The upcoming 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is all about race track performance, and managing air flow is a big part of the equation. Most production cars are designed to be as slippery as possible at higher speeds and even have a slight lift at very high speeds. This improves fuel economy. The new Z/28 Camaro is one of the few that is focused on race track performance more than ultimate fuel economy. It’s a proper sports car.
For example, the Z/28 produces 440 pounds of downforce more than a Camaro SS at the speed of 150 MPH. You need downforce at higher speeds for improved straight line stability and cornering performance. High performance cars also use air flow to cool engine, transmission, brakes, and other components that build up heat. The 2014 Z/28 uses specially designed front splitter, rear spoiler, hood extractor, deflectors, and belly pan to manage the air.
All this computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing help this ultimate Camaro to be fast. In fact, it posted a faster Nurburgring time than the Camaro ZL1, Porsche 911 Carrera S, and Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. Of course, the 7.0-liter 505 horsepower LS7 V8, lighter weight, and carbon ceramic Brembo brakes also help achieve impressive racetrack performance.
We had so much fun running the 2013 Camaro SS 1LE around the High Plains Raceway this summer. The 1LE package Camaro was less intimidating than the ZL1, and more confidence means more fun. In fact, it was the second quickest car we tested that day (second to the 2014 Nissan GT-R). We cannot wait to test the Z/28 on the race track and on the street.
Take a loot at this racetrack video of the 2013 Camaro SS 1LE:
