Showing posts with label Camaro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camaro. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

2016 Camaro: Little Changes

 

This Is The Best Rendering Of The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Yet
Possible New Hood
Some Camaro lovers probably hoped for a little different look for the Camaro in 2016, but it does not look like that is going to happen. For the most part, what is flying around at the Nürburgring is a heavy camouflaged 2016Camaro that looks to have little change to the body and styling.

There was a lot of talk about a possible throwback design to the earlier 70's look. Then there was also a lot of talk about just moving forward with a new generation of design. Then there is the actually outcome, pretty much the same as last year and why not, this style Camaro has been selling like hot cakes and Camaro lovers really seem to like it.

We do know that there will be a slight change in the look, like every year, but what will really be different is that the Camaro will now be put on the Cadillac ATS frame. I can't see how a lighter, smaller frame could hurt with performance on the already powerful Camaro. What will really be cool is that smaller frame with a twin turbocharged V-6 that has been rumored as a very serious considered option for 2016. All-and-all, it will still be a fun car to drive.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

2015 Hot Rod Camaro – Limited Edition

 
2016 Camaro


When the legendary HOT ROD Magazine corporation teams up with anybody to make a project car, you know it's going to be something special. Just like in 2001, when Dennis Barker at Todd Wenzel Chevrolet in Hudsonville, Michigan joined forces with the magazine to design Special Edition HOT ROD Camaros, they produced something special. And that's why they're back at it again this year to build 2015 Special Edition Camaros.

A 2014 Special Edition Camaro made its first appearance at the HOT ROD Power Tour on June 7, 2014, at Zmax Dragway. Although this one was a 2014 Camaro, outside one other 2014, the rest of the Special Editions Camaros will be 2015s.


When asked about it at the Power Tour, HOT ROD and dealership staff both admitted to having a hard time agreeing with each other on even some of the smallest details, but both sides say regardless the project was fun and the outcome was spectacular. 

There will be 67 of these Special Edition Camaros sold at the Todd Wenzel dealership. Each Camaro will be sold in all V-8 trim levels including convertibles and will have plenty of HOT ROD Special Edition items including: badges and emblems, stripes, embroidered headrests, floor mats, sill plates, Forgeline wheels and center caps, exhaust diverters, slotted rotors, billet valve covers, and plug wires. 




You will also have a choice of many different colors, and each Camaro will have many different optional dealership performance upgrades to choose from. 

Each Camaro will be built by the legendary Nickey High-Performance Company and will have decals to prove it. What makes these Camaros so cool, with only 67 built, you can bet that you will be the only one on your block that owns one.









Saturday, May 3, 2014

Chevrolet Tries to Prevent New Camaro Z/28 Cloning By Restricting Specific Parts






So the word is out, with the successful completion of selling out the 2014 Z/28s so fast, rumors sparked that Chevrolet would up the ante for 2015 and produce 2,500 Z/28s. That is no longer a rumor, there will be a total of 2,500 Z/28s built for 2015 as opposed to the 500 built for the 2014 year.

But more interesting than the limited edition Z/28 selling out so fast, to help keep the rarity of the Z/28s exclusive to the owners who actually shelled out the $75,000.00 for the Camaro, Chevrolet has made a move to prevent the cloning of a Z/28 by restricting the sale of certain parts.

Raging from high-performance parts to cosmetic, Chevrolet sent a list of 35 different parts to dealers that make up the Z/28 package and are not to be sold on the market to individuals or companies that can't prove the ownership of a Camaro Z/28.

Some of those banned parts include: the Brembo brake system and carbon-ceramic rotors, 19-inch wheels, rear differential, and rear axle, front fascia, the "flowtie" grille badge,  Recaro seats, hood scoop, fender flares, rocker panels, and rear fascia and spoiler, and the list goes on.

Now if it's the power of the Z/28 you are looking for, you can buy the power-plant in the form of a crate motor. The 505-horsepower 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 has been available since it was placed in the C6 Corvette ZO6.

It's easy to see why Chevrolet would want to put this plan into motion, but the question is just how long will this plan prevent cloning of Z/28s. They want to clone prestigious cars has been around since hot rodding its self. So even if Chevrolet won't sell these specific parts, aftermarket companies will see an even bigger market to make money. Nevertheless, no matter how many clones are out there, they can't take away from the authenticity of a real one and numbers don't lie. If you have a true Z/28, 1-of-500 or 1-of-2,500, you still have a significant piece of "Hot Rod History." 



Friday, April 25, 2014

Will Chevrolet Have to Build More Camaro Z/28s

 

2014 Camaro Z/28 - SOLD OUT

 
It wasn't too hard for Chevrolet to sell all of their 500 brand new 2014 Camaro Z/28s. Now with no more for car enthusiast to get their hands on this year, Chevrolet is faced with the question of, "Do They Build More?" 

Building more will definitely help the already popular Z/28 trending well into next year, but for the lucky owners of the first 500 units, it will take away from the rareness factor that Chevrolet was shooting for and probably what owners were counting on. Although the chances of Chevrolet building more Camaro Z/28s this year is probably slim to none, next year's plans for more than just 500 being built to meet demands is highly possible.

Camaro Chief Engineer, Al Oppenheiser, has said that next year could possibly see the likes of 2,500 units being built depending on demand and whether or not they decide to build more this year and if they do launch a project like that this year how it ends up panning out.

So unless you have been living under a rock for the last year and a half, you probably know what the 2014 Z/28 is all about. But I don't think anyone really expected this $75,000.00 Camaro would sell out so fast. If Chevrolet decides to build more this year, or ramp up the amount built next year, it's pretty hard to believe that they could lose on their decisions.


Friday, January 24, 2014

The 2014 Z/28.R Debuts at Daytona

 

Jan. 24th, in Daytona, the much intiacpated Z/28.R will make its debut on the track in the GS class of the IMSA Continental Tires SportsCar Challenge, a 2 ½ hour endurance event raced before the 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona. As it competes, it will be the only car on the track that shares so many components as it's street version.



The two cars were built right next to each other making it no surprise they share so many similarities.
Campaigned by Stevenson Motorsports and CKS Autosports, the race version Z/28.R uses the same engine (505hp and 470lb. - ft. torque) and also users the same helical-gear limited-slip differential on the rear axle as the street version. They also share the same aerodynamics with the same rear-spoiler, hood vents, side sills, wheel and arc extensions and belly pan.

The Camaro was born for this type of racing. Just like the new Z/28's, the Z/28's of the muscle car era were built for the track. The original '67 Z/28 was built for the purpose of racing in the SCCA Trans-Am Series. 

Mark Kent, director of racing for Chevrolet says, “the original Camaro Z/28 was designed for racing and became an iconic performance car through its hard-fought victories.”

One can only hope that this Z/28 does the same. The Camaro will be racing against cars like Aston Martian Vantage, Ford Mustangs, Nissan 370Z, Porsche 911, all of which will bring competition to the table, but none of which will represent their brand better than Z/28.R. As a consumer, you can look at what is racing on the track and say to yourself, “hey, I can go down to the dealership and order one of these things.” And that you can do, just about the only thing that would be missing is the graphics and the mandated safety equipment required to race in these competitions. 

Monday, January 20, 2014

2014 Barrett-Jackson: 4 Chevrolets End Up Top Ten Best Sellers

A place where the most prestigious vehicles in the world are sold: The Barret-Jackson Auction held in Scottsdale Arizona took place this passed week. And some of the top sellers just happened to be four different Chevrolets. 


1967 L88 Corvette


1967 chevy corvette l88 2014 barret jackson

This is one of the rarest Corvettes every produced by Chevrolet. It is the only documented Red-on-Red Corvette known to come off the assembly-line. This rare muscle car boasting 430Hp but really was pushing out something more like 560Hp. Before the hammer dropped it brought in the highest price of the week at 3.85 million.



1969 L88 Corvette Rebel

1969 corvette l88 rebel  








 
 



This Corvette manged to fetch $2.6 Million, making it the 2nd highest selling car of the week. This Corvette brought in so many potential buyers by its appearance and its appearances at so many winner circles throughout the years. It could very-well be the most recognizable Corvette of all-time. 



2014 COPO Camaro


2014 chevrolet camaro copo 


Every since the COPO Camaro first came around in 1969 there has been somewhat of a cult following behind it. The 2014 COPO is no different and that is probably what helped this bad boy sell for $700,000. That's a good price with proceed going to
the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. 



2015 Chevrolet Z/28
 

2014 chevrolet camaro z/28 














Chevrolet did not stop with their charity, using the proceeds of this Camaro to help Detroit public schools. This VIN #001 Z/28 left the auction block with a price tag of $650,000. Between the anticipation of this Z/28 and the funds going to a great charity, this Camaro like the COPO went for well-over their sticker prices. 


 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

2014 Barrett-Jackson Gets the First 2014 Z/28

 

The 2014 Camaro Z/28 Vin #0001 - to be sold at the most famous car auction of all time, the Barrett-Jackson.

On January 18th the Camaro will roll across the auction block. The bare bones race-ready track-car will have the $1,550.00 option that includes a 6-speaker audio system and an air-conditioner. Both of which are not standard on the car unless specified when ordered due to the weight saving program by Chevrolet.

This Camaro is expected to bring some pretty big bucks. The Z/28 is the brand that made Camaro the powerhouse that it is today. It was born in 1967 with the Camaro, it was originally designed to run in the Trans-Am circuit. After over 35 years of service the Z/28 was put on the back burner, only to come back stronger than ever.


When the ZR1 made it's return, Chevrolet auctioned the very first production (Vin# 001) redesigned Corvette off at Barrett-Jackson as well and they managed to pull in a million dollars for it. So the intensity for how much this rare Z/28 will bring is there.

Although the ZR1 was considered a super car and the Z/28 is not, it has been able to clock times at the Nurburguing race-track in Germany, the toughest track in the world, better than it's bigger brother the ZL1, the Porsche 911 Carrera S, and the Lamborghini Murcielago.


A million dollars, probably not, but there will be some high-profile bidders with interest, that's for sure.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

2014 Z/28 Camaro - The Fastest Road Course Car Available?




Expected to be released in early spring - 2014, the Z/28 may be one of the best road course cars for the price tag it will have taped to the window. No exact number yet, but the price is expected to be right around the same amount as you would pay for one of the other performing Camaros that Chevy has in it's line-up.

The latest trip to the most grueling road course in the world, the Nürburgring, the Z/28 laid down numbers on a damp track that beat not only it's sibling, the ZL1, but also the Porsche 911 Carrera S and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. 

The Camaro boasted a 7:37.40 lap time and Chevrolet believes that the time could improve by as much as four seconds depending on weather conditions. Not only was the track damp but toward the end of the lap it started to rain. 

This was a 24 hour test for the Camaro, so not only did it run this one lap to impress, but it also ran for 24 hours with breaks only to accommodate the the tires and brakes. A a test of endurance that Chevrolet has been doing to their sports cars since the early 1990s when their fastest car was a 300hp Corvette. 

300hp sounds quite soft apposed to this Z/28 that brings a 505hp 7.0 liter engine to the table. That power helps it get around the track as fast as it does. But Chevrolet claims the real secret to it's fast times is the frame that is 300 pounds lighter than the ZL1. The combination of horsepower and lightness gives the Camaro the ability for more efficient braking going into corners and faster alliteration coming out of corners. 

These cars are race ready - you can order a radio and an air condition for the Camaro, but Chevrolet has claimed they will not be standard. Regardless it's a peer race car ready for the track right off the showroom floor.






Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Corvette Stingray or Camaro ZL1: Which is a Better Buy

 Corvette or Camaro

It's tough to say which is a better buy?



But I think it's safe to say they're both completely Bad Ass!

Awesome power.

Awesome styling.

Awesome reputation. 

And well, Chevrolet's Greatest Hits.

So, which one?

The Vette looks awesome, and lets face it, who would not want to be seen in a American icon. I think when you drive in a Vette it gives you a certain amount of confidence. It puts you in a different class of car guy. Plus, this Corvette could very well be one of the Baddest Ass looking Corvettes ever made.


When it comes to Camaro, there is plenty of prestige there as well. Pretty much all the technology available to today's muscles cars is implicated on it, and lets not forget it has its legendary status as well. And, there is too more reasons not to over-look the Camaro: less pricey and more spacious.  

So which one would I choose, doesn't mater.

So which one should you choose? I guess that just depends on what kind of Bad Ass you want to be.

With the Woodard Dream Cruise right around the corner, it should be interesting to see just how many ZL1s and Stingrays flood the streets, possibly maybe even a brand new COPO or two, they are out there. Also another thing that might be interesting to see, is since the Woodard Dream Cruise is such a media attracting event, maybe Chevrolet will feel a little ambitious and give us a little sneak peak at the new Z28s.

Regardless, it's a good summer to be a Chevrolet fan.



Sunday, May 5, 2013

2020 Camaro Speculations

 2015 Camaro's Future

With Ford Mustang hard at work for more fuel efficient sports cars for the future. The competition for Chevrolet is on, and why not the federal fuel standards are only going to get tougher. We all ready know that Mustang is building smaller and lighter sports cars and flirting with hybrid options. One can only speculate that Chevrolet has already been hard at work doing the same. 
 

 

What Will the Camaro Be?

The next iteration of Chevrolet’s recently reborn sporty/performance car, which is currently outselling archrival Ford Mustang. Confirmation came in early 2010 from a director of Grant Thornton LLP, a consultant to parent General Motors, and from industry-analysis firm CSM Worldwide. Those sources say the redesigned Camaro will launch in calendar 2014, doubtless as a 2015 model, and will move to the rear-wheel-drive Alpha platform that underpins Cadillac’s new ATS premium-compact car, due in mid- to late 2012 as a 2013 entry. Today’s fifth-generation Camaro uses a cut-down version of the Zeta 1 architecture developed by GM’s Holden branch in Australia and which featured on the 2008-09 Pontiac G8 large sedan.



Like the car it will replace, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro will be offered as a coupe and convertible with powertrain choices ranging from mild to wild. Reporting by website GM Inside News (GMI) suggests overall size and weight may be little changed, even though a smaller, lighter Camaro would seem almost mandatory in light of escalating federal fuel-economy standards and growing consumer preference for more fuel-efficient vehicles of all kinds.

According to GMI, the Alpha program originated in late 2004 as another Holden project, but languished until 2007, when Cadillac decided to develop the platform for a long-desired challenger to the likes of Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. However, as GMI notes, the project suffered “mission creep” as Cadillac decreed more and more changes that “quickly turned a light, sporty platform on its head…” Among the conditions imposed by the luxury brand were space for V6 engines as well as the intended 4-cylinder units; engineering to accommodate optional all-wheel drive; and a larger “Alpha +” platform for the next-generation of Cadillac’s CTS premium-midsize sedan. 

As a result, says GMI, “Each addition has caused another issue to engineer around, thus causing the Alpha program to exceed GM’s mass requirements...by nearly 500 pounds. It is unclear how heavy Alpha products will be, but every independent Alpha source…has indicated that the final curb weight could push 4,000 pounds unless GM puts the program on a [crash diet] before launch.” GMI goes on to cite company insiders and supplier sources as saying “the Alpha program has been a near-constant stream of drama and problems for GM, which were compounded by the company’s June 2009 bankruptcy. Even today, as the program nears its final stages...problems are still being worked out.” Among those are a planned multi-link front suspension that no longer works as intended with the accumulated flab and is being given the band-aid treatment rather than a full do-over.

 
GMI reports that engineers are “now struggling to reduce Alpha’s mass by a quarter-ton,” a huge amount for a new platform at such a late design stage. “One source has indicated that GM is willing to throw all sorts of new composite technologies at the body, structure, and powertrain to achieve that goal [for both] the Cadillac Alpha cars and the sixth-generation Camaro.”

 

The Camaro's Speculations

 

With so many issues still unresolved, it’s anyone’s guess at this point (June 2011) how the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro will turn out. Regardless of how many pounds are pared from the platform, we suspect the exterior package will be downsized to some degree, possibly close to that of the current Ford Mustang or even a bit smaller, perhaps on the order of the original 1967-69 or 1982-92 Camaros.

As for engines, several sources suggest that the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro will be offered with a base 4-cylinder or two, possibly small-displacement jobs with GM’s eAssist “mild hybrid” electric drive and available turbocharging; one or more optional V6s, likely based on the company’s ubiquitous 3.6-liter twin-overhead-cam design and also perhaps with eAssist and forced induction; and a smaller but more-efficient V8 than today’s 6.2-liter, something on the order of 5.0-5.4 liters, again with eAssist likely and perhaps optional supercharging. The V8 would likely be the same basic mill being rumored for Chevrolet’s next-generation C7 Corvette sports car and should be virtually all-new with the possible exception of retaining overhead-valve cylinder heads for reasons of lower cost and easier under-hood packaging, not to mention hallowed “Chevy small block” tradition. Whatever the final choices, all engines will doubtless maximize mpg with measures such as direct fuel injection, “double” variable valve-timing (intake and exhaust), and low-friction internal components.

Likewise, transmissions for the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro will be chosen to provide a competitive balance among performance, fuel economy, and refinement. There’s talk of new 7-speed manual and automatic designs for V8 and up-level V6 models, but we think it more likely that GM will stick with its current 6-speed transmissions, at least for 2015-16.

Other aspects also can’t be confirmed, doubtless because they’re still a long way from decided. Even so, logic suggests the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro will mimic the current car with a 4-wheel independent suspension (though doubtless redesigned), standard 4-wheel disc brakes, and good-size wheels and tires. Steering assist will probably go from conventional engine-belt-driven hydraulic to electrohydraulic or pure electric, again to maximize mpg.

Styling? It’s almost sure to retain Camaro’s traditional long-hood/short-deck proportions and the current models’ wide stance, but surfacing and details will hinge on the final exterior size and on whether sales trends suggest the need for a big departure from today’s aggressive sharp-edged look. We know Ed Welburn, GM’s Vice-President of Global Design, is an avid Camaro fan, so his Camaro team will likely strive to blend familiar elements with fresh touches--and to improve aerodynamics as another aid to fuel economy.

 

Camaro Expectations

  

GM has been working hard to update and upgrade Chevrolet’s car line, starting with the new-for-2008 Malibu midsize sedan. The reborn Camaro is part of that effort and is evidently seen as no less important to the brand’s sales and image than mainstream products like Malibu and the new Cruze compact sedan. Remember that Chevy’s ponycar was resurrected after six years in limbo to start sale on the very eve of GM’s historic 2009 bankruptcy. As noted, the fifth-generation has lately been outselling traditional foe Ford Mustang--adding convertibles for 2011 has no doubt helped--and management undoubtedly hopes the sixth-generation will do as well or better. Even so, market conditions and buyer tastes are always changing, so it will be interesting to see if the next Camaro resonates with the public as much as the current one seems to. Of course, a lot will depend on what happens to Mustang with its upcoming redesign, expected in 2014-15 in time to mark the model’s 50th anniversary.

 

The New Camaro's Chances

 

There is no mistaken, despite the many factors now conspiring against affordable sporty/performance cars, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro is going to happen. Too bad we don’t yet know much about precisely what will happen, but we do know somewhat of what will happen. 

One can only hope that are American Sports Car does not turn into some that mimic those annoy Rice Burners/Tuner cars!




 




This is a really cool Q/A interview with Chief Engineer of the brand new Z/28, Al Oppenheiser

 New Trans Am and Firebird speculations

 

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

It's Back For 2014: The Z28

This Z/28 - Hot Off The Press

500 HP - 470 lb-ft of torque

300 Hundred Pounds less then the ZL1

Manual Transmission only.












The rims, side skirts and new spoiler front and back complement the look of the new Z/28 very well.

















The engine is a 7.0 LS7 motor, that  is if nothing changes in the next few months.


 You can expect these components :



  • Titanium intake valves and connecting rods, and sodium-filled exhaust valves
  • CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads
  • Forged-steel crankshaft and main bearing caps
  • High-lift camshaft
  • Hydroformed exhaust headers
  • 11.0:1 compression ratio, and a 7,000 rpm redline.
  • 10.5-quart, dry-sump oiling system

For the Camaro Z/28, the LS7 features unique induction and exhaust systems, and delivers at least 500 horsepower (373 kW) and 470 lb-ft of torque (637 Nm).

The racing-style, cold-air induction system and large K&N air filter provide maximum air flow.

The standard dual mode exhaust system and larger-diameter pipes enable improved air flow. By bypassing the mufflers during acceleration, the system increases both the torque and sound generated by the LS7 engine.




Here are the early specification. Again nothing is set in stone.
 Overview

Model: 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Body styles / driveline: Four-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive coupe
Construction: Unitized body frame, one- and two-sided galvanized steel
Manufacturing location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Engine


LS7 7.0L V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc): 427 / 7008
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.125 x 4.00 / 104.8 x 101.6
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: sequential fuel injection
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower / kW: 500 / 373 (est.)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 470 / 637 (est.)

Transmissions


Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual
Gear ratios (:1):
First: 2.66
Second: 1.78
Third: 1.30
Fourth: 1.00
Fifth: 0.74
Sixth: 0.50
Reverse: 2.90
Final drive ratio: 3.91

Chassis / Suspension


Front: double-ball-joint, multi-link strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; inverted monotube shock absorber
Rear: 4.5-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over monotube shock absorbers; stabilizer bar;
Traction control: StabiliTrak, electronic stability control

Brakes


Type: Power-assisted, Carbon Ceramic Matrix front and rear discs; six-piston fixed front, and four-piston rear calipers
Rotor diameter x thickness: Front: 15.5 x 1.4 in (394 x 36 mm)
Rear: 15.3 x 1.3 in (390 x 32 mm)
Rear rotor (in / mm):

Wheels / Tires


Wheel size: front: 19-inch x 11-inch
rear: 19-inch x 11.5-inch
Tires: Pirelli PZero Trofeo R
front: P305/30ZR19
rear: P305/30ZR19

Exterior dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm): 112.3 / 2,852
Overall length (in / mm): 192.3 / 4,884
Overall width (in / mm): 76.9 / 1,953
Overall height (in / mm): 52.4 / 1,330
Track, front (in / mm): 66.14 / 1,680
Track, rear (in / mm): 64.65 / 1,642


The end result is that the legendary Z/28 will be back in the Chevrolet line-up for 2014. 

 The ZL1 Camaro options, outside of the power plant will be probably pretty close to what you will receive with this Z/28. For more information on the ZL1 specifications Camaro ZL1