Exterior Design and Aerodynamics

With the driving goal focused on peak performance capability, nothing on the exterior is without purpose. It shares several racing-inspired, design best practices and lessons learned with the 2014 Corvette Stingray. New and revised exterior content was developed to improve aerodynamics, powertrain cooling and brake-system cooling, helping the Z/28 produce 150 pounds of downforce at 150 mph.

Here are 28 features that helped the Camaro Z/28 lap Germany’s famous Nürburgring road course four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1.

Rear spoiler with ‘wickerbill’

The aerodynamic coefficient of drag goal was achieved with original Camaro SS content and an accessory rear spoiler, but to meet the downforce requirements for Z/28, the spoiler was modified with a “wickerbill” – a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler. Although an aesthetically minor change, it helped improve rear lift performance by 70 counts. That allows the Z/28 to handle turns at higher speeds and deliver greater overall high-speed stability.

Photos: GM

(2014-02-17)