Powertrain: Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Powertrain:
 
The Camaro Z/28’s powertrain is rooted in the 7.0L LS7 engine that made the Corvette Z06 an instant performance icon. With an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm), it complements the lightweight vehicle components to give the car its 7.6:1 power-to-weight ratio while delivering the power to accelerate strongly out of corners and achieve high straightaway speeds.
A close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is the only transmission offered and power is distributed to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. The new design enables the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster, by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction.


The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

LS7 engine with dry-sump oiling

The racetrack-bred LS7includes features designed for the high-rpm environment of the track, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves. It also features a racing-style dry-sump oiling system that helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering.

Air intake system

The LS7 uses a unique open air box intake system to make the most of high-rpm airflow into the engine. It features a K&N conical air filter and delivers the highest airflow performance of any production Camaro filter system. The air cleaner seals around bottom of the hood, reducing the chance of recirculated hot air being drawn into the engine.

Track-capable fuel system

Engineered to meet the fueling demands of the high-output LS7 engine during aggressive driving maneuvers,  the road course-ready fuel system is designed to keep the primary fuel pump reservoir full even under hard cornering and maximize the amount of fuel available during high-performance maneuvers around the most grueling road courses.

Active dual-mode exhaust system and high-flow converter assembly

The 2014 Z/28’s dual-mode exhaust system is engineered to provide high-flow and muscular sound character under aggressive acceleration, while attenuating noise levels in cruising conditions. It actively controls valves that change the flow path of the exhaust for the desired performance, depending on transmission gear and engine speed. With the valves open, the system produces less back pressure and more power from the engine. Additionally, the converter assembly has been modified to increase flow and horsepower.

TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission

Used in the Camaro ZL1 and Cadillac CTS V-Series, the TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual has the capability to stand up to high-performance engines, with short throws, smooth gear synchronization and excellent shift feel. Design features include a combination of double-cone and triple-cone synchronizers on all gears. Double-cone synchronizers have two friction surfaces to affect gear acceleration and triple-cone synchronizers have three friction surfaces – the greater the friction surface, the easier the transmission is to shift.

5.1-ratio short-throw shifter

The Z/28 uses a 5.1-ratio short-throw shifter that provides quicker, more precise-feeling gear changes – similar to ZL1 and SS 1LE models.

Courtesy of GM Media Online: http://bit.ly/1ffLCgM

Three Romantic Desserts for Valentine's Day!

We thought we would give you a few ideas for a tasty Valentine's Day dessert. Let us know if you enjoyed these ideas and if you have any of your own post them!

1. Chocolate Melting Cakes: Top off these warm, melt-in-your mouth cakes with a swirl of caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream.

2.  Chocolate Pecan Tart: Crunchy toasted pecans sprinkled on top contrast nicely with the smooth, fudge-like filling.

3. Raspberry S'mores: A childhood favorite gets an unexpectedly adult twist with the addition of fresh raspberries.

Courtesy of Realsimple.com

The recipes to these treats and more can be seen by following this link: http://bit.ly/1nunAhg

5 Things to Keep in Mind After a Fender-Bender

Nobody ever wants or expects them, but car accidents happen every day.  If you suddenly find yourself involved in a fender-bender, the stress of the situation can jumble your thoughts, making you more likely to forget some important steps.  Here are a few things to keep in mind right after a car accident.

-Make sure everyone is okay before you exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist involved.

-Report the incident to your insurance company, even if you are at fault.

-Take pictures.  Not only will this proof help when sorting things out with an insurance company, but it could serve as useful if there happens to be a dispute about the situation.  Taking notes is a good idea, too.

-Be careful who you talk to.  If you are contacted by the other motorist’s insurance company, it is best to direct them to your insurance company instead of speaking for yourself.  Sensitive situations like car accidents are best left to professionals!

-If there is a dispute with your insurance company, get an attorney.

5 Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked

Here are 5 ways to know that it is time to get your brakes checked or replaced!

1) Worn Pads: You'll have to estimate, but generally, your pads should be at least one-quarter of an inch thick. If they're any thinner than that, it's a good idea to get them changed.

2) Strange Sounds: One of the warning signs that your brakes need servicing can come from a small indicator in your braking system that emits a high-pitched squeal when your pads need replacing. And, while this sound is loud enough to be heard even when the windows are up, it might be tough to hear with Lady Gaga blaring from the stereo.

3) Pulling: Has your car ever felt like it has a mind of its own? As if it wants to make right- or left-hand turns while driving or braking? If so, this could indicate a problem with the braking system. Pulling, however, doesn't always indicate a problem with the brakes. The cause could also come from unevenly inflated or worn tires, poor alignment or a problem with your vehicle's suspension.

4) Vibrations: Generally, a vibrating brake pedal indicates warped rotors. Their uneven surfaces will thrum against the brake pads, and you'll feel the feedback through the brake pedal.

5) Temperamental Pedal: A mushy pedal, one that goes practically to the floor before engaging the brakes, could indicate worn pads or a problem with the hydraulic system, such as air in the line, an air leak or a brake fluid leak.

Courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com: http://bit.ly/1fEBTxd

Barrett-Jackson 2014: First production 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 earns $650k for charity!

Rick Hendrick buys the first 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28! $650,000 to charity.

No doubt about it: Z/28 is a legendary badge for Camaro enthusiasts. And we don't think we're stepping out of line by saying that Rick Hendrick is one of those enthusiasts. In fact, he just purchased the very first production 2014 Chevy Camaro Z/28 here at Barrett-Jackson for a cool $650,000.

Considering that Hendrick owns both a NASCAR team and a successful line of Chevy dealerships, we don't know how much time he'll be spending behind the wheel of this particular Camaro, but at least that time will be fun. With 505 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque from the 7.0-liter V8 engine and a comprehensive set of chassis and electronics upgrades over other less-capable Camaro models, this is one fast pony.

Courtesy of AutoBlog.com: http://aol.it/1eSXpNQ

3 Car Hacks to Maintain a Cleaner Vehicle!

Here are some simple tips and tricks to keep your car looking fresh for National "Get Organized Month!

1. Use a cereal box as a trash can.

2. A shower caddy is an excellent tool to keep toys, bottles, etc. nice and tidy!

3. If you want to go grab a hot meal and bring it home, use your seat warmers to keep food fresh. Also, you can put a water bottle under the box to keep it stable!

Top 5 Feel-Good Songs

Here are some great songs to start off the weekend right!

5. We Are the Champions - Queen

4. Let It Be - Beatles

3. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

2. Good Life - OneRepublic

1. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong