Aero-enhanced 2014 Chevy Camaro Readied for Euro Debut

When the Bowtie brand showed off the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, it provided both a preview of one of the most anticipated new cars of the next model year and—reading between the Z/28’s aggressively sculpted lines—a hint or two about what the other entries in the 2014 Camaro crew would look like. Well, now we’ve got more than a hint, as Chevrolet has unveiled photos of the 2014 Chevy Camaro Coupe and Convertible ahead of their European premiere at September’s 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

"Camaro has always been associated with iconic design, high performance and driving fun, and we are particularly proud of the new coupe and convertible models," said Dr. Thomas Sedran, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe. "They incorporate new high-tech features that add extra convenience and give customers even more value for their money.”

And while details about any changes beneath the skin will have to wait until a bit later this year, the upgrades to the skin itself are obvious, especially up front, where the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 gains a more-than-passing resemblance to the 2013 Camaro ZL1. By adjusting the proportions of the car’s upper and lower front grilles, as well as integrating a new rear diffuser and spoiler, designers not only sharpened the looks of the 2014 Chevy Camaro, but improved its aerodynamics, too. Also in the mix for the new model year are functional hood vents for enhanced cooling and high-speed-stability, reshaped rear lighting elements, and a resculpted rear deck lid.

As for the launch of the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28, that will happen next spring … although we’ve provided a quick refresher course on the reborn Z/28 on the next page.

2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28: On Track for Success

American enthusiasts have shown a growing appreciation for hot handlers in recent years, and U.S. automakers have responded with track-focused entries like the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca and, coming early next year, the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28.

As should be clear, the new Z/28 won’t be the most powerful Camaro on the roster. That will remain the 580-hp ZL. However, the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 is scheduled to debut with a nice power bump over the Camaro SS, and showcase outputs of 500 hp (almost 75 more than the SS) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (an additional 50 over the SS).

Engineers then focused on enhancing performance in three key areas to create what Chevy calls the “most track-capable Camaro ever.” The effort included a 300-lb. reduction in curb weight compared to the ZL1, as well as a Brembo stopper package with carbon-ceramic brakes that enable 1.5 g of deceleration. Chevrolet also deployed a full-scale chassis retune that allows the 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 to achieve 1.05 g in cornering.

As a result, early testing by the brand shows the Z/28 with a three-second-per-lap advantage over the more powerful ZL1 on Chevy’s test track.

“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.”