6th gen Camaro stuff: differentiating SS vs Z/28

[Z284ever]

I really don't know if we'll see a Z/28 on the 5th gen. Where would it go with both a 1LE and a ZL1 in the line up? But in conversations with Al O. and also really the rest of the crew on Team Camaro, I feel that they have an understanding of what a tremendous Camaro icon, the Z/28 brand is. I FULLY expect it's return on the 6th gen Camaro.

So....how would you differentiate Z/28 and SS in the Camaro line up, and do it effectively and cogently without cannibalization? First, let me preface by saying, that my gut feeling is the ZL1 is a once and done model, so it really comes down to the Z/28 and SS carrying the performance torch for the 6th generation Camaro.

SS: It's about volume performance and attainability. It's also about choices and having something for everyone. It should be lots of things to lots of people. Most people looking to get something sporty are neither willing nor able to pay the price of admission or ongoing expenses, or even live with a max effort performance car. They want something cool, something that performs well and something easy and fun to live with. So, let me don my flame suit here before I go on...... The Camaro SS doesn't necessarily need to come standard with a big V8, or even a V8 at all. What if it's standard engine was a performance version of the 2.0T and a 6.2L V8 were optional? I think the car would sell like crazy - just my humble opinion.

Z/28: Now a horse of a different color, no pun intended. This should be the max effort performance version of the Camaro, aimed DIRECTLY at the hardcore performance enthusiast. It would also get all of the magazine covers. It should carry racing bonafides, so Chevy should compete with it. It should have the best performance bits that GM can make for Alpha. Big brakes, fully developed chassis, unique " Z/28 Special Performance" engine and powertrain, the whole nine yards. A specific package for a specific mission. Yes, you'll pay for it. Certainly not for the faint hearted. And........with it's normally aspirated "Special Performance" 6.2L and fully developed chassis wrapped in a lightweight package.......wait for it.....it should outperform the current ZL1 in EVERY category.


Let's discuss......

[spd98]

I think regardless of what it's called you will see a "ZL1" type car on the 6th gen if there is a ATS/CTS V.

[Diggerdan11]

See back with the first Gen camaro, the z28 had the 302 and the SS had the 350 or 396. So I think the next Gen z28 should have a lightweight Turbo 6 and the SS should have the lt1 and hopefully they continue the zl1

[Railfan]

Didn't the original Camaro Z28 come with a high output smaller V8, while the Camaro SS had the larger (396) V8? If my memory is correct, then your recommendation is backwards, isn't it?

Edit: I see that Diggerdan beat me to it.

[oklapike]

Well...aren't there supposed to be two Gen V displacements (5.3 and 6.2)? Why not make a high-revving, high-output version of the 5.3L for a gen 6 Z28? I wouldn't be surprised if we do see a 5.3L displacement for cars anyway. Combine that with the 1LE and/or ZL1 suspension goodies, I think that would fit the bill nicely.

[PositiveAboutGM]

Perhaps tune the Z/28 for nimbleness, light on its feet, short gears, like an autocross champ. The baby turbo V6 would be nice here. Maybe a few features less to lose a few pounds.

Then set up the SS for accessible brute force. 6.2L only. Maybe the "Super" in "Super Sport" could be more premium features are available here.

Finally keep the ZL1 as the lower volume, track-ready ultimate road-race machine.

And ditch the LS so that "package" and badge will not longer be shared or associated with any other Chevrolet.

Just thinking aloud... (Well, clicky keyboard loud)

[Tone]

I think the SS does need to be a rumbling V8 and offer every comfort option available. From a production standpoint, the aim should be to sell as many up-option SS cars as possible. The SS should be a bit like a Harley: steeped in tradition and lifestyle, with lots of personality and personalization options.

The Z/28, like other Zs in the Chevy line up, should be a no-compromise turn-stop-go performance coupe. It should leave nothing on the table on a point-to-point race against a Boss Mustang or M3. It should be what the 911 GT3 is in the 911 line or the Z06 is in the Corvette line up. It should look purposeful, with minimal frippery -- leave that for the the SS. Like the Boss LS, I think there could be a more intense, race ready Z/28 1LE with no back seat, lower weight (less sound deadening, option deletes) and some further 'focus' for the folks who want the ultimate Z or track their cars on a regular basis.

The only thing missing is a stock-based racing class for these cars. I'd love to see stock-looking Z/28s, Boss Mustangs, reborn 'Cuda AARs, Genesis Coupes, etc mixing it up on the track!

[demonspeed]

I know people seem to immediately go back to the engine specs when discussing the 1st gen cars -- but it's not about the engine. One was a street bruiser while the other was made for the track (literally, that's why it existed).

I feel they can fit a Z28 between a SS and ZL1 for the 6th. It's no different than what Ford has done with the GT, Boss, and Shelby (or the Corvette with the base, Z06, and ZR1). Honestly, I'm not sure much more needs debated as the SS is the entry to big power, but stepping up to the Z28 is for those who are enthusiasts. Moving to the ZL1 is essentially having one's cake and eating it to.

[JBsZ06]

Supercharged V8 vs.. naturally aspirated LT1...

Not sure which one will be called SS, Z28 or ZL1....and which one will be left out of the mix.....

but I see turbo 4, V6, turbo v6, LT1, forced induction LT1..

PTM 5.... and 7 and 8 speed transmissions..

[Z284ever]

I think regardless of what it's called you will see a "ZL1" type car on the 6th gen if there is a ATS/CTS V.

By "ZL1 Type", do you mean a max performance version, or do you mean a heavy supercharged version?

[demonspeed]

Like the Boss LS, I think there could be a more intense, race ready Z/28 1LE with no back seat, lower weight (less sound deadening, option deletes) and some further 'focus' for the folks who want the ultimate Z or track their cars on a regular basis.

I agree with this. Perfect way to keep the 1LE around -- and it stays inline with 1LE's of 3rd and 4th gen lore.

[demonspeed]

And add a bit more oomph to the Z28 (over the SS) like what Ford has done to the Boss. Keep the supercharging for the ZL1.

[oklapike]

Leave the supercharging for a ZL1 (if they have one for gen 6), Z28 needs to be high-revving and naturally aspirated.

[Z284ever]

I think the SS does need to be a rumbling V8 and offer every comfort option available. From a production standpoint, the aim should be to sell as many up-option SS cars as possible. The SS should be a bit like a Harley: steeped in tradition and lifestyle, with lots of personality and personalization options.

The Z/28, like other Zs in the Chevy line up, should be a no-compromise turn-stop-go performance coupe. It should leave nothing on the table on a point-to-point race against a Boss Mustang or M3. It should be what the 911 GT3 is in the 911 line or the Z06 is in the Corvette line up. It should look purposeful, with minimal frippery -- leave that for the the SS. Like the Boss LS, I think there could be a more intense, race ready Z/28 1LE with no back seat, lower weight (less sound deadening, option deletes) and some further 'focus' for the folks who want the ultimate Z or track their cars on a regular basis.

The only thing missing is a stock-based racing class for these cars. I'd love to see stock-looking Z/28s, Boss Mustangs, reborn 'Cuda AARs, Genesis Coupes, etc mixing it up on the track!

Yeah, can a you imagine a race series like that? Let's throw in the M3 for good measure.

[ChevyRules]

My dream Z/28 would be a lighter version of the SS and the engine being the LS7.

I know the LS7 is probably more dream than reality( with FE, still being a Gen IV engine, etc), but it is the perfect motor for the Z/28 and still leaves room for the ZL1. You have the LT1 SS with 450 HP, then have the Z/28 with the LS7 at 505 HP with its 7,000 RPM redline, then the ZL1 with a detuned version of the next ZR1's engine.

Having the Z/28 being the highest most powerful version of the Camaro will be hard to make it lighter than the SS since it would need to use the S/C engine and that will add weight.