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| 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 - photos courtesy of Chevrolet |
The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 has generated considerable
buzz in the automotive world as it promises to be the most potent pony car
General Motors has ever produced. While the model is impressive to drive on the
road, in the end it was designed to be first and foremost a track machine. GM
engineers concentrated on a number of features and innovations that make the
car an incredible contender on just about any course. Following are 28 reasons
why the new Camaro Z/28 is more of a track monster than the average person likely
realizes.
1. LS7 with dry-sump oiling system
The LS7 is an engine that was created for high-performance
applications like racing on a track for lap after lap. Among the features that
help the engine withstand the high revs associated with competitive driving are
a forged-steel crankshaft, high-flow cylinder heads, titanium connecting rods,
and titanium intake valves. The dry-sump oiling system ensures proper oil pressure
during hard cornering maneuvers and was lifted from GM's motorsports
experience.
2. High-performance limited-slip differential
Chevrolet optimizes the Z/28's cornering ability and
traction when exiting corners by using a zero-preload, high-performance limited
slip differential. A concentric helical gear set design helps provide traction
that is proportional to the torque input. The result is a limited-slip
differential that provides constant torque biasing and differentiation sent to
the rear wheels. The design also maximizes the functionality of the antilock
brakes on each wheel individually, which improves corner entry braking,
corner-exiting traction, and mid-corner speed management. The driver can apply
more power when going through turns without losing control, which helps shave
precious seconds off the car's lap time.
3. Specialized brakes
The Z/28 isn't outfitted with just run-of-the-mill
performance brakes. It wears Brembo carbon ceramic matrix brakes that are made
especially for track racing applications. The two-piece front rotors measure
15.5 by 1.4 inches and are mated with monobloc, fixed calipers with six pistons
each. The rear rotors are also made of two pieces and measure 15.3 by 1.3
inches. As for the rear calipers, they feature four pistons each. The brake
system weighs 9.6 kilograms less than the brakes on the Camaro SS, helping
reduce the car's unsprung mass. Being that they are made of carbon ceramic,
there is little brake fade, even when the car is driven lap after lap. As for
braking performance, a 60 to 0 mph stop takes less than 120 feet on a skid pad,
which is impressive. To cap it all off, the pads are made for high-performance
applications, with electronic pad-wear sensors that alert the driver when
servicing is required.
4. Performance differential cooler
Engineers leaned on their experience from developing the
Camaro ZL1, fabricating a unique differential cooler to improve the Z/28's
performance. An integral heat exchanger means there is no external pump,
relays, wiring, fan or temperature sensors. Any overcooled transmission fluids
flow to the heat exchanger, which is located in the differential housing. The
excess heat is removed from the fluid, at up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping
performance consistent during long and aggressive track sessions.
5. Six-speed manual transmission
The TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission has been
used in the Camaro ZL1 and Cadillac CTS V-Series with wonderful success. The configuration
of the transmission works well with high-performance engines and it facilitates
short throws. All gears come with double and triple cone synchronizers, which
provide more friction surfaces that make transitioning gears a much easier and
more precise task.
6. Wheels and tires
Many times, car enthusiasts don't spend enough time
selecting tires and wheels that lend themselves to performance. Fortunately, GM
engineers took their time selecting the best tires and wheels for the Z/28. The
setup consists of P305/30/ZR19 tires on the front and rear that are mounted on
19 by 11-inch front wheels and 19 by 11.5-inch rear wheels. That configuration
is helpful when it comes to track stability. First of all, the front wheels and
tires are wider than what is found on similar sport coupes, which makes the car
more surefooted on the track. Using 19-inch wheels lowers the car's center of
gravity, which positively impacts handling. The wheels are made of forged
aluminum, which are not only lighter but also feature an increased level of
rigidity when compared to the wheels on the Camaro SS. The tires were designed
for summer driving and track applications, with a large contact patch for
excellent grip. An additional 29.5 pounds are shaved off by the tires versus
what comes on the Camaro SS.
7. High-flow air intake
Chevrolet optimizes air flow into the engine by using an
open air box intake setup, which is a unique setup. The design takes full
advantage of high engine revs, which are common when racing on a track. A
K&N conical air filter helps the air intake provide the best airflow out of
any production Camaro air intake, ever. The air filter is also placed outside
of the engine bay, which helps guard against the hot air from the engine and
exhaust being recirculated into the engine.
8. Active dual-mode exhaust
The dual-mode exhaust not only allows exhaust gases to
escape the engine faster, it also produces a more aggressive sound that matches
the looks of the Camaro Z/28. The system actively engages valves that alter the
flow of the exhaust, automatically adapting to what's best for performance in a
given scenario. The whole system works off of the engine's rpm and the gear selected
on the transmission, meaning the driver does not have to worry about it.
9. Air conditioning
Weight is kept low in different ways, which boosts
performance. Not including air conditioning helps the car shave off 12.9
kilograms. If a buyer really wants air conditioning, it is available as an
option.
10. Performance Traction Management
The Z/28 comes with a Performance Traction Management (PTM)
system that ties together Traction Control, the chassis mode selection and
Active Handling. The system was tuned carefully by engineers to provide a
highly consistent level of road course performance. For example, the driver can
press on the accelerator as the car exits a turn, achieving wide open throttle
without losing control. The driver can also select one of five performance
modes which are optimized for various driving conditions.
11. High-performance fuel system
Engineers thought about fuel delivery to the LS7 when the
Z/28 is flying around a track. The fuel system is set up with a primary fuel
pump reservoir that always stays full, even when the Camaro is cornering hard.
The result is optimal engine performance, no matter how quickly the drivers
whips the car through sharp turns.
12. Lightweight brake rotors
The carbon ceramic brake rotors used on the Z/28 shaves off 9.6
kilograms of weight. The savings lowers the car's curb weight and also helps
improve handling since it lowers the amount of total unsprung weight.
13. Lightweight wheels and tires
As you already know, engineers worked to drop weight
wherever they could. The aluminum wheels saved 8.7 kilograms, thanks to a
design with a back-cut located at the rim. The result is a spin inertia that is
reduced by 5 percent. In addition, the tires help save 13.2 kilograms.
14. Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve
A first for a high-volume production car, the Dynamic
Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology for the Z/28 was developed by
Multimatic. A pair of spool valves that are self-piloted control the dampers'
fluid as it moves through tuned ports instead of through deflected disc
dampers, like in conventional setups. A high level of suspension stiffness,
response, and overall tuning is provided by the inverted-monotube front strut
and the aluminum-body monotube rear hydraulic dampers. What this means is that
the suspension offers maximum control for the driver, thanks to a level of
stiffness that almost doubles what the dampers on the Camaro SS provide.
15. Belly pan
A belly pan is located on the car's underbody, helping
prevent front lift. The design also helps cool off the drivertrain.
16. Rocker and wheel flare moldings
The rocker moldings are specific to the Z/28 and were
designed in a wind tunnel for aerodynamic performance. The wheel flare moldings
were designed to cover the wider tires used on the car. The front wheel flares
feature deflectors at the bottom-front corners, helping provide increased
downforce for improved handling at high speeds.
17. Upgraded lower control arm ride link bushing
The lower control arm bushing was redesigned for a 50
percent increase in stiffness, which improves brake force deflection steer and
produces a more consistent steering performance.
18. Upgraded rear upper control arm and lower trailing link
bushings
The rear upper control arm bushings were redesigned for a
400 percent increase in stiffness, which was achieved by eliminating voids in
the configuration. The design also improved toe-change compliance during
braking for further handling improvements. The lower trailing link bushings
were redesigned for 25 percent more stiffness, which works to provide better
handling during hard cornering.
19. Rear seat
The rear seat in the Z/28 was designed to be incredibly
lightweight. It weighs 4.7 kilograms less than the one in the Camaro SS, thanks
to a setup that calls for less foam and a fixed seatback instead of a folding
function.
20. Wheelhouse liners
The wheelhouse liners in the front of the Z/28 feature
closeouts that are designed to optimized airflow in the underbody. The design
optimizes the car's aerodynamics, improving efficiency and performance.
21. Rear glass
The rear window glass measures 3.2 millimeters thick instead
of 3.5 millimeters thick, like on other Camaros. The move saves 400 grams of
weight.
22. Optimized coil springs and stabilizer bars
The stiffness rate of the car's coil springs was increased
by 85 percent in the front and 65 percent in the rear. As a result, the body
moves less, which allowed engineers to use small and lighter-weight stabilizer
bars, helping keep the car's curb weight down.
23. Short-throw shifter.
The Z/28 is outfitted with a
5.1-ratio short-throw shifter that helps the driver make quicker and more
precise gear switches. The setup is similar to what's found in the Camaro SS
1LE and ZL1.
24. Front splitter
A large aero panel or front splitter produces considerable
downforce on the car's nose. The benefit is increased stability and cornering
ability at high speeds. Further enhancing the car's aerodynamics are an aero
closeout panel that is also located under the front portion of the engine, and
aero features ahead of the front wheels. The front splitter's tip can resist up
to 250 pounds of downforce.
25. Rear spoiler
Engineers used the rear spoiler from the Camaro SS to
provide optimal downforce, modifying it to incorporate a "wickerbill"
or a small tab that stands vertically at the edge of the spoiler. The small
modification increased lift by 70 counts, which means the Z/28 can take turns
safely at higher speeds. The wickerbill modification also increases the car's
stability at higher speeds.
26. Strut tower brace
The strut tower brace on the Z/28 was lifted directly from
the SS 1LE. The brace transfers any load from each strut tower in a cornering
scenario, sharing the load between the two towers. The ultimate result is less
chassis flex and improved handling.
27. Hood extractor
The carbon fiber hood extractor isn't just for looks. It
functions to increase cooling for the engine by providing an exit route for hot
air. Engineers patterned the design somewhat off the hood extractor on the
Camaro ZL1.
28. Front fascia
A unique front fascia was designed for optimal airflow and
lightness. The design took the front fascia from the Camaro SS and deleted the
foglights, upper-base grille, and air dam. The design on the Z/28 features
front brake cooling ducts to help prevent brake fade.
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