Skip to main content

The Camaro Z/28’s hand-built 7-liter V8 proves mighty powerful on the dyno

With an alleged 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque from a hand-built 7.0-liter LS7 V8, the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 is a thing of legend and the kind of tarmac-tearing pony car generations of red-blooded Americans have dreamt of.

That is, if the performance numbers are to be believed.

Delightfully, we’re about to find out, as Redline Motorsports has put a Z/28 on the dyno.

As you can see from the video, this Z/28 makes a max 455 horsepower and 420 lb-ft.

Yes, this is less than the rated numbers. But remember: the 505-hp and 481-lb-ft represent the power output at the crank, not the wheels. These figures represent a nine-percent parasitic drivetrain power loss, which is pretty damn impressive.

To us, this means a few things: 1.) GM is being a bit conservative with its peak crank power figures or 2.) The hand-built engines – like the Nissan GT-R – are prone to more power, depending on the tech who assembles them.

Regardless, straight-line power isn’t the Z/28s real purpose. It is, after all, a track-taming pony car, capable of 1.08 g in cornering acceleration and lapping the Nurburgring faster than an LFA or Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Giddyup.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more
Don’t let the gimmicks fool you. The Ioniq 5 N is a serious track car
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N drifting.

We’re finally getting to the fun part of automakers’ methodical quest to replicate their lineups with electric cars.

Performance versions of ordinary cars have been a staple of the auto industry for decades. But while we’ve already seen some variants of EVs boasting more power and more impressive stats — think Tesla Model S Plaid or Lucid Air Sapphire — the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the first to truly apply that format to an EV.

Read more