Not to steal the fire from the 2014 Cadillac CTS or anything, but Chevrolet has revealed a refreshed Camaro for the 2014 model year. Most importantly, with the new Camaro comes the resurrection of the Z/28 moniker, which will be powered by the amazing 7.0L LS7 V8 engine mated to a six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. This puts the output of the Z/28 at 500 howling horsepower, and 470 pounds-feet of torque, fitting perfectly between the 426 horsepower Camaro SS, and the 580 horsepower Camaro ZL1. In many track-oriented circles, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is perhaps the most capable Camaro ever.

For instance, Chevy claims that the 2014 Camaro Z/28 is an average of three seconds faster per lap than the more powerful ZL1. This is thanks to chassis revisions, such as a unique suspension and huge Pirelli PZero Trofeo R tires that measure 305 in every corner, that allow the Z/28 to grip at up to 1.05 lateral G forces. Then there’s the Brembo brakes, which provide 1.5G of stopping force. And last, but certainly not least, is the fact that the Z/28 is 300 pounds lighter than the mighty ZL1, thanks to several incremental tweaks, ranging from thinner rear window glass, to lighter wheels. Even the carpet and tire inflator kit was ripped out of the trunk, along with all the speakers in the cabin, save for one in order to hear the door and seatbelt chimes. To really hit it home as to how hard-core the Z/28 is, the air conditioning is not standard, and comes as the vehicle’s only option. Yet the Z/28 still managed to keep its second row of seats, though we pity the sorry souls that find themselves in the second row of this track beast.

Inside, the Z/28 is treated with manually adjustable Recaro racing seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and seat cutouts that seem ready for five-point harnesses.

GM Authority was the first to report that General Motors was on track to bring back the Z/28, all the way back to when the company re-applied for the trademark of the name. Evidence began to mount when a VIN card leaked out, listing an LS7 engine for the 2014 model-year Camaro, and again when the Z/28 name appeared on a part fitted to the ZL1 Camaro. Those with sharper memories may recall that rumors of the Z/28 began swirling as far back as 2011.

Update: check out the full 2014 Camaro Z/28 specifications.