....why does the "new" Z/28 have to be an over weight, over powered Camaro? I had a '66 SS396, was into the TransAm racing, and when I saw the the new '69 Z/28 back in the winter of 1969, I had to have it. Ordered in Feb 69, Fathom Green, Dk Grn, chambered exhaust, Hurst, SUN tach, but otherwise a stock 302/4sp Z/28. Came in on May 20th...the best car I have ever owned! My friends had 4sps SS396 and a 327/300 (?) but the Z/28 (290hp= 420) would kill them both anytime. It handled great and was so much fun to drive.
NOW, why can't we get a 5th Gen Camaro Z/28 along these lines? Light wt V8 or turbo V6, lowered, tightened suspension, 6 spd CR trans, special seats, basic interior, more open exhaust, no frills, maybe some lighter panels, special tire/wheel options...who needs "summer only tires"? More of a Sports Car Camaro vs a Cruiser or drag car...? I LOVE the NEW CAMARO! and my plan is to order a V6/ 6spd and take it from there (nitrous, tires, shocks, exhaust, etc) to kinda build my own "Z/28".. it won't have 600Hp or look like a Transformer, but I think I'll have something fun to drive everyday and take care of any Mustangs that come up!

 

A 3200# LS7 6 speed with ZR1 like suspension & exhaust would be great. Would cost a fortune though!

 

Its a much different time than 1969, the platform the first gens were on, is what made those cars what they were, smaller lighter and better handling than everything domestic before them.
Of course going from a 66 Chevelle to a 69 Z28 was going to be an amazing & noticeable difference, hell.....going from a 66 Chevelle to a 69 Chevelle is.
With the 5thgen and the times were in, about the only thing to do for performance is more HP, suspension upgrades and a little bit of styling changes, but your not going to see any stripped down versions of these cars going down production lines.