What a better way to promote a performance model’s sporting credentials than to create a very closely related racing version, which is what GM claims for its all-new Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R racer that will make its first appearance during a 2.5-hour endurance race ahead of the 52nd Rolex 24 at Daytona this Friday, January 24.

According to GM, the Camaro Z/28.R will be “one of the most production-based competitors on the track, sharing aero, engine and even axle components with the new 2014 Camaro Z/28“. The latter sports a 505hp 7.0-liter V8 engine and will go on sale this spring with a starting price of $75,000 (equal to about €55,400), including a $995 destination charge and gas-guzzler tax.

“Apart from series-mandated equipment and the specialized suspension components needed for endurance racing, the Z/28.R is as close to a production-spec race car as you’ll find,” said Mark Kent, director of racing for Chevrolet.

The racing Camaro Z/28.R will be campaigned by Stevenson Motorsports and CKS Autosport in the GS class of the IMSA Continental Tires SportsCar Challenge.

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