It's been just a week since Chevrolet launched the incredibly fast and aerodynamic ZL1 1LE, described as the "ultimate track-day Camaro," and it seems that GM is already testing a new performance version of the muscle car. Our paparazzi just stumbled across a heavily camouflaged prototype and there's a big chance we're looking at the next-generation Camaro Z/28.

Chevy is really mysterious about this test car and was very quick to cover the vehicle according to our spy photographers, who only had a few seconds to shoot it. The photos reveal what appears to be a current-generation Camaro with rather awkward camouflage attached to its front fascia. The nose is significantly different than a standard Camaro, but it's difficult to tell whether the swirly wrap hides a redesigned shell or some extra bits of camo added to hide actual modifications of the grille and engine hood. And while the bumper seems pretty aggressive, the rear end and the sides are very similar to a standard Camaro SS.

So why do I think this is the new Z/28?

Well, it's pretty simple. With both the ZL1 and ZL1 1LE already launched, there's isn't much Chevy could be working on right now. Granted, GM is probably already pondering changes for the mid-cycle facelift, but it's way too early to have this car on public roads given that it won't break cover until 2019. This pretty much leaves the Z/28 as the only logical option.

Now you're probably going to say that it's not as aggressive as a Z/28 should be, missing a rear wing and beefed-up arches and side skirt, and you'd be right to point that out. But, it's important to note that this is probably an early prototype that has yet to receive its aero kit. We should see some of it in a few months. For now, all we know is the Z/28 is rumored to arrive sometime in 2018 with a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine good for at least 700 horsepower.

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Why it Matters

For a second there I though that the ZL1 1LE would become Chevy's most track-ready Camaro for the current generation, but I quickly realized that GM isn't so foolish to abandon the Z/28. And it turns out that Chevy is doing the right thing and developing a brand-new, naturally aspirated track beast. Of course, with no official confirmation and no actual details visible on this camouflage test car, it could be just gibberish, but the muscle car market is too competitive to let the Z/28 disappear just like that. Chevy doesn't have a much needed competitor for the naturally aspirated Shelby GT350 and a new Z/28 would save the day.

2018 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Read our full review on the upcoming 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 here.