The Chevrolet Camaro, when it was re-released in 2010, proved to be Chevy’s re-entry into the white-hot ponycar field, and they’ve just upped the ante for the 2014 model year. Last week at the New York International Auto Show, without much warning at all, they released one of sickest Camaros to come along in years, and in the process resurrected a nameplate that has Chevy watchers drooling over the possibilities – the Z/28.

Powered by the awesome, 500-horsepower 427 cubic-inch, 7.0 liter LS7 engine, the new Camaro Z/28 will include a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission and is designed to be the quickest ponycar on the planet around a road course. The car includes a wicked set of 305mm-wide Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires at all four corners, a set of Brembo stoppers, and a huge amount of weight reduction – 300 pounds less than the top-of-the-line ZL1.

A new front splitter is designed to add downforce on-track, the manual Recaro seats provide plenty of support for the driver, and the car’s capabilities are sure to be improved by the massive Chevrolet aftermarket. The car comes through the factory as somewhat of a stripper model, with thinner rear window glass, lighter wheels, and even a trunk that is devoid of carpet, all in the interest of saving weight. The car doesn’t have a sound system, and air conditioning is the only factory option.

No matter what you think about the Acura Integra-styled taillights, the new Z/28 is a machine that may go down as one of the most factory track-capable cars ever. Check out this cool video produced by the Chevrolet marketing machine, and get your wallet ready to take advantage of the nameplate that so many enthusiasts have lusted after for decades.