Long before the C8 Corvette, C7 ZR1, and Camaro ZL1 1LE existed, Chevrolet made what is arguably one of their best track cars to date: The Camaro Z/28. It was even out before Ford would unveil its ultimate track-focused pony car (the Ford Mustang GT350/GT350R). Since then, I feel that the Z/28 has been somewhat forgotten in the automotive world and thus I am taking it upon myself to remind you all of just how fast this car was once you got it on a circuit. Therefore, here are the top 5 cars that the Camaro Z/28 matched around the infamous Laguna Seca racetrack.
Before we begin though, perhaps I should explain the title a little bit. Here’s something you should probably understand about me: Unless the gap between two cars is more than a second and a half, I don’t believe any given car truly “beats” another. Why? Because, as anyone who’s been on a racetrack or talked to people who race frequently knows, the difference in tire temperature, tire condition, weather condition, track condition, and a few other variables can greatly affect a lap time. As such, I’m of the opinion that anything under a second and a half (definitely anything under a second) isn’t really a car “beating” another, and more so it “matching” the pace of another. I mean, even a driver’s mood/state can affect a lap time (whether or not they’re in the zone). With that out of the way, it’s time for me to tell you the lap time the Camaro Z/28 set so we can get this article underway. Well, the Camaro Z/28 set a lap time of 1:37.82. Now let’s begin…
4: The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Aston Martin’s latest venture into the world of “Super GT” cars is no stranger to a racetrack. In fact, Motor Trend decided they would take Aston’s latest successor to the Vanquish and test its chops out on Laguna Seca (they’re favorite and darn near only testing venue). I’m not sure what video/test it was where they got this lap time, but Randy Pobst eeked out a 1:38.27 from the big Aston.
3: The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Much like the Aston, Motor Trend tested out Ferrari’s (at the time) latest entry into a stupidly fast and stupidly powerful GT car. Quite a showstopper at the time, I still remember when Ralph Gilles was doing the Gen 5 Viper reveal and he made a joke about how they (Chrysler) understood that the F12 had to be a little more powerful, haha. Man, that set the internet ablaze with theories about the nature of the relationship between Chrysler, FIAT, and Ferrari at the time.
Anyway, let’s back to the lap time. During what I believe was a pretty old Motor Trend test, Randy Pobst did a lap time of 1:38.04. Some might say that make sit faster than the Aston, but it’s important to keep in mind the variables that can go into a lap time (especially one where the biggest difference is about 5 years).
2: The Porsche Cayman GT4
One of the darlings of recent Porsche offerings, the GT4 is a track-weapon to be feared even by it’s bigger 911 brethren. It’s the car few thought Porsche would make (for fear of stepping on the toes of the 911), yet finally, they decided to let the Cayman stretch its legs and show the world what it can really do. Alongside Porsche Cayman fans, Motor Trend also wanted to see what the smallest but mighty Porsche could do. So they took it to Laguna Seca (of course) and set a lap time of 1:37.43. Which, depending on your perspective, is a testament to how fast Chevrolet made the Z/28. No seriously, think about it: The Camaro is far heavier than the Cayman (in any guise) and it’s meant to be so focused on handling out-of-the-gate as the Cayman. Chevrolet did a darn good job turning the (comparatively) big bruiser into a track-rat’s car.
1: The Jaguar XE SV Project 8
Topping the list is arguably Jaguar’s craziest sedan to date: The XE SV Project 8. Another car no one expecting any automaker to make (especially not Jaguar), the XE SV Project 8 is one of those brilliant “made moments” from the automotive world. Meant to be a track-slaying beast that happens to have four doors, the XE SV Project 8 proved that despite the handicap of having extra doors it’s certainly no slouch. In the hands of Randy Pobst, the XE SV Project 8 did a time of 1:36.96, making it (from what I’ve seen) the fastest Sedan ever to lap the infamous racetrack.
Thanks for reading! Which car here is your favorite? Feel free to tell me in the comments below. I hope you enjoyed, see you next time :).