So I was just reading the Car and Driver that came in the mail today, and on page 25 there is a little preview of the 2014 Z28. Now I'll admit I haven't been following the current line of Camaros too closely, cuz I'm not really in love with them nor do I have the cash to buy one. But after reading this article, it's occurred to me that in the 4 model years since they brought it back, Chevy has burned through almost every iconic RPO code and done almost none of them justice.

The 2014 Z28 is going to be some $56,000, more expensive than a ZL1. Now in my mind the ZL1 is the ultimate, an enormous all aluminum 427 that hardly even belongs on the streets. The motor cost as much as the car, and they barely made any. Not anymore. The Z28 tops the ZL1 in price, but not power even though the Z28 will have a 428 (LS7) and the ZL1 (which had to be supercharged to be the baddest) has a 376. Wtf?

Then they mention suspension. It's going to top the 1LE. They brought back 1LE? As an option on a SS?!?!?! And it's not going to cut weight everywhere, unlike the 1LE. Wait, wasn't that the whole purpose of the original 1LE? Saving weight and maximizing performance? They even wanted to delete the radio on the Z (not the 1LE), but something had to ding when the seatbelts weren't on. It gets better brakes and rear end too!

Nothing against the Z28, I have the code under my glove box. But since when was it above the ZL1? I think the only one they haven't touched yet is IROC, but boy give em one more year and B4Z is all they'll have left. Then what? See ya later Camaro, nice seeing you again?

Sorry but I just felt the need to rant to people who understand what I'm talking about. If this is inappropriate or misplaced, feel free to delete me mods. Not even sure why I care so much, I won't buy one anyway until they put T-tops on em!

 

Z28 > ZL1 any day of the week.

Less Weight, More Performance, Better handling. Everything the Z28 should be. Its the same recipe they use for the Z06 vs the ZR1.

The current crop of muscle cars destroys any musclecar from the 60s and 70s in every category. Look at other v8 rwd 2+2 platforms for the current model year. They are ALL that heavy.

Hell my focus ST is 3150lbs or so with an all aluminum 2.0L turbo I4 and I'd pit it stock for stock against any thirdgen, TTA and Firehawk excluded.

 

Oh no I'm not arguing 5th gen vs any other generation. I'm just displeased with the hierarchy of models they're establishing. It just seems to me they're just throwing historic monikers around all ***** nilly. If they're going to use them to entice people who remember them, shouldn't they keep true to the spirit of the original? I'm no historical authority by any means and probably am missing a few important details that might justify what Chevy is doing, but one thing I know is they're running through them way too fast as if they don't plan on the Camaro sticking around at all.

But anyway, yeah a Z28 is about performance, but why is the new one lighter than a 1LE and not the other way around? Why is it the most expensive and boasting a 7.0L and not the ZL1? Ok, the 5th gen ZL1 still makes more power thanks to a supercharger, but I'm not impressed. And why is the 1LE an SS and not a Z28?

Bah I don't know it all just seems wrong. And before you think I'm some old fart who yells at these young kids and their skateboards and rap music, I'm 26. Though that probably ruins my credibility even more...

Edit: Though it's not like Chevy is the only one doing this. I also read something about a Barracuda coming soon...

 

And since you bring it up, I don't agree with the ZR1 entirely either. Again, because if the supercharger. The ZR1 was the RPO code for the motor no? Much like ZL1 was the RPO for that motor. Neither original was supercharged. I know it's a lot to ask to top these already beastly V8's while staying naturally aspirated, but if you're going to supercharge it in my opinion you'd better invent a new RPO. I don't think it's fair to history, though I suppose the demographic that these new cars are being marketed towards doesn't know all these details or doesn't really care. Can't blame em I guess, they're still bad *** cars and I'm still a little jealous.