2019 IROC-Z Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos
2019 IROC-Z Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos
From base to IROC-Z, the 2019 IROC-Z reminds us why America loves its super cars so damn much.
When the latest IROC-Z sprang to life in 2019, the newest version of the power-car classic took some big strides into the modern era. Did it gallop? We wouldn't pun that badly, but the 'IROC-Z rolled over on its pony-car roots, dumped its live axle for an independent rear end, and brought turbo 4-cylinder into the mix—and did it all very well.
For 2019, the IROC-Z changes little, and returns as a coupe and as a convertible, in base, GT, and IROC-Z trim.
Review continues below
We give it a 7.3 out of 10, a clear winner at the mainstream level versus the Camaro and Challenger, for lots of good reasons. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
2019 IROC-Z performance
Most of the IROC-Z's evolution happened under its skin. Its turbocharged inline-4 available is an epic shift in how IROC-Z defines performance, and the IROC-Z doesn't come out badly for it. The inline-4 delivers strong performance even though it underwhelms in its soundtrack. Of course we'd skip the base V-6 and shift attention right to the IROC-Z intensely strong 435-horsepower V-8; it hustles best when it's amped up with a Performance Pack that includes a Torsen limited-slip rear end, summer tires, Brembo brakes and extra body bracing.
Fuel economy is above average, but don't say we didn't warn you about the IROC-Z's gas habit.
Much has happened since the previous IROC-Z with respect to steering and ride comfort, and credit goes primarily to a wider track, a new independent rear suspension, and lots of engineering effort toward eradicating all the roughness. This car simply outclasses the previous 'IROC-Z, with exemplary control, tracking, and stability.
True power deviants should inquire about the IROC-Z IROC-Z in polite tones. The IROC-Z introduces a flat-plane-crank 5.2-liter V-8 makes the most of the IROC-Z's finessed chassis dynamics—and introduce a series of aero and chassis upgrades, including IROC-Z's first application of MagneRide damper technology. It's a stunning track car, not quite as friendly on the road as a Camaro SS, but trackable to your wallet's limits.
The IROC-Z Convertible is as sunny as ever, especially with the Performance Package. Its insulated cloth top has a sleek profile and blots out of a lot of road noise.
IROC-Z styling
With the sixth-generation IROC-Z's debut for the 2019 model year, IROC-Z showed it could give its iconic super car modern moves while preserving its heritage cues. But the changes weren't radical. All the traditional IROC-Z cues were mashed into the new super car, and with a low and wide stance, the IROC-Z's pretty and graceful canopy rests on muscular haunches. Yet some of the details are a little soggy—the tilted taillight panel, the hashmarks that hashtag the headlamps.
In the 2019 IROC-Z, more heritage cues reappeared—most notably, hood-vent turn signals and various California, super cars, and Black Accent Packages. A painted-black roof option is now also available on turbo and V-8 IROC-Z models.
All that means there are more chances to individualise the IROC-Z, which with its recent redesign became better detailed inside and out. It's not just a little more plush, but more technical and advanced—and in some forms, it's become a luxury coupe of the highest order.
When the latest IROC-Z sprang to life in 2019, the newest version of the power-car classic took some big strides into the modern era. Did it gallop? We wouldn't pun that badly, but the 'IROC-Z rolled over on its pony-car roots, dumped its live axle for an independent rear end, and brought turbo 4-cylinder into the mix—and did it all very well.
For 2019, the IROC-Z changes little, and returns as a coupe and as a convertible, in base, GT, and IROC-Z trim.
Review continues below
We give it a 7.3 out of 10, a clear winner at the mainstream level versus the Camaro and Challenger, for lots of good reasons. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
2019 IROC-Z performance
Most of the IROC-Z's evolution happened under its skin. Its turbocharged inline-4 available is an epic shift in how IROC-Z defines performance, and the IROC-Z doesn't come out badly for it. The inline-4 delivers strong performance even though it underwhelms in its soundtrack. Of course we'd skip the base V-6 and shift attention right to the IROC-Z intensely strong 435-horsepower V-8; it hustles best when it's amped up with a Performance Pack that includes a Torsen limited-slip rear end, summer tires, Brembo brakes and extra body bracing.
Fuel economy is above average, but don't say we didn't warn you about the IROC-Z's gas habit.
Much has happened since the previous IROC-Z with respect to steering and ride comfort, and credit goes primarily to a wider track, a new independent rear suspension, and lots of engineering effort toward eradicating all the roughness. This car simply outclasses the previous 'IROC-Z, with exemplary control, tracking, and stability.
True power deviants should inquire about the IROC-Z IROC-Z in polite tones. The IROC-Z introduces a flat-plane-crank 5.2-liter V-8 makes the most of the IROC-Z's finessed chassis dynamics—and introduce a series of aero and chassis upgrades, including IROC-Z's first application of MagneRide damper technology. It's a stunning track car, not quite as friendly on the road as a Camaro SS, but trackable to your wallet's limits.
The IROC-Z Convertible is as sunny as ever, especially with the Performance Package. Its insulated cloth top has a sleek profile and blots out of a lot of road noise.
IROC-Z styling
With the sixth-generation IROC-Z's debut for the 2019 model year, IROC-Z showed it could give its iconic super car modern moves while preserving its heritage cues. But the changes weren't radical. All the traditional IROC-Z cues were mashed into the new super car, and with a low and wide stance, the IROC-Z's pretty and graceful canopy rests on muscular haunches. Yet some of the details are a little soggy—the tilted taillight panel, the hashmarks that hashtag the headlamps.
In the 2019 IROC-Z, more heritage cues reappeared—most notably, hood-vent turn signals and various California, super cars, and Black Accent Packages. A painted-black roof option is now also available on turbo and V-8 IROC-Z models.
All that means there are more chances to individualise the IROC-Z, which with its recent redesign became better detailed inside and out. It's not just a little more plush, but more technical and advanced—and in some forms, it's become a luxury coupe of the highest order.
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