We've been kind of talking about this in a couple of threads lately. I was reminded of what a beautiful thing it was when SS and Z/28 had their own distinct personalities.....and how these distictions attracted more and more enthusiastic buyers.

Whithout getting into THE debate, and without arguing about "Top Dog" status, and specific horsepower......what key elements can Chevy use to differentate SS and Z/28 on a 5th gen?

For example:

Chrome wheels are, I believe, inappropriate for Z/28 but very appropriate for SS.

Let's hear what everyone thinks....

BUT.....

Watch yourselves.....if you have nothing constructive to contribute, please don't post.

 

1) Make the Z-28 a coupe only option like the Z06 (and how it was originally) and offer T-tops and a Convertible on the SS.

2) Rims, trim and stripes should be different as well.

 

I'm all for coupe only Z/28's. Somehow Z/28 convertibles just don't seem right to me.

SS convertibles however, are a match made in heaven.

 

THE SS IS teh sux0r!!

just kidding. But to avoid the SS vs Z28 deal, why not talk about all the models?

As for the SS vs Z28, what if they were basicly equal, just it was more like a Odd Couple kinda thing? One is the neat freak luxury model, while the other is a rip snorting, leaving rubber everywhere kinda car. That would make for a great commercial!
I think the SS should keep going with the hood scoop and a lot more luxury items, much like the SS Silverado. I agree on the chrome rims, spinners optional . Things like OnStar, DVD navi, and other "luxury" items should be available.

The Z28 should have a slimmer looking appearance. No gfx, lower stance, and a minor wing in the back. I like the idea of a heat-extractor hood, its more race-ready looking to me. Have more "performance" options like larger brakes, different suspension, and maybe a little help from GMPP and a stainless cat back as a nice option?

I would also like to see a RS model with a supercharged 6 or a small V8 with DOD. If the RS gets a 5.3, the DOD will help out its milage and it will be more "fuel friendly" kind of camaro. Still offer performance, but it wont be loaded with as many items as the SS or Z28. Have the RS a more "daily" kinda of car. Things like XM radio, 6cd disk player, more gas-friendly rear end gears, traction conrol, and other things.

The Base model or SC would be a young guy or girls Camaro. Packed with a 250hp V6, have options to customize it. Start off with 16 inch wheels with an option on 17's. GFX kits and other things would be nice to offer.

 

I don't think a coupe only Z28 would be a good selling point in this day in age. People like to have an open cieling above them.

I still think SS should be the top dog, but should be more different from the Z28 than the 4th gen. had been. Chevrolet has SS as the top performance option of every model, why would they change with the Camaro? I think what your saying is that the SS should take the RS road and have more cosmetic options but still have a V8 and the Z28 should just be a straight racer.

With all the advancements in structural integrity, and considering Chevy alreaddy has a straight hard-top racer in the Z06, I think it would be smart to at least offer Ttops (or moon roof) on the Z28. Ttops alone counted for nearly 50% of 4th gen sales. You know a lot of the enthusiast Z28 buyers are going to want that option. If you want a hardtop, then get one, don't make others suffer without their 'verts and removable roofs

 

Well Im only against the coupe only Z28, if I can get the same power package with an SS. Cause I want the most power, and performance, tranny/rear end thats avaliable. But god damnit I demand T-tops, I dont care about most of the other flash options, leather, onstar, etc. But I want T-tops, AC, and decent rims (like the 4th gen SS rims).

And is as stock 12 bolt too much to ask?

 

Maybe you guys need some inspiration.

Z/28:

http://www.1967z28.com/gallery/fullr...moore-main.htm

SS:

http://www.fast-autos.net/chevrolet/67camaro.html

 

You would've had to pick my two favorite Camaros of all.

 

That would work for me... but make sure racing stripes are optional

 

I think you're pretty close to the mark there.

Z/28 is about big brakes, apex carving suspension....and just generally a state of "tension".

SS is more about a sense of style. SS has a firm, yet boulevard ride. Plenty of power, but not edgy.

Z/28 is the former Delta Force mercenary, SS is the 007 gentleman.

 

I don't get why you folks keep saying that the Z should get bigger brakes? That is one option that should be standard down the line from the cheapest to the most expensive. If anything, do like the new Vette Z51 and make the same size brakes cross drilled.

 

I dont like the idea of cross drilled rotors. Maybe slotted with larger 3-4 pistion brakes. Have like 13 inchers stock, with 13.5 as an option with larger calipers. Brakes are very important and rounds out the total performance image of the Z28.

 

okay guys..here it is I have said before..

CHevy can have the SS model as thier top of the line products..it all fits into place..
base,RS,SS

now your saying where is Z28? well you know that little 1LE option you could get for racing from GM? was that not what the Z28 designation actually for, it was an option. You mark down the Z28 option and you got a stripped bad as$ version of the Camaro.

so change the 1LE option to Z28 ala the Z06 and you got your lineup still right but also offering the the best bang for the buck..

so it goes
far as price....
base
RS
Z28 <-- though second in line cus of the price, less trim more perf.
SS <-- still top dog..all the goodies but not all the performance a stripped down Z28 offers..what you lack in speed you get in style.

far as performance.
base
RS
SS
Z28

sounds about right..

 

Funny, I don't recall a Corvette SS ?!?!
But I do recall a Corvette Z06.
I also recall Z28's, Z24's, Z71's and oodles of other significant designations other than SS.

OK back to the main topic... I know it takes more development money, but it would sure be sweet to have a "new" version of the 302 available for Z/28 units. One that is specially packaged for light weight, high RPM, and easy tinkering/maintenance (at least compared to the regular electronic nightmares we have today).

Outside of the suspension mods, those special 302's are what really set the Z/28 and Boss 302 apart from any other cars in the world - and those engines are still the "heartbeat" of the lengends IMO.

I think offering upgraded brakes and suspension is almost a must for the car to be taken seriously and sell at expected levels (be they small or not), but I also think that many who buy the car will intend to race it, and if they do they will upgrade to aftermarket equipment anyways. So give an upgraded offering, but more importantly make the platform easily adaptable to Baer and Brembo type equipment - then you can't lose!
(and yes, I really do think folks will mod the cars... KNOWING the Cobra R would be a collectible likely to break $100k in the future, just look at how many guys popped $55k for a new one, and took it straight to a race shop to have it "tweaked". Everything from brakes, shocks, springs, to paint, decals, and aftermarket roll cages welded in. Would I do that? - NO. Some others - apparently.)

 

Anyway you look at it, the 400+ hp version will need better brakes than the 240 hp version.

Think about the CTS. Less expensive Delco on the base models, Brembo on the CTSv. The CTSv needs those Brembos, but they would be a needless expense on the other models.