More possible Z/28 engine speculation
 

These are not my words, but;

Per a Carscoops article:
One thing that's certainly not disappointing is the C8's engine lineup as Hagerty is reporting the model will likely be offered with an upgraded version of the company's 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine. The engine will reportedly produce up to 600 hp (447 kW) thanks to a higher compression ratio and a less restrictive exhaust. Other engines are expected to be added to the lineup after launch and the report says the company has expressed interest in a flat-plane crank V8 like the one used in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.

The source (Hagerty) article is pretty darn revealing.

Remember, Corvette engines come to Camaro.

Corvette and Camaro fans must-read

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...rvette-coming#

Which would make the most sense for a Z/28. A hot LT1. People would just need to realize that the Z/28 is not going to be the halo model

Exactly, the Z/28 shouldn't compete with the ZL1 or the ZL1 1LE which are and should be the halo car for Camaro.

Is halo defined by most horsepower? Most expensive? Fastest track time? A 550-600HP N/A Z/28 might beat the ZL1 1LE on track - if not one ultimate hero lap, consistently faster laps over the course of a run. It also might be more expensive if equipped with all the 1LE has plus carbon rotors and who knows what else.

Halo would either be fastest or or most expensive. A 550 HP Camaro is not going to outrun a 650HP one, especially on a track like the Ring which is really where GM halo vehicle status lands

A 500 hp Camaro outran a 580 hp one in 2014? Granted the Z 1LE is more track focused than the previous ZL1 but I wouldn’t say never. Weight, aero, tires, etc could overcome the horsepower deficit.

At what cost though? The ZLE is that good, I don't see a Camaro with less power being able to be faster than it.

Assuming the engine doesn’t cost more (bad assumption?), add carbon ceramic rotors, remove creature comforts, maybe a lighter weight wheel, etc. Then you double the downforce. This won’t cost too much because you replace one wing with another and extend the splitter, would be nice to have a functional diffuser.

I’m not sure what GMs plan is or what power is possible with emissions, I think 600 HP is probably out of reach for NA these days. The formula for track performance isn’t too complicated though if GM doesn’t compromise with aero and you loose 150+ lbs from the 1LE and have more rearward weight distribution.

Right or wrong I would expect the halo Camaro to have carbon ceramic rotors which is what has revived the hope of a Z/28. All of this said the easiest and more likely route is they put the LT5 in whatever it might be named and you have your unquestioned king Camaro.

True and I have been wrong more then I have been right. I just don't see it happening. the car you are describing sounds hella expensive, and at least in my mind would put it at to high of a price point.

Less hp. But lighter wheels/brakes. Maybe lighter clutch/driveshaft. Different gearing.
It will make all the difference into corners and out.

I could see Z/28 being an option on future SS models where the LT1 is supplanted by a variant (LT3?) that runs a different heads & cam combination to produce 550bhp/480btq. If it is an option package, it could be bundled with carbon ceramic brakes and some aero changes. I think the engine option or option package make more sense and allow Team Camaro to deliver faster than other possible routes.

Though I still think it would be great to see the Camaro introduce the LT7 7.0L variant for the Gen V SBC. I just don't think Corvette is going to pursue it anymore now that they are moving way up market with the mid-engine C8. Team Corvette are probably designing the first low displacement V-10 GM has ever made, as an assault on all of the european competition.

As for the mid-engine render posted above; I highly doubt they will keep the C7 taillights on this first gen of their new platform. I could see the ZR1 inspired front making the cut, but that rear will need a derivative appearance that doesn't offend buyers into thinking their car will be confused with the prior generation front-engine model.

The LT7 is supposedly the TT 5.5L for the mid engine vette, so it wont be a 7.0L

On this we agree. :)