Speculation: Will the Z/28 come before the ZL1?
 

So in the 5th gen, the ZL1 came out before the Z/28, but since Ford will release the track ready versions of the Mustang (GT350, GT350R), do you think that Chevy will release the Z/28 first and then release the ZL1 to compete with the GT500 when that comes out?

Unless something changes, and I hope it will, it looks like the Z/28 and ZL1 will be merged into an LT4 powered Z/28.

I think the question is, will we get both at all? I sure hope so. Only 2 V8s in the pipeline that we know about. LT1 and LT4. No rumors about a third makes me nervous but GM certainly didn't let us down with the fifth gen. No reason to think we will be disappointed this time around.

I can't see how we would have both. I'd guess the Z/28 before the ZL1. I think we learned the 5th gen ZL1 was going to be a Z/28 until it was deemed that a Z/28 could not be a S/C'd engine based on the heritage of the model. The ZL1 was kind of a fix it model name and really is a hybrid car much different than the original ZL1 in 1969. I can't see the 6th gen having two $60k + performance models.

My speculation is based on the different cars we are seeing being tested on the "ring".

I believe we will have all models/trim levels available the first year.:thumbup:

I think the 6th gen will be stream lined and the ZL1, 1LE, Z28,SS, etc will be "trim levels" instead of separate cars, kinda like the 1L is with the SS on the 5th gen. So they will "share" drive line, but the "creature comforts" and styling will be adjusted by "trim level". I could be completely off, but it would help reduce the production costs:noidea:

It depends on what powertrains are available.

As Pyrolysis said, we only know of 2 V8s................KNOW of.

My hope is that there will be a Z/28 unique powertrain. A variant of the LT1 which gets a 10% bump to 505 from the LT1.

Ford is likely still going to announce the GT500. That is the mission target for the LT4 powered Camaro.

What I hope also is we see the Z/28 come down in price to be between the SS/1LE and the ZL1.

Ford is setting the competitive landscape right now. Let's hope GM not only answers the bell but goes for the 1st round KO. TKO is not enough.

LAY.......................THEM.................... .OUT!!!

So my thoughts are LT4 exists so it may be earlier than the Z/28. But I also don't see GM letting Ford own the "track biased" segment for very long with the GT350/350R.

So

Launch - LS, LT, LTZ, SS, SS LTZ, 1LE (V6 too??)

6 months after launch - Convertible

9 months after launch - ZL1

12 months after launch - Z/28

Fingers crossed.

It's going to take at least 650 HP and some serious performance for me to move out of my ZL1 into another Camaro. GM got smacked around publicly by Ford after the ZL1 announcement and as an owner of two ZL1's I didn't really like that. I need to see some wow factor or my next muscle car may not be a Camaro. That would be a bummer because I'm a Chevrolet enthusiast but HP rules the day with muscle cars.

I agree with Z/284ever. We heard rumors of the Ford 5.2 Voodoo well before the reveal. I haven't seen anything that may hint at a new LTx for the Z/28. Unless GM decides to build a Grand Sport Corvette with an improved LT1 for its engine, I wouldn't hold my breath.

A new engine would be very easy to hide from the rumor mill. You wouldn't even know it was in the car if you saw it.

Not suggesting there is or isn't, just suggesting lack of rumors doesn't dash my hopes any.

My guess is..
At launch,
Base models will be LT trim levels
SS (1LE is just an option upgrade to an SS)

The next MY,
Convertible versions of the LT's ands SS's
ZL1 (or it's equivalent)

The following MY
Z/28, and COPO

Don't believe heritage had anything to do with the LS7 in the Z/28, they needed a lighter engine than the LSA. Besides heritage doesn't seem to be a concern now since the Z06 has gone S/C as well.

Like Z/284ever, PYROLYSIS, and Number 3 have said, the question is will we get two separate models. If we do, I bet it will not be at launch, that's just my guess.

Maybe a less aggressive Z/28 to take the place of the 1LE. Will an all out Z/28 be successful? This one wasn't from a sales perspective..

True, they have done a much better job controlling leaks on the Camaro. I would just be surprised to see the Z/28 get its own engine without a Corvette model getting it first.

Now that would make sense. SS being the base V8 with the Z/28 becoming the track focused car (absorbing 1LE), with more performance features/options than the SS.