The all-new Camaro Z/28.R race car will debut this week at a 2.5-hour
endurance race ahead of the 52nd Rolex 24 At Daytona. It will be one of the most production-based competitors on
the track, sharing aero, engine and even axle components with the new 2014 Camaro Z/28.
Stevenson Motorsports and CKS Autosport will campaign Z/28.R race cars in the GS
class of the IMSA Continental Tires SportsCar Challenge. The Daytona race begins
at 1:45 p.m. EST, on Friday, Jan. 24, kicking off the 12-race 2014 season.
"The original Camaro Z/28 was designed for racing and became an iconic
performance car through its hard-fought victories," said Mark Kent, director of
racing for Chevrolet. "A new chapter in racing begins this week, as the new
Camaro Z/28 makes its competition debut in one of the most hotly contested
series in motorsports."
Developed alongside its production counterpart, the Z/28.R incorporates the same
performance elements that make the 2014 Camaro Z/28 the most track-capable
Camaro ever. To enhance grip, for example, the Z/28.R's body shares the same
downforce-generating aero package as the production model, including the front splitter,
rear spoiler with wickerbill, hood extractor vent, rockers, wheel-house extensions and front tire deflectors
as well as the belly pan.
The Z/28.R is also powered by the same LS7 7.0L V-8 engine as the production
Z/28 and employs the unique, helical-gear limited-slip rear differential found
on the production model. It is standard in the Z/28, helping the driver put down
more power to the pavement when exiting corners.
"Apart from series-mandated equipment and the specialized suspension components
needed for endurance racing, the Z/28.R is as close to a production-spec race
car as you'll find," said Kent.
Continuing the Camaro Z/28 Legacy
As Stevenson Motorsports and CKS Autosport kick off a full season of racing in
the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge with their new Camaro Z/28.R race
cars, they'll advance the legacy of Camaro endurance racing that dates to the
original Z/28's 1967 introduction, when it was developed for the Trans-Am
series. More recently, the Camaro GS.R won six races from 2011 to 2013 in the
Continental SportsCar Series Grand Sport class, helping Chevrolet achieve a
runner-up finish in the GS championship last season.
"The new Camaro Z/28.R is a significant advancement from the GS.R that won
multiple races in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge the last three
years," said Lisa Talarico, Chevrolet program manager for the Continental Tire
series. "We expect the new engine package, suspension components and aerodynamic
improvements to help our teams to further successes in the 2014 GS class. The GS
class is full of great competitors, and we believe the performance level of the
new Z/28.R will provide us the opportunity to contend for a championship."
The 2014 Camaro Z/28 goes on sale this spring.
