[Iroc_Z28]

Originally Posted by cmancha003

I think some of the issue is that we have no GT350 or GT350R competitor. The SS is for the GT. The 1LE just trounces it more (I think Ford might release a Mach 1 to match). The ZL1 is way better than the GT350R is almost every metric and would be better suited to compete against their GT500. Since they tend to match up against each other, helping both brands, I would think that there is still room to match against a gt350r in an N/A platform.

From what i've seen, the SS 1LE is on par with the gt350. May not be as "special", but performance wise they are fairly even.

I agree that there should be something in the camaro lineup with a N/A engine to compare with the gt350R

[Squatch]

Wonder if this means the 5th Gen Z28 will be even more collectable....

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by mlee

It doesn't and it's not... in a straight line.

Road track yes since that's it's sole purpose.

[avalonandl]

Ladies and gentlemen. They have the SS, the 1LE (v6 and v8), the ZL1 and now the ZL1-1LE. Do they need the Z28?

Think about it.

[MrChrisLS3]

Originally Posted by mlee

It doesn't and it's not... in a straight line.

Road track yes since that's it's sole purpose.

True, and it certainly does look like the 1LE is going to be awful hard to beat on a road course.

You guys are right, I know. They don't need another Camaro right now. Unless/until they have a new engine for it, the Z/28 tag is probably going in for a nap.

[whiteboyblues2001]

Originally Posted by avalonandl

Ladies and gentlemen. They have the SS, the 1LE (v6 and v8), the ZL1 and now the ZL1-1LE. Do they need the Z28?

Think about it.

They might need a Z/28. Suppose they really are working on some LT5 or LT6 or whatever high HP N/A engine for one of the new Corvettes that we have seen testing. They might need another place to put that fancy new engine to help offset development costs. It really depends on what this new alleged engine really is.

[spotswood]

How about you take a stock ZL1 1LE and change the supercharger to a Whipple and boost the horsepower to about 800-850 at the rear wheels, add a Z28 emblem and Viola you got your sixth generation Z28.

[Bhobbs]

Originally Posted by spotswood

How about you take a stock ZL1 1LE and change the supercharger to a Whipple and boost the horsepower to about 800-850 at the rear wheels, add a Z28 emblem and Viola you got your sixth generation Z28.

That wouldn't happen. Al O has said multiple times that the Z/28 is a naturally aspirated car. They won't build one, unless they have the appropriate engine.

[Z Boss]

I agree with shaffe - "People just want the badge" and "the Z/28 doesn't need to be the halo Camaro." Here is the recipe for a reasonable 6th gen Z/28: manual tranny, wide body, ZL1 1LE wheels, tires and brakes, DSSV suspension, Recaros, A\C and an N\A engine. Omit that rear wing. A new engine from the new vette alone is enough to make the Z/28 launch special and is a wish list item with these go fast goodies for big $$ but I personally would like a N/A 427 again. Pricing comes in around $50K, looks and drives bad ass and maintains the Z/28 heritage. The Z/28 does not need to be the top dog Camaro. I'd really like to see a simpler Z/28 in the 6th gen.

[doc7000]

If you ask me there is room for a normally aspirated Z/28 6th generation Camaro, here is how I think things will land.

The V-6 1LE is a V-6 Camaro with SS parts, the SS 1LE is a SS Camaro with ZL1 parts. I honestly think that the ZL1 1LE is a ZL1 with Z/28 parts on it. I can picture the 6th generation Z/28 being a stripper model with CC brakes on top of that ZL1 1LE if they are to do one. They just need the right engine and if they build it right then a 3,600 pound curb is certainly within reach of said car. A proper Z/28 won't need to have the same power to weight ratio of the ZL1 1LE in order to run with it. As long as it can carry more speed through corners, the ZL1 1LE carries 5.9 pounds per horsepower. If the 6th gen Z/28 packs 550BHP and weighs in at 3,600 pounds it will give it a 6.5 pounds per horsepower and with the lower mass and things like CC brakes that is all it will need to out lap the ZL1 1LE Camaro.

[Bhobbs]

Originally Posted by doc7000

If you ask me there is room for a normally aspirated Z/28 6th generation Camaro, here is how I think things will land.

The V-6 1LE is a V-6 Camaro with SS parts, the SS 1LE is a SS Camaro with ZL1 parts. I honestly think that the ZL1 1LE is a ZL1 with Z/28 parts on it. I can picture the 6th generation Z/28 being a stripper model with CC brakes on top of that ZL1 1LE if they are to do one. They just need the right engine and if they build it right then a 3,600 pound curb is certainly within reach of said car. A proper Z/28 won't need to have the same power to weight ratio of the ZL1 1LE in order to run with it. As long as it can carry more speed through corners, the ZL1 1LE carries 5.9 pounds per horsepower. If the 6th gen Z/28 packs 550BHP and weighs in at 3,600 pounds it will give it a 6.5 pounds per horsepower and with the lower mass and things like CC brakes that is all it will need to out lap the ZL1 1LE Camaro.

I agree. That makes the most sense and it was said GM is working on CC wheels, along with the CC brakes they have already used.

Maybe the Z/28 could continue to be the test bed Camaro and introduce things like active aero parts.

[doc7000]

Originally Posted by Bhobbs

I agree. That makes the most sense and it was said GM is working on CC wheels, along with the CC brakes they have already used.

Maybe the Z/28 could continue to be the test bed Camaro and introduce things like active aero parts.

That would be an interesting idea, why not use this model also for R&D for tech that can be used on the 7th generation car. My only concern with active aero on a Z/28 is the added mass it would bring, maybe this would be better for the standard ZL1 Camaro. Give it a bit more top speed by reducing downforce/drag at higher speeds.

[Raven87]

There is no one who would love to see a 6th Gen Z/28 more than me. However...

Given that Camaro sales numbers are in the tank, that the ZL1 1LE has essentially EVERYTHING the Z/28 would/should have performance-wise (except it has forced induction), and that it can do everything well - straight line AND road course - I hate to say it but there is absolutely no need for a Z/28.

I had hoped that we would see the car that became the ZL1 1LE badged as a Z/28 but GM went with the 1LE moniker which, was pointed out very well, ties the Camaro track brand together. The Z/28 is very unlikely to be seen while the ZL1 1LE is loose on the streets and tracks.

I too would love to see a N/A 550 HP, lightweighted and track specific (but street legal) car badged as a Z/28 and I think we can all make a case for it - until it comes to sales numbers, the ZL1 1LE already exists, and the financial loss that GM dealers had to swallow on the 5th gen Z/28.

In a boardroom full of beancounters, deciding to invest capital to develop and sell a Z/28 when you already have the ZL1 1LE is a very hard sell, especially when there are still a FEW 5th Gen Z/28s STILL sitting on dealers' lots now 3 model years after production.

I'm just guessing but I think there was pressure to NOT badge the ZL1 1LE as a Z/28 just to divest of what perception the detrimental sales of the 5th Gen Z/28 was for the company. From a performance standpoint, the 5th gen Z/28 was a five start winner. But from investors, accountants, and statisticians viewpoints', it was a horrible decision.

[LateBrakeU2]

Having a wish list that includes carbon this and that and 3600 lbs, and coming in at 50k?. The gen 5Z stickered at 76k for a reason,the RPO alone was three times the price of a base six cyl.