2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28: the legend returns with more than 500 hp

As an automaker, when you ignite reactions of ecstatic cheers during an auto show reveal, you know you’ve done something right. In the case of Chevy at the New York auto show, they took it a few steps further. The crowd on hand, those on social media, and enthusiasts everywhere erupted in rejoice as General Motors sneakily unveiled the 2014 Camaro Z/28. The most iconic model in Camaro history returns.

First introduced in 1967, the original Z/28 featured no automatic transmission or air conditioning. It was a track-ready machine and it held those attributes to heart. Unlike the ’67 Z/28, the 2014 version does not intend to compete in a specific race series, but it still holds true to the original’s core beliefs.

On-track, the 2014 Z/28 promises to be exceptional; lapping three seconds faster per lap than the incredibly proficient Camaro ZL1. Sticking with the numerical three, this speed increase derives from three key areas: chassis modifications improve cornering g to 1.05; carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes offer additional stopping power, and a 300-lb weight reduction over the ZL1 drastically improves handling. The weight shedding stems from lightweight wheels all the way to thinner rear-window glass. Even air conditioning is an option. Naturally, as with the Z/28 of old, a 6-speed manual transmission is all you get, and frankly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

From a design standpoint, the refreshed Camaro, with its narrow grill, squared off back fenders and boxy rear end, adds to the cartoonish appearance customers are accustomed .To me, the revamped Camaro looks too gimmicky, but those modifications – mixed with additional aggression – work wonders on the Z/28. From being underwhelmed with the base 2014 Camaro, I became one of the many desperately thrashing for my phone to steal the first Flickr pic.