealer for details), but we all know the 2014 will be the 'year to have' for collectors.

image courtesy of GM Media

In addition to selling out for 2014, Chevrolet recently announced certain Z/28 specific parts will be on limited availability to GM dealers. Want to make your car look like a Z/28? Things just got more difficult. Obviously a move to thwart cloning and to help keep the premium priced vehicles 'exclusive', the following 35 parts will be impacted:

1. 22958646 ROTOR-FRT BRK
2. 22958647 ROTOR-RR BRK
3. 22958658 CALIPER ASM-FRT BRK
4. 22958607 CALIPER ASM-FRT BRK
5. 22958637 CALIPER ASM-RR BRK
6. 22958634 CALIPER ASM-RR BR
7. 23179350 MOLDING ASM-RKR PNL
8. 23179351 MOLDING ASM-RKR PNL
9. 23487228 SCOOP ASM-HOOD AIR
10. 22968220 ESCUTCHEON – FRT GRL EMB
11. 23468210 EMBLEM – FRT GRILL
12. 22954889 WHEEL ASM-STRG
13. 22873225 WHEEL-FRT
14. 22873227 WHEEL-RR
15. 23179322 FLARE ASM-F/FDR
16. 23179323 FLARE ASM-F/FDR
17. 23179324 FLARE ASM-RR WHL OPG
18. 23179325 FLARE ASM-RR WHL OPG
19. 23172755 DIFFERENTIAL ASM
20. 23172756 DIFFERENTIAL ASM
21. 22908036 EMBLEM ASM – E/Gate
22. 22908498 EMBLEM ASM – FRT GRL
23. 22894294 SEAT ASM-FRT
24. 22894302 SEAT ASM-FRT
25. 23473010 SHAFT ASM-RR WHL DRV
26. 23473011 SHAFT ASM-RR WHL DRV
27. 23468208 GRILLE – FRT UPR
28. 22925211 PLATE – F/FDR VEH NA
29. 22972716 COVER – D/SEAT BK
30. 22972708 COVER – P/SEAT BK
31. 12653293 SHIELD – INT MANIF SIGHT 12653294 SHIELD – INT MANIF SIGHT
32. 23104737 SPOILER – F/END 22997723 FASCIA – FRT BPR
33. 22985096 FASCIA – RR BPR LWR
34. 22968219 COVER – FRT FOG LP OPG
35. 22966600 COVER – A/CL HSG 23468209 PLATE – FRT GRL EMB BKG.

(parts list provided by hotrod.com)

Drake front grille bowtie replacement

With a sea of aftermarket parts available for the 2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro available, one of our favorite exterior mods is still the OEM GM Heritage Grille.

We recently ran across Drake Muscle Car accessories. They offer a very unique front grille treatment, a replacement for the ugly GOLD Chevrolet Bowtie emblem. This blends in with the egg crate Camaro grille to finish it off very nicely.

Image Source: Drake Automotive Group

Drake Part Number CA-190005-BTD.
For more info on this and other Camaro goodies, visit drakeautomotivegroup.com.

2014 Camaro Spring Special Edition

Continuing a tradition of introducing special-edition production models at the 2013 SEMA Show, Chevrolet introduces the 2014 Spring Special Edition. Shown in its Camaro SS convertible version below, the limited-production package will be offered in up-level 2LT and 2SS trims in coupe and convertible configurations. 

Word on the street is these cars are arriving at dealers now. Keep an eye out and let us know when you see one.

Image courtesy GM Media

Image courtesy GM Media

• Summit White exterior with a Unique Blue Ray Stripe
• Camaro ZL1 body color spoiler
• Chevrolet Accessories ground effects package PN# 22986845
• Chevrolet Accessories grille (black) PN# 22965834
• Chevrolet Accessories grille decals PN# 20972524
• Chevrolet Accessories 21" wheels Front PN# 19302759 Rear PN# 19302758
• Hood Louver painted Blue Ray to match stripe
• RS Appearance Package Elements (HID Headlamps & LED Tail lamps)
• Blue fabric convertible top
• Blue accent leather interior w/Blue accent stitching
• Chevrolet Accessories floor mats, Black w/silver CAMARO logo PN#92221512
• SS cars - 6.2l V8 with 429 HP (Manual) or 400 HP (Auto)
• Available Dual Mode Exhaust

New Camaro ZL1 takes a swim

News affiliates in Houston,Texas report a driver and his new 2014 Camaro ZL1 through a fence and into the community pool.  Reports say it was accidental (hit gas instead of the brake), a witness says the driver lost control.

Let's hope the VIN is recorded properly so a future owner is aware.

See the video on click2houston.com

Mother of all Camaro bunouts

Steve Nogas ripped out an awesome burnout at Melbourne Autofest in his Killer Bee aka "KILLA-B - Bumblebee's evil brother" Chevrolet Camaro. This maybe the coolest burnout video we have seen yet.

Decepticon or Autobot? You decide. This 2010 Camaro is in Austraila, converted to right hand drive and all, started as a Yellow V6 car. Exterior is covered in a 3M Designer Wraps matte black.  The car was officially released at the Meguiar's MotorEx 2012 at the Sydney Olympic Park.

Steve, once banned from the event, created this Camaro to stand out from the rest. Check out the background and some great images of the car and build at FreeStyleRides.com


 

Gen 5 Camaro Performance Parts

As if GM wasn't making enough waves in the performance car market, they release a list of go-fast parts for your 2010-2014 Camaro that will NOT void your factory warranty. 

It's rumored on the interweb this week that the new 2014 Camaro Z/28 warranty DOES cover the vehicle during track use. We have yet to confirm this with the General, stay tuned!

Below is from GM Media:

Factory engineered Chevrolet accessories can preserve vehicle warranty

DETROIT – Chevrolet Performance has released a comprehensive collection of factory-engineered performance parts and accessories for fifth-generation Camaros, 2010 model year and newer. Many of the parts preserve the vehicle warranty when installed by a Chevrolet dealer – an advantage aftermarket installers cannot provide.

The portfolio of parts is designed to make "Gen 5" Camaro V-6 and SS models more capable on the street and track and includes components from the high-performance Camaro ZL1 and the road racing-oriented Camaro SS 1LE package.

For customers interested in drag racing or high-horsepower projects, Chevrolet Performance offers the new ZL1 rear driveline system. It is the strongest independent rear axle option available for the Camaro, featuring a 9.9-inch rear differential mounted in a robust cast iron center section (vs. the aluminum center section in SS and V-6 models) and additional high-strength components.

For customers interested in road-racing or improved handling, Chevrolet Performance offers suspension components from the Camaro 1LE, which is homologated for competition in SCCA’s T2 class. The same components in the Chevrolet Performance 1LE Track Pack enabled a production Camaro SS 1LE to circle Virginia International Raceway in less than three minutes.

Image courtesy of GM Media

“Chevrolet Performance is the first stop for owners building a competitive, durable Camaro for the track,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. “These Chevrolet Performance parts are based on Chevrolet factory-validated production components that were tested on racetracks and validated to standards unmatched in the aftermarket industry. Quite simply, they’re tailored for improved performance and built to the highest standards.”

The parts are available directly from Chevrolet dealers, which can be found on the dealer locator at chevroletperformance.com or chevrolet.com.

Camaro ZL1 components:

• ZL1 front brake kit for Camaro SS (part number 22959672) – It includes racing-style front two-piece, 14.6-inch front rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers with aluminum housings and ZL1 logo. The kit includes two rotors, two calipers, brake pads and mounting hardware. It is a direct replacement for Camaro SS. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 rear brake kit for Camaro SS (part number 23104466) – It complements the ZL1 front brake kit with ZL1-logo calipers. The kit includes two calipers, brake pads and installation hardware. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 front/rear brake kit for Camaro V-6 (part number 22989384) – Upgrades the front and rear brakes for 2010-and-later Camaro V-6 models with the 14.6-inch front and 14.4-inch rear brake components from the ZL1. The kit includes two front, two-piece rotors and six-piston calipers, two rear single-piece rotors and four-piston calipers, brake pads, master cylinder and installation hardware. Twenty-inch wheels are required for caliper clearance. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 short-throw shifter (part number 19299460) – Quicker, more precise-feeling gear changes are enabled by the ZL1’s 5.1-ratio shifter. It is a direct replacement for the six-speed manual transmission shifter in the Camaro SS. Does not void vehicle warranty. ZL1 low-restriction air filter element (part number 92229651) – Direct replacement for the air filter element in 2010-13 Camaro SS models, enhancing LS3/L99 engine performance by reducing induction restrictions. It does not void the vehicle warranty.
• ZL1 fuel pump (part number 19260557) – Fits all 2010-and-later SS and V-6 models. This twin-pump design is designed meet the high-rpm fuel requirements of a supercharged engine. It delivers approximately 250 liters per hour at 65 psi (450 kPa).
• ZL1 rear driveline system (part number 22959394 for manuals and 22959395 for automatics) – This is the ZL1’s complete rear axle system, which is significantly stronger than the Camaro SS rear axle system. The kit includes a larger, stronger 9.9-inch ring gear with a heavy-duty limited-slip differential in a cast iron housing; stronger driveshaft and stronger asymmetrical half-shafts, which include a 60mm hollow shaft on the right and a 33mm solid shaft on the left. Their different torsional stiffness rates work in conjunction with the limited-slip differential to minimize the chance of wheel hop at launch. The kit is a direct bolt-in for the Camaro SS and V-6 models, although additional parts may be required for installation. Manual transmission kits feature a 3.73 axle ratio and automatic transmission kits have a 3.23 ratio.

Camaro 1LE components:

• 1LE Track Pack (part number 23123398 for V-6 and 23123397 for SS) – This suspension kit features the same suspension components used in the production 1LE performance package. Content includes a larger, 27mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body roll, retuned front struts and new monotube rear shocks for improved body and wheel control, and stiffer toe links and rear shock mounts for improved performance. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.
• 1LE strut tower brace (part number 22756880) – This bolt-on component fits 2011-and-later Camaro SS and V-6 models, delivering greater stiffness to the front body structure to enhance the turn-in feel and supports quicker, more direct-feeling steering inputs. Does not void vehicle warranty.
• 1LE PCV valve (part number 12653073) – Ensures oil separation and drain-back during high-load cornering. Does not void vehicle warranty.

Camaro SS components:

• SS brake kit for Camaro V-6 (part number 23120542) – Upgrades the front and rear brakes for 2010-and-later Camaro V-6 models with the Brembo front and rear brake components from the SS. It is a more economical option for customers who want greater brake performance, but don’t need the performance of the ZL1 brakes. The kit includes two front rotors and calipers, two rear rotors and calipers, brake pads, master cylinder and installation hardware. It works with production chassis controls, including StabiliTrak, traction control and antilock brakes, and does not void the vehicle warranty.

LS3 heads / LS7 camshaft package (part number 19300535)

Developed by the same powertrain engineers who work on Chevrolet’s motorsports programs, this power-building kit was developed as a direct replacement for the factory-installed heads and camshaft on 2010-and-later Camaro SS models, adding up to 40 horsepower. The kit includes CNC-ported LS3 cylinder heads, which flow more than 350 cfm (intake side) with 276cc intake runners and 2.165/1.590-inch valves. The high-lift LS7 camshaft makes the most of the heads’ airflow capabilities, with 0.558/0.558-inch lift and 211 degrees/230 degrees duration at 0.050-inch and a 121-degree lobe separation angle. Contents include the camshaft and fully assembled cylinder heads. Head gaskets and cylinder head bolts must be purchased separately. Tuning is required. This kit fits other LS-family engines with at least 4.000-inch bores.

COPO components for the drag strip

Chevrolet Performance also offers many of the specialty and high-performance components used in the COPO Camaro, allowing racers to build their own Camaro race car. They include components such as the unique COPO Camaro hood (part number 22950678) and COPO-logo gauges.

For the latest news on the COPO Program and new parts, sign up for the COPO Camaro mailing list at chevroletperformance.com.

About Chevrolet Performance

Driven by more than 100 years of motorsports heritage, Chevrolet Performance fuels the passions of automotive enthusiasts through high-performance vehicles, parts and racing. Performance cars include Camaro SS, SS 1LE, ZL1, Z/28 and the COPO Camaro. Chevrolet Performance parts include crate engines, transmissions, controllers and street-level components. Chevrolet competes in NASCAR, NHRA, ALMS, GRAND-AM, IndyCar and a variety of circle track racing series.

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Flowtie

It's all about the details at General Motors. The latest innovation is the Chevrolet 'Flowtie' exclusively used on the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

Images: Chevrolet Media

GM Powertrain Cooling Development engineer Richard Quinn noticed the bowtie emblem in the grille of the Z/28 was displacing air away from the radiator which impacts engine cooling. After some quick modification to remove the gold fill of the bowtie emblem, leaving a chrome outline, they found the airflow improved and added three additional cubic meters of air per minute. This allowed the coolant and engine oil temperature to drop by 2°F during extended track sessions. Thus the Flowtie was born.

We consider this a bonus as we aren't fans of the gold bowtie Chevrolet has come so happy with. We've even replaced the gold bowtie on our Trailblazer SS using a billet bowtie made right here in the USA.

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 arrives in dealerships this spring and the Flowtie is standard equipment.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Priced at $75,000

DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will go on sale this spring with a suggested retail price of $75,000, including a $995 destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.

The new Z/28 is offered in five exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White. Only a single option is available: A $1,150 package that adds air conditioning and four audio speakers. The standard Z/28 package includes one speaker.

“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars, including a revamped Camaro SS and supercharged ZL1, as well as the SS sedan, Corvette Stingray convertible and 2015 Corvette Z06, which we’ll introduce at the North American International Auto Show next week."

Images courtesy of GM Media Archives

The Z/28’s unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the tires against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times. The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course that was four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1’s and beat published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Power comes from the 7.0L LS7 engine, with dry-sump oiling, rated at an SAEcertified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm). The engine is built by hand at the new Performance Build Center within GM’s Bowling Green assembly plant.

A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs, for optimal traction. The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, allowing drivers to adjust the level of throttle and braking intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

The Camaro Z/28 is also one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers, which allow four-way damping control, enabling engineers to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range also allows dramatically greater damper stiffness without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer spring and bushing rates for improved cornering response. Lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires reduce unsprung weight by 49.6 pounds (22.5 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1.

The massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires represent the first production-car application in the industry and are believed to be the widest front tire on any production car. To fully exploit their grip, the Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kg) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve at least 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use.

Interior details

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish called Octane, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts. The seats feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. Nine pounds, or four kilograms, were saved by eliminating the seat-back pass-through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

Additional examples of weight savings include:

• Elimination of the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
• Removal of some interior sound deadener, as well as trunk carpet
• Use of a smaller, lighter battery
• Thinner rear-window glass – 3.2 mm vs. the standard 3.5 mm
• Elimination of high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and fog lights
• No air conditioning except as part of the single option package.

The Camaro Z/28 will be available to order in late January with the first cars delivered to customers in the spring. 

Rights to the first Camaro Z/28, VIN 0001, will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. on January 18.

The Z/28’s suggested retail price includes destination and freight charges, as well as the gas-guzzler tax.