2014 Camaro: the design

The 2014 Camaro was revealed at the 2013 New York Auto Show in April. The restyled model features a new face, with a larger lower grille, a thinner fascia and an updated headlight, which maintains the iconic “halo ring”.

At the rear the distinctive twin tail lamps of the 2010 model have been replaced by more conventional, single rectangular-shaped units that wrap round the body underlining the width and stance and recalling the past generations of the model.

New exterior features – mainly aimed at achieving a more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds include new rockers and new hood with air vents (V8 versions only).

Along with the SS, Chevrolet has also revealed the ZL1 and the racetrack-focused Z/28.

The new 2014 Camaro line will arrive at Chevrolet dealers later in 2013, while the Camaro Z/28 is expected to be appearing at track events across the United States in spring 2014.

Below we report some details on the design from the official press release, along with a video presentation by Program Engineering Manager Mark Dickens.

The Design

The 2014 Camaro represents the most significant redesign since the introduction of the fifth- generation Camaro as a concept car in 2006.

“The 2014 Camaro is our opportunity to apply what we have learned listening to our customers, and our continuing development of high-performance models,” said Tom Peters, Camaro exterior design director.

“We look for solutions that are both functional and beautiful so that the result is genuine Chevrolet – simple, powerful, honest, and more than expected.”

Compared to the previous model, the design represents a strong visual change front and rear, resulting in a wider, lower, more contemporary appearance.

The front fascia features a wider lower opening, and a narrower upper opening that also updates the appearance of the iconic “halo ring” HID headlamps on the Camaro RS package.

The functional hood vent on the Camaro SS helps reduce heat and aerodynamic lift. Moving to the rear, the sculptural decklid, horizontal lamps and diffuser complete the powerful statement.

The 2014 Camaro Z/28

The Camaro Z/28 also features a full aerodynamic package designed to produce downforce at track speeds.

At the front, the Z/28 features a large splitter, connected to an underbody panel that further reduces lift. In profile, the Z/28 features fender flares over the front and rear wheels, as well as extended rocker panels that contribute to aerodynamic stability. An aggressive rear spoiler and functional diffuser complete the aerodynamic package.

On the interior, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte-metallic finish named Octane, the ZL1 flat-bottomed steering wheel, and standard Recaro seats with microfiber suede inserts.

The new seats (also available on the coupe versions of the SS and ZL1 models), feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. A total of nine pounds (four kilograms) was saved by eliminating the seat-back pass through, as well as using high- density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

“Unlike the Ford Mustang Boss 302, we felt it was important to keep the 2+2 configuration of the Camaro Z/28 as Chevrolet already has a world-class two-seat sports car in the Corvette,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

“By modifying the construction of the rear seat, we were able to reduce the overall weight of the Z/28 while still preserving the flexibility of 2+2 seating.”

(Source: Chevrolet)