It’s been nearly nine months since GM pulled back the covers at the New York Auto Show, surprising the world with an all-new Camaro Z/28 to go along with the redesigned look of the 2014 model. In that time we’ve learned all about the Z/28’s magnetic ride control, 505 horsepower LS7 engine, and just about every other aspect of this track-ready, bowtie-wearing muscle car.

Everything, except the price. And now we know why. GM announced that the 2014 Camaro Z/28 will set back buyers a whopping $75,000, nearly 50% more than the all-new, 2014 Corvette Stingray’s base price.

While the pricing includes the $995 destination fee, as well as the hefty gas-guzzler tax, it is still a considerable price to pay for an upgraded version of a car with a base price of less than $25,000. But then again, the 7.0 liter V8, limited-slip differential, and aggressively aerodynamic bodykit have all been sculpted out of lessons Chevy engineers learned on the racetrack. Development costs aren’t cheap, and the Camaro Z/28 is essentially a race car from front to back.

The only option buyers can check off at ordering time is a six-speaker stereo system and air conditioning. GM didn’t even want to add a single speaker to the Camaro, but was forced to by safety regulations – it’s there to provide the turn signal click, if you can believe it. It really is as close to a street-legal race car as you can get, with 15.5-inch Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and ultra-wide Pirelli rubber that’s similar to what real race cars use. If you ask us, it’s worth every penny.