Since July, we’ve had photographic proof that Chevy’s engineers are hard at work on a supercharged version of the Camaro. The hot pony car is slated to receive a version of the blown 6.2-liter LSA V-8 from the Cadillac CTS-V, where it produces 556 hp. The usual questions of “When?” and “How much?” remain open, and we can now add a third to the list: What’s it to be called?

Not So Fast (About that Z28 Name)

Although many—including us—speculated that this range-topping Camaro would wear Z28 badging, GM insiders tell us it isn’t a sure thing. While our sources are tight-lipped on other possibilities, other Z-based historic nameplates could be in the running, such as ZL-1 and IROC-Z. (We don’t think the ’80s are distant enough for the latter to be a good idea.)

Following a recent Chevrolet dealer meeting, one industrious Camaro fan hopped on a popular message board to post that production of the Camaro Z28 would begin on January 1, 2012—although we’re skeptical that the Canadian Auto Workers union wants its crew on the Camaro’s Oshawa, Ontario, assembly line working on a New Year’s Day, let alone one that falls on a Sunday. The rest of the report, however, is congruous with what we’ve heard: The über-Camaro will sport a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, Magnetic Ride Control likely will be included, the exterior will be styled for maximum inspiration of terror, and the interior will receive modest upgrades.

Improvements for the Rest of Camaro Range

Chevy isn’t looking to do a full-on face lift for the Camaro line—at least not for a few years—but instead is planning to update its neo-muscle car progressively. All Camaro interiors will receive some slight enhancements in the coming year, but GM’s main focus at this point is balancing out the car’s proclivity for understeer. In addition, the V-6 engine in the entry-level Camaro is headed to the massage parlor, where it may be dubbed LFX. Regardless of its christening, the six should emerge with greater efficiency and a very small bump in power from the current 312 hp. (Some Camaro fans have been speculating a jump to 330 or more, but we’re assured the actual increase will be much less.)

It’s not clear whether these evolutionary changes will arrive in time for the special 45th Anniversary Edition Camaro, which arrives this summer. Between prepping that car, launching the convertible this February, updating the V-6, and getting the supercharged model to market, the Camaro team has a busy year ahead of it. We just hope they find time to settle on a name.