New Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

This is the fastest Camaro yet. And it jolly well ought to be - it's using the Z/28 nameplate. Back in the late sixties, the badge meant a hot engine, stiff suspension, quick steering and twin stripes. In 2013, the rework's been slightly more... extensive.

It weighs 136kg less than the supercharged ZL1 thanks to fewer gadgets, little sound insulation, thinner glass and a lighter battery. It's also got a full aero kit, which comprises a front splitter connected to an underbody lift-reducing panel, a rear wing and diffuser. Chevy assures us it actually works.

See more pics of the new Camaro Z/28 here

Then there's the engine. It's a 7.0-litre V8 as you'd find in the Corvette ZO6. And it's been tinkered with by Corvette Racing, which means there's a dry sump, titanium intake valves, ported aluminium cylinder heads and a high-lift cam. No exact power figures have been released yet, but GM says it'll be in the region of 500bhp and 470lb ft of torque, transferred to the 19-inch rear wheels through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed, close-ratio manual ‘box.

To slow things down, Chevy's fitted a set of Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and six piston callipers. Combined with Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tyres (this is the first production car to have them fitted, fact fans), its' capable of pulling 1.5g in deceleration.

Reckon it's worthy of the Z/28 badge, TopGear.commers?