Design for Camaro Z28 complete but production remains in doubt

Since the reveal of the first Chevrolet Camaro concept back in 2006, speculation about the return of a high-performance Z28 flagship has been rife. General Motors was finally building modern RWD platforms, adding superchargers to its V8 engines, and developing high-tech independent suspension and trick steering systems, but sadly, till today, there has been no official word on whether a Camaro using all of this technology will ever be produced.

GM insiders insist the design and planning stages for a new Z28 have been completed but with the company’s current financial crisis there remains much doubt as to whether or not the car will ever see the light of day. After seeing some of the official sketches, MotorTrend reports that the car has been designed with a deeper front bumper than the standard Camaro as well as larger intakes and new spotlights. Up back, a new lip spoiler running the entire length of the car was to be fitted.

Under the hood was to be the Cadillac CTS-V’s supercharged 6.2L LSA V8, complete with six-speed manual (or optional automatic) and 556hp (414kW) output. In the 4,300lb CTS-V, this combination is good for a 0-60mph sprint of just 4.1 seconds and a 12.3 second quarter mile time. Factor in the Camaro’s 200 to 300lb lighter kerb weight and the Z28 would likely be completing the 0-60mph benchmark in less than four seconds and passing the quarter in the very low 12 second bracket.

Combine these performance numbers with the Camaro’s fully independent suspension and stability control, as well as a completely modern chassis based on the Zeta RWD architecture, and the modern-day Z28 could have been the first Camaro to outgun rival sports cars from Japan and Europe. That is if GM ever built one.

Sadly, it is not just GM’s money woes that have stalled the project. The current climate of environmental consciousness has also played a major role in the demise of the Z28.

Therefore, until a new Z28 is confirmed, renderings such as these, created by member of Camaro5 forums going by name of the Jinx, will have to suffice. They reveal a possible look for a new-generation Z28, depicting a much more aggressive looking coupe than the standard Camaro. Performance fans can also look forward to the 425hp (313kW) Camaro SS, which you can see all the specs for in our previous story.