GM Media Alert: 2014 Camaro Z/28 the Most Track-capable Camaro Ever

Chevrolet today introduced the restyled 2014 Camaro line at the New York Auto Show, including the return of the Z/28, the most iconic model in Camaro history.

The 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. The new Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history.

“As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.”

The first Camaro Z/28 was introduced in 1967, created to compete in the Sports Car Club of America's Trans-Am 2 class. It featured a smaller, lighter, 302-cubic-inch V-8 for improved weight balance, as well as quick-ratio steering and a heavy-duty suspension for track use. In keeping with its road-racing focus, the 1967 Camaro Z/28 was not available with an automatic transmission or air conditioning.

While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from three areas: 

• Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions
• Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap
• Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass

Like the original, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is offered only with a manual transmission. In a nod to modern convenience, air-conditioning is available, but only as an option.

"We set out to make the fastest road-racing Camaro possible that was still street-legal,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “While the Camaro ZL1 offers exceptional performance on the street, the drag strip, and the track, the Z/28 is entirely focused on the track performance. The Z/28 will be too track-focused for most drivers, but offers road-racers one of the most capable track cars ever offered from an automaker.”

The new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013. The Camaro Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in spring 2014.

High-performance aerodynamics highlight changes for 2014 Camaro

The 2014 Camaro represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth-generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006.

“The 2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom Peters, Camaro exterior design director. “We look for solutions that are both functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple, powerful, honest, and more than expected.”

Compared to the previous model, the design represents a strong visual change front and rear, resulting in a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance. The front fascia features a wider lower opening, and a narrower upper opening that also updates the appearance of the iconic “halo ring” HID headlamps on the Camaro RS package.  The functional hood vent on the Camaro SS helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. Moving to the rear, the sculptural decklid, horizontal lamps and diffuser complete the powerful statement.

The Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamic package designed to produce downforce at track speeds. At the front, the Z/28 features a large splitter, connected to an underbody panel that further reduces lift. In profile, the Z/28 features fender flares over the front and rear wheels, as well as extended rocker panels that contribute to aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional diffuser complete the aerodynamic package.

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish named Octane, the ZL1 flat-bottomed steering wheel, and standard Recaro seats with microfiber suede inserts. The new seats (also available on the coupe versions of the SS and ZL1 models), feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.  

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. A total of nine pounds (four kilograms) was saved by eliminating the seat-back pass through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

“Unlike the Ford Mustang Boss 302, we felt it was important to keep the 2+2 configuration of the Camaro Z/28 as Chevrolet already has a world-class two-seat sports car in the Corvette,” said Oppenheiser.  “By modifying the construction of the rear seat, we were able to reduce the overall weight of the Z/28 while still preserving the flexibility of 2+2 seating.”

7.0L, LS7 the heart of the Camaro Z/28’s track-capable performance

Like the original, the new Camaro Z/28 forgoes ultimate horsepower and torque for improved weight balance and track performance.

In 1967, the most-powerful engine available in a factory Camaro was a 396 cid V-8 with 375 horsepower. To prepare the Camaro Z/28 for road racing, engineers specified a lighter, 302 cid V-8, officially rated at 290 horsepower. While the 302 was not the choice for drag racers, it proved ideal for sports-car racing.

Today, the most-powerful engine offered is the Camaro ZL1’s supercharged 6.2L LSA, which delivers 580 horsepower. The heart of the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is the lighter, naturally aspirated 7.0L LS7 first introduced in the Corvette Z06.

“The LS7 is ideal for road racing because it delivers amazing performance in a compact, lightweight package,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager. “The broad torque curve and high redline of the LS7 mean fewer shifts are required for each lap, while the lightweight design improves the front-to-rear weight balance for better handling.”

Co-developed with Corvette Racing, the hand-assembled 7.0L (427 cid) V-8 uses a number of high-performance components, including:

• 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. 

The Camaro Z/28 is exclusively offered with a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. The six-speed features close-ratio gearing and 3.91:1 final drive ratio, both optimized for the power characteristics of the LS7.  

Power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. The new design enables the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster, by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction.

The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

Unlike some competitors’ “track package” offerings, the Camaro Z/28 makes standard all the cooling systems required for track use. This includes the dry-sump oiling system for the LS7, which is connected to an integral liquid-to-liquid cooling system for engine oil.

A second liquid-to-liquid system provides cooling for the transmission and differential. This system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger in the rear differential before traveling to the transmission. This reduces differential temperatures as much as 100 degrees F.

Camaro Z/28 chassis delivers 1.05 g in cornering grip

The singular focus of the Camaro Z/28 is most evident in the chassis, where the most has been made of every component for track use, from the ultra-high performance tires to race-proven dampers.

“We used the very best components in the industry to deliver uncompromised performance, lap after lap,” said Mark Stielow, Camaro Z/28 engineering manager. “We made nearly 200 changes to improve the track performance, which cumulatively make the Z/28 capable of 1.05 g in cornering. For perspective, with all other things, equal increasing maximum grip from 1 to 1.05 g can cut up to four seconds per lap.”

The Camaro Z/28 is the one of the first production cars fitted with race-proven, spool-valve dampers. Compared to a conventional damper that offers only two-way tuning for bump and rebound, a spool-valve damper allows four-way adjustment to precisely tune both bump and rebound settings for high-speed and low-speed wheel motions. The wider tuning range allowed engineers to dramatically increase the damper stiffness on the Camaro Z/28 without a significant change in ride quality. Additional chassis changes include stiffer string rates and suspension bushings for improved cornering response.

The Camaro Z/28 features 19-inch diameter wheels and tires, which reduce unsprung weight by 42 pounds (19 kilograms) per car compared to the 20-inch wheels standard on Camaro SS and ZL1. In addition, the smaller diameter wheels lower the center of gravity by 33 millimeters, further improving handling.

At all four corners, the lightweight, forged aluminum wheels are wrapped in massive 305/30ZR19 tires. This is the first production application of ultra-high performance Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires, and believed to be the widest front tire on any production car.

To fully exploit the grip of the Pirelli tires, the Camaro Z/28 also features Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix™ rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers. The large 394 x 36 mm front rotors are paired with six-piston calipers, while the 390 x 32 mm rear rotors are paired four-piston calipers. Compared to similar-size, two-piece steel rotors, the lightweight carbon discs save 28 pounds (12.5 kilograms) per car.

The combination of tire grip and braking power enable the Camaro Z/28 to achieve up to 1.5 g in deceleration. With standard front brake cooling ducts, the Z/28 is also capable of continuous track use unmatched brake feel, lap after lap.

“What makes the Z/28 so addictive is it inspires confidence through every section on the track,” said Stielow. “The incredible, balanced performance helps you carry much more speed through every corner: the brakes are so good you can adjust your braking points later and later; the grip and suspension damping allows you to carry more speed through the apex; and then the limited slip allows you to make the most of the LS7 as you power out of the corner.”

Extensive lightweighting saved 300 pounds over the Camaro ZL1

To optimize the track performance of the Camaro Z/28, the engineering team subjected it to an intensive lightweighting program, saving 100 pounds (45 kilograms) compared to the naturally aspirated Camaro SS and 300 pounds (136 kilograms) to the supercharged Camaro ZL1.

“We looked at every subsystem for opportunities to save weight,” said Oppenheiser. “Our goal was to get rid of everything that didn’t make the car faster, and keep only what was required by law. For example, we wanted to eliminate the audio system completely, but we had to keep a single speaker for the seat-belt chime to meet safety requirements.”

Other examples of weight savings include:  

• Eliminated the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and New Hampshire, where it is required by law
• Removed interior sound deadener, and carpeting from the trunk
• Replaced the standard LN4 battery with a smaller, lightweight, LN3 battery
• Specified thinner, 3.2-mm glass for the rear window, compared to 3.5-mm glass on the standard Camaro
• HID headlamps and foglights are not available
• Air conditioning is only available as a stand-alone option

“The team was so fanatical about saving weight, we even stripped the unused wiring out of the harness when we eliminated the fog lights, speakers, and air conditioning,” said Oppenheiser. “Every ounce saved contributed to making this the most track-capable Camaro we have ever built, and a worthy successor to the Z/28 name.”

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Niel Tjin Talks About The Tjin Edition Camaro at SEMA 2012

Neil Tjin of The Tjin Edition Road Show talks about his experience building vehicles for Chevrolet, including his award winning Tjin Edition Camaro, at SEMA 2012 CLICK HERE TO WATCH

GM PRESS RELEASE: Inferno Orange COPO Camaro Convertible is a Rare Rag Top

Final 2012 production model to be auctioned for the American Heart Association and previews 2013 COPO Camaro program

The last 2012 COPO Camaro debuted today at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas, and it’s headed to the auction block. Chevrolet will sell the Inferno Orange Metallic convertible race car at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, in January, to benefit the American Heart Association.

A few factors should make this supercharged drop-top more enticing to bidders:

·       It’s one of 69 COPO Camaro race cars built by Chevrolet for 2012 – and it’s car number 69 of the sequenced production matched to its engine

·       It’s one of only two convertibles built – the other being car number 68 (which has been set aside by Chevrolet and isn’t planned for public sale)

·       It’s one of 20 cars built with the 327 engine and 4.0L supercharger

·       It’s the only ’12 COPO Camaro painted Inferno Orange Metallic – and features additional custom graphics and special interior trim

·       It’s the only example built with a Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission.

The top is fully operational, although it must be up when racing, per NHRA rules.

“The COPO Camaro program has been a special program  and there’s not a better way to close out the 2012 racing season than with the final – and most unique – one of the production run,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Chevrolet is proud to once again partner with the American Heart Association at Barrett-Jackson for the sale of this COPO Camaro convertible. It will make a great race car or collector vehicle for a lucky bidder, who will be buying a piece of history.

“I am also happy to announce that due to strong customer demand we will produce another run of 69 COPO Camaros for 2013. More than 3,000 hand-raisers expressed interest in buying a COPO after we introduced the car at SEMA last year. We are excited to support these grassroots motorsports enthusiasts in their Stock Eliminator and Super Stock drag racing efforts,” said Campbell.

The last 2012 COPO Camaro is powered by the COPO 327 engine that features a 4.0L Whipple supercharger, for an NHRA-certified output of 550 horsepower. The 2012 COPO Camaros were also available with a supercharged 327 engine featuring a smaller, 2.9-liter supercharger and a naturally aspirated 427 engine. All of the engines were assembled at GM’s unique Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., where the LS7 and LS9 production engines for the Corvette Z06 and Corvette ZR1, respectively, are built, along with select Chevrolet Performance crate engines.

All COPO Camaro were built by hand starting with hardware from the Oshawa assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros, including the same “body in white” body shells racers can purchase from Chevrolet Performance to build their own dedicated race car. Each was fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle. The cars rolled off the line wearing lightweight Bogart racing wheels and Hoosier racing tires.

Although only 69 production models were built for 2012, many of the fundamental components used to create the cars – including all of the hand-assembled racing engines – are available from Chevrolet Performance and the licensed aftermarket manufacturers who supplied them. They are listed in a special COPO section of the new 2013 Chevrolet Performance catalog, which debuted at the SEMA Show and is now available from Chevrolet dealers or by ordering online at chevroletperformance.com.

Also available from Chevrolet Performance is a “build book,” which provides an overview of the cars’ assembly process.

“Not everyone could purchase a COPO Camaro production model in 2012, but we are making it easier to build one from the ground up,” said Campbell. “From the body in white to the COPO crate engines, we offer the parts and a build book to replicate these quick race cars in your garage.”

Racing enthusiasts who are interested in more information on the COPO program – including registering their interest in one of the 2013 COPO Camaros –can go to www.chevroletperformance.com to sign up for COPO Camaro updates through the Fuel online newsletter. They can also follow the latest COPO information at theblock.com – the online automotive community powered by Chevrolet Performance.

COPO Camaros by the numbers

With the final 2012 COPO Camaro produced, Chevrolet has tallied the production numbers for the special run. Of the 69 vehicles produced:

·       67 were coupes and two were convertibles

·       43 cars were equipped with the 427 naturally aspirated engine – including the original proof of concept show car that debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show

·       20 cars were equipped with the 327 / 4.0L-supercharged engine

·       6 cars were equipped with the 327 / 2.9L-supercharged engine

·       8 customers ordered the collector’s package, which included all three engines number-matched to their car

·       32 cars were painted Summit White – including the original show car

·       20 cars were painted Black

·       12 cars were painted Victory Red

·       2 cars were painted Ashen Grey Metallic

·       2 cars were painted Silver Ice Metallic

·       1 car was painted Inferno Orange Metallic

·       12 cars were ordered without COPO graphics. 

2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO RANGE EXPANDS WITH TRACK-READY 1LE PACKAGE

2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO RANGE EXPANDS WITH TRACK-READY 1LE PACKAGE

The road-racing-inspired Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2013 with unique gearing, suspension tuning and tires that make the model capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration and a sub-three minute lap time at Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course. It is offered on Camaro SS coupes with manual transmissions.

All Camaro SS models now feature variable-effort electric power steering and an available dual-mode exhaust system on manual transmission-equipped models. Both features were introduced on the Camaro ZL1.

The 2013 Camaro lineup includes:

The 323-horsepower (241 kW) V-6-powered LS coupe and LT coupe and convertible – including the 2LS with an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway
The Camaro SS coupe and convertible, with a 6.2L V-8 delivering up to 426 horsepower (318 kW)
The 580-horsepower (432 kW) supercharged Camaro ZL1 coupe and convertible. (Please see the separate Camaro ZL1 release for complete details.)
In addition to the new performance features offered on the Camaro SS, all 2013 Camaro models offer a wider range of choices and enhancements that will help it remain America’s most popular sports car. New and revised content includes:

Chevrolet MyLink and color-touch radio standard on LT, SS, and ZL1 models
Chevrolet MyLink and color-touch radio with GPS map navigation (late availability)
Hill start assist now standard on all manual transmissions
ZL1-style shift knob standard on all manual transmissions
Remote vehicle start now include on 1LT and 1SS with automatic transmission
Blue Ray Metallic exterior color
Frameless inside rearview mirror
New 18-inch and 20-inch wheel designs
Mojave leather interior trim.

1LE details

The 1LE package is offered on 1SS and 2SS coupe models with an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual transmission. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance. As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.

The 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:

Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 10-inch aluminum wheels
285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance
ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-load cornering.
Visually, the 1LE package is distinguished by its matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car’s on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

Inside, the 1LE package incorporates the ZL1′s flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded-microfiber.

In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.

The Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro’s involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

MyLink details

Chevrolet’s color touch radio with MyLink infotainment is available on 2013 Camaro LS, SS and ZL1 models. The color touch radio, with a seven-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system – a first for the Camaro.

The color touch radio with MyLink gives customers a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. The high-resolution, full-color touch screen display makes media selection easy to navigate. MyLink also retains all the capabilities of today’s entertainment functions, including AM/FM/Sirius XM tuners, auxiliary and USB inputs.

Camaro design and exterior features

Camaro’s heritage-inspired interior and exterior convey sportiness through iconic design cues. A rear spoiler is standard on all models and a variety of stripe packages offers a broad range of personalization features.

LT and SS models are available with the RS package, which adds 20-inch wheel, body-color roof moldings and antenna, as well as high-intensity discharge headlamps. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on LS and LT model, with 20-inch wheels standard on SS.

The Camaro convertible brings top-down driving fun and style to LT and SS models. And because the architecture for the fifth-generation Camaro was designed to accommodate a convertible model, it gives the cars coupe-like driving dynamics. Four strategic reinforcements enhance the already-stiff body structure to quell the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles. They include:

A tower-to-tower brace under the hood
A transmission support reinforcement brace
Underbody tunnel brace
Front “X” brace and stiffer cradle as well as rear underbody “V” braces.

All convertible models feature a standard rear vision camera system. It is also standard on 2LT and 2SS models and available on 1LT and 1SS.

Exterior colors include Summit White, Black, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Victory Red, Rally Yellow, Inferno Orange Metallic, Ashen Grey Metallic and Blue Ray Metallic. The convertible top color choices include black and beige.

Camaro interior features

Camaro’s well-executed balance of heritage and contemporary features provides a fun and comfortable environment for up to four. An ambient lighting package on 2LT and 2SS trims gives the interior a special glow with LED light pipe technology.

Driver and passenger seatsfeature six-way adjustable settings (fore/aft, up/down and tilt), with power recline front seats that are standard on LT and SS models. Heated, leather-trimmed seats are part of the 2LT and 2SS trim packages.

Additional comfort and convenienceinclude a standard driver’s foot rest (dead pedal), power windows with express up/down, an auxiliary gauge panel in the center console – standard in 2LT and 2SS – and a new ZL1-inspired shift knob for all manual transmissions. A leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel is standard on LT and SS.

A head-up display, which projects key instrument, Turn-by-Turn navigation and audio system details on the windshield, is part of the 2LT and 2SS trim packages. And complementing the new MyLink infotainment system is a six-speaker sound system on LS, 1LT and 1SS. A 245-watt, Boston Acoustic nine-speaker sounds system is standard on 2LT and 2SS – and available on 1LT and 1SS.

Interior color and trim choices include Black, Beige, Gray, Inferno Orange and Mojave. The Inferno Orange and Mojave combinations include contrast stitching and other details.

Camaro powertrains

Standard in LS and LT models is the LFX-code 3.6L V-6, rated at 323 horsepower (241 kW) and enabling EPA-estimated 30-mpg highway mileage (2LS model). Many lightweight engine features contribute to that, including an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves about 13 pounds per engine, when compared with a conventional, non-integrated design.

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in the Camaro SS, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) at 5,900 rpm and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) at 4,300 rpm. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm). Output on the L99 is lower than the LS3 because of a slightly lower compression ratio (10.4:1 vs. 10.7:1) and design features of the Active Fuel Management system.

All Camaro models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift. Equipment and features include:

The Aisin AY6 six-speed manual is standard with the 3.6L engine, and a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic is optional
A Tremec TR 6060 six-speed manual is standard on the SS, and the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic is optional
The SS model’s Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual is designed to handle the high torque characteristics of the LS3 engine and is matched with a 3.45:1 final drive ratio
A close-ratio version of the Tremec TR6060 is used with the 1LE package and is matched with a 3.91 final drive ratio
Hill start assist is standard on all manual transmissions.
A dual-mode exhaust system is available on Camaro SS models with the six-speed manual transmission. Similar to the systems found on the ZL1 and Corvette models, this vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound at when aggressive acceleration is called for.

Camaro chassis and suspension

Camaro features fully independent front and rear suspensions, with the rear suspension featuring a 4.5-link system that includes a unique, L-shaped upper control arm that attaches to the knuckle at one end and incorporates a ride bushing in the rear. A sub-frame at the rear is double-isolated to minimize vehicle body motions and dampen road imperfections. Coil-over shock absorbers are used in the rear with a decoupled, hollow stabilizer bar. The front suspension has a dual-ball strut system, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar.

Four suspension packages are offered: FE2 sport on LS and LT models; FE3 on SS Convertible models, FE4 performance on SS Coupe models and the FE6 with the 1LE Performance Package.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models – including Brembo four-piston calipers on SS – with hydraulic brake assist. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models. Competitive/sport mode on SS models enhances on-track performance and Performance Launch Control on SS models with the manual transmission optimizes hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance.

New for 2013, an electric power steering system developed for the ZL1 is standard on all SS. This variable ratio, variable effort system provides light efforts for easy maneuverability at parking-lot speeds as well as increased resistance at higher speeds, providing more feedback and a more direct steering feel.

Camaro safety and crash-avoidance features

The Camaro is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in the event a crash occurs. A strong body structure is designed to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants. In fact, the 2012 Camaro was the first passenger car to receive NHTSA’s revised quadruple 5-star safety rating.

Additional features include:

Six standard air bags include side curtain air bags, which provide head protection for outboard passengers in the event of a side-impact or rollover crash
Rear Vision Package includes a rearview camera system to complement the rear park assist feature (standard on 2LT and 2SS; available on 1LT and 1SS)
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system helps reduce the risk of rollover crashes by keeping the vehicle in the driver’s intended path by applying throttle, braking or a combination of both
Standard four-wheel disc brake system featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation
Pretensioners minimize forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts. Load-limiting retractors cinch the belt more tightly
Standard tire pressure monitoring system

Standard remote keyless entry (RKE) system provides a second function for the red panic button. Drivers can use it to locate their cars without sounding the panic alarm.

SAY HELLO TO THE MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET PROJECT CAMARO

So what exactly is a Camaro? Yes, yes, it’s a cult classic that many of us go nuts over and can’t get enough of. But is there more to it than that? Well, according to the original Chevrolet Camaro team, who crafted this American icon back in ’66, it’s “a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.” Now, c'mon—it doesn’t get much better than that, right?

Flash forward nearly 50 years, and today we're taking a sneak peek at another pony-hungry beast, courtesy of our friends at Mobil 1.

“Our aim is to build an everyday street car that would turn heads not only on the street but on the track as well. The vision is to follow an old school Pro Touring Motorsport feel, using new technology and top-notch functional parts, but at the same maintain its street car drivability. We want to make a good amount of power with this car to show off the capability of the LS3 engine, as well as some Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 Racing products," said Andy Williamson, ReFuel Motor Culture.

The project at hand started its life as a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible. That means from birth it already boasts a stout 428 hp and 420 lb.-ft of torque, which pours out through a 6-speed manual transmission. To complement that pristine experience, Summit White paint adorns the exterior while an Inferno Orange interior sets the rest of the mood.

We've always loved watching builders put their signature touches on the Camaro. And we're really excited to see what a brand like Mobil 1 does with their Camaro build. After all, this is a brand that has champions like the 7-time 24 Hour of Le Mans winning Corvette Racing team and 3-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart on their roster, when Mobil 1 steps up the plate— it’s game on.

This project vehicle, officially designated the "Mobil 1 Chevrolet Camaro," is a take on a muscle car so often customized, hot rodded, tuned and tweaked that it seems as though once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. But as you’ll see in our exclusive coverage of this build, you haven't seen everything yet. With such a great canvas it's really no surprise the Camaro has been the "it" car at the SEMA show for the past couple of years. And in this ongoing build feature, we'll get to see Mobil 1 take this 5th gen Camaro from stock to shock via their very stylish, straightforward approach.

We asked Mr. Williamson what we could expect in regards to the build of the Mobil 1 Camaro:

“To give you a very brief glimpse, we're working side by side with Chevrolet Performance on some performance parts that they have in the works for the Camaro. We are also working with a great wheel partner in fifteen52 Wheels in order to help us achieve a custom, classic motorsports wheel that will be in style, years down the road. The wheels will be paired to Nitto Tires, and you can expect to see this car sitting very aggressively, as we are working with KW Suspension for the best setup on the street and track. Sicom Brakes is developing a custom ceramic composite brake system for the car, as well, that will be very unique.

As a focal point of power, we're working with Turbonetics on a custom, single turbo setup for the LS3, as well as working with our Mobil 1 Racing team on using Mobil 1 Racing Oil when we set up the car for track use. We want to show real world enthusiasts our take on the Camaro and the steps we took to accomplish it.

We're working with the great guys at Lashway Motorsports in Pompano Beach, Fla. on the build. They're a young group that specializes in LS engines and especially Camaro setups. And they've got some serious tricks up their sleeves for this project. We'll be cataloging everything along the way to help educate real deal, everyday enthusiasts on how they can achieve similar results for their projects. It will be a fun project to follow.”

We're excited to see how this car comes together. Now that the introduction is done, we can focus on the next steps of the build. Stay tuned for all that and more to come in Part 2.

In the meantime check out the images below, then we suggest you jump on over to the Camaro Forum and place your bets on how all of the above is going to go down— or maybe even let us know how you’d do a build like this if you were behind the wheel!

CHECK IT ALL OUT BY CLICKING HERE

NHRA FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN ADDED TO MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS LINEUP

NHRA has announced the formation of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown at the 2012 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Auto-Plus at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, Aug. 29-Sept. 3, adding even more excitement to the biggest, richest and most prestigious drag race in the world. The NHRA Factory Stock Showdown is a competition designed to showcase the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, and Chevrolet COPO Camaro. 


The program will feature '08 and newer models. Competition will be run heads-up as a class within NHRA Stock eliminations. Early rounds of eliminations in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will take place Thursday, Aug. 30. The final four cars in competition will run Friday, Aug. 31, in conjunction with the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series qualifying sessions. An NHRA Wally will be awarded to the winner of the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. All participants in the NHRA Factory Stock Showdown will still be able to run in the national event eliminator.

SPOILER ALERT: INSIDE LOOK AT COPO CAMARO ASSEMBLY

The BLOCK brings you behind the scenes of the Official Chevrolet Performance COPO Camaro factory with exclusive images you just can’t get anywhere else. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.