CHEVROLET INTRODUCES GEN SIX COPO CAMARO

Courtney Force-designed show car to be auctioned for United Way

LAS VEGAS – With assistance from NHRA Camaro Funny Car driver Courtney Force, Chevrolet introduced the Gen Six COPO Camaro today at the SEMA Show.

After visiting the COPO build center, Force collaborated with Chevrolet designers to create a custom appearance for the 2016 COPO Camaro SEMA show car. It will be auctioned at a Barrett-Jackson sale in 2016, with the proceeds going to United Way.

Chevrolet will build 69 COPO Camaro race cars for 2016, extending the production legacy that began in 2012 with the fifth-generation Camaro. Like the previous editions, the new COPO Camaro is designed for NHRA’s Stock and Super Stock Eliminator classes.

“With the new Gen Six Camaro as its foundation, the 2016 COPO Camaro begins the next chapter of an historic racing legacy,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “It’s great to have Courtney Force on Team Chevy and to work with her on the design of the new COPO Camaro show car. Most important, her effort will help raise money for a great cause.”

The 2016 COPO Camaro benefits from the lighter and stronger body structure of the Gen Six. Extensive computer-aided engineering helped increase structural rigidity by 28 percent, while the body-in-white mass was reduced by 133 pounds (60.5 kg).

Less mass and greater strength, along with the body’s sleeker profile in the wind, will help give racers an edge. It offers greater aerodynamic performance than the fifth-generation Camaro.

The show car features a Red Hot exterior color with Courtney Force-signature graphics and red-accented grille trim. Under its carbon fiber high-rise hood is a concept 350 racing engine with a Whipple 2.9L supercharger.

“I was extremely honored to work with Chevrolet and help design the 2016 COPO Camaro we unveiled today at the SEMA show,” said Courtney Force. “The bright red color and the signature slash marks towards the back on the car bring a part of my Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car to the COPO Camaro, which I think is really cool. The proceeds from this car go to a great cause and benefit the United Way Foundation, so it’s an awesome project all around.”

The car’s exterior cues also include wheelie bars and a parachute, along with Goodyear racing tires mounted on Weld lightweight racing wheels.

Inside, the COPO show car features an NHRA-certified chrome-moly roll cage, lightweight racing bucket seats personalized with the COPO logo and Courtney Force’s signature, five-point safety harnesses and a floor-mounted shifter. The instrument panel contains racing gauges and a competition switch panel.

The production COPO race cars will be fitted with racing chassis and suspension components, including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle. Details include:

Lightweight, adjustable strut-type front suspension
Four-link rear suspension with adjustable coil-overs, Panhard bar and stabilizer bar
Rear axle with an aluminum center section featuring a spool-type differential and 40-spline gun-drilled axle shafts
Lightweight, racing-type four-wheel disc brakes (un-assisted)
Un-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system
Fuel cell with built-in high-pressure fuel pump
Unique racing wire harness.

When it comes to horsepower, racers can select from a variety of supercharged and naturally aspirated LS- and LT-family engines based on their intended NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes, including a supercharged 350 (5.7L), a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) engine and an all-new LT-based 376 (6.2L) engine. The engines are backed by a racing-prepped Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission.

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with production hardware, including the same body in white used for production models.

Racers interested in purchasing one of the 69 2016 COPO Camaro race cars must register at chevrolet.com/performance/copo-camaro An independent third-party will randomly select purchasers from the pool of interested customers.

Enthusiasts can also follow updates on the 2016 COPO Camaro program at theBlock.com

The new COPO Camaro show car is one of more than 20 Chevrolet concept and production vehicles on display this week at the SEMA Show.

GEN SIX CAMARO CONCEPTS SHINE AT SEMA SHOW

Customized quartet demonstrate personalization and performance possibilities

LAS VEGAS – With the all-new 2016 Camaro rolling soon into dealerships across the country, Chevrolet introduced four customized concepts at the SEMA Show today – each demonstrating the personalization possibilities enabled by a new lineup of accessories and performance parts.

The customized quartet includes:

Camaro Chevrolet Performance concept – a Summit White Camaro SS featuring new red accents, billet-cut 20-inch forged lightweight aluminum wheels, lowered suspension and performance upgrades
Camaro Hyper concept – inspired by Camaro’s heritage, this Hyper Blue Camaro LT coupe with the available 3.6L V-6 engine features white rally stripes, heritage-style fender badges and polished 20-inch forged aluminum wheels
Camaro Black concept – a blacked-out vision of the Camaro SS, it wears a Mosaic Black Metallic exterior with darkened trim all around, tinted glass and black 20-inch wheels. A lowered suspension completes the sinister stance
Camaro Krypton concept – in addition to its electroluminescent Krypton Green paint, the exterior features illuminated bowties that cascade down the body sides at the flip of a switch.

These Gen Six concepts blend concept parts and production accessories. Chevrolet will offer elements of some of the concept vehicles in accessory packages in early 2016.

“Since it was introduced in 1967, the Camaro has been one of the industry’s most personal and personalized cars,” said Roger McCormack, director, Accessories & Performance Parts Marketing. “Many customers use the Camaro as a canvas to express their personalities and these concepts serve as inspiration for the many options available from Chevrolet.”

The portfolio of Camaro accessories and performance parts includes:

Three aluminum wheel designs, in multiple finishes
Grille kits with six body-color inserts for LT and SS models; inserts are also available in chrome-appearance or primed versions for custom painting
A blade-style rear spoiler and ground effects kit, each offered in 10 colors
Four exterior graphics packages, offered in multiple colors, including, “rally stripe,” front-fender “hash mark,” racing stripe designs and a body-side “spear” graphic
Interior trim kits, offered in multiple colors, including knee pads and door accent trim
Performance exhaust kits for SS and V-6-equipped LT models (not compatible with the dual-mode exhaust system)
Suspension lowering kits for SS and LT models (not compatible with SS models equipped with available Magnetic Ride Control)
Brembo^® performance front brake packages for SS and LT models
Performance air intake kit for the SS
Engine covers for SS and LT models.

Customers can view many of the accessories on the new Camaro using the online Camaro Visualizer )

Camaro Chevrolet Performance concept

The Camaro has long been associated with performance and this concept uses new components, including a performance air intake, exhaust system and a red engine cover, as well as a new suspension-lowering kit and a Brembo^® front brake upgrade kit with six-piston calipers.

On the outside, the Summit White exterior color is accented with “Chevrolet Performance” and stripe graphics, a blacked-out panel between the taillamps, concept 20-inch accessory wheels and the following Chevrolet accessories:

Darkened taillamps
Blade-style rear spoiler
Front fascia extension
SS grille with red insert
Black front and rear bowtie emblems.

Inside, the Camaro concept is trimmed in Jet Black leather and accented with Chevrolet Accessories components, including Red Hot door accent trim, Chevrolet Performance-logo console armrest cover and floor mats, pedal covers and Jet Black suede knee pads. It also features knee pads with black suede.

Camaro Hyper concept

The Camaro Hyper concept strikes a bold and sophisticated pose with its Hyper Blue Metallic exterior contrasting with a new Ceramic White interior. It’s a combination customers can order with the 2016 Camaro, but this customized version adds heritage-inspired cues, including Chevrolet Accessories white rally stripes and “Camaro” fender badges. It also wears the rear spoiler from the RS package and Chevrolet Accessories 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels.

The additional exterior and interior features are available from Chevrolet Accessories and Chevrolet Performance. They include:

Front fascia extension painted body color
LT upper and lower grilles with Silver Ice Metallic inserts
Blue engine cover
Black illuminated front bowtie emblem
Ceramic White interior knee pads
Black interior Spectrum door trim lighting
Camaro-logo embroidered armrest cover
Camaro-badge floor mats
Suspension lowering kit
Performance exhaust.

Camaro Black concept

This blacked-out Camaro SS concept makes a simple-yet-powerful styling statement – one increasingly popular with performance enthusiasts.

“It is a very popular thing customers do with the fifth-generation Camaro and we wanted to be the first to show how it looks with the new Gen Six,” said Adam Barry, senior creative designer, Chevrolet Camaro. “I’ll tell you – it looks pretty sinister.”

Starting with the production Mosaic Black Metallic exterior color, the Camaro features several custom exterior treatments, including Mosaic Black Metallic hood vents, black-outlined SS badges, black-tinted windows, special Black Edition logos on the fenders, steering wheel and console cover – and black 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The additional exterior and interior features come from the new Camaro portfolio from Chevrolet Accessories, including:

Ground effects kit
Darkened taillamps
Rear blade spoiler
Black bowtie emblems
Black interior Spectrum door trim lighting
Chevrolet Performance-logo floor mats with light grey edging
Black suede knee pads.

The Camaro Black concept backs up its sinister look with new performance parts, including exhaust and air intake kits, a brake upgrade kit and the new suspension- lowering kit.

Camaro Krypton concept

Krypton is one of the six nobles gases and is used to help illuminate fluorescent lights. When combined with other gases, it can create a greenish-yellow luminous lighting effect similar to neon.

That luminescent quality was the inspiration behind the Camaro Krypton concept’s exterior color. The fluorescent green primary color is officially called Krypton Green and is a custom hue developed exclusively for this Gen Six SEMA concept.

Camaro Krypton features an electroluminescent paint technology. With the flip of a switch, the dynamic design comes alive with illuminated bowties on the body sides.

The concept also features the available RS package, which includes 20-inch wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps custom-trimmed in green, darkened taillamps, unique upper and lower grilles and a rear spoiler. Additionally, this custom Camaro strikes a sportier stance with the new Chevrolet Performance lowering kit and sounds strong with the available dual-mode exhaust – with custom-painted exhaust tips.

CLASSIC 1970 CAMARO SHOWS SUPERCHARGED LT4 HEART

Contemporized muscle car highlights new Corvette Z06-based crate engine

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet Performance is showing off the new LT4 crate engine in the most attractive way possible – under the hood of a classic 1970 Camaro RS. The concept vehicle was introduced today at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.

As the supercharged 6.2L heart of the Corvette Z06, the LT4 is rated at 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production-vehicle engine ever from General Motors. The new crate engine – offered in dry-sump and wet-sump versions – allows builders to use the high-tech performance engine in their hot rod projects.

This Camaro concept uses the wet-sump kit, along with complementing air conditioning and front-end accessory drive kits.

“Chevrolet Performance pioneered the concept of high-performance crate engines and the LT4 represents a new threshold in technologically advanced, production-based choices for builders,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Whether it’s in a classic Camaro, like this resto-mod concept, or a vintage truck or street rod, the possibilities are almost endless – and that’s exactly how we continue to fuel the dreams of enthusiasts.”

In addition to the LT4 crate engine, the Camaro features a T-56 Super Magnum six-speed manual transmission.

To harness the power of the supercharged powertrain, the concept’s chassis and suspension systems have been upgraded with an independent front suspension with coil-overs and a rack-and-pinion steering system, as well as a four-link rear suspension, also with coil-overs. It rides on a set of 19-inch polished aluminum wheels and stops with the assistance of Corvette Z06-based front and rear disc brake kits developed as upgrades for the Stingray.

A blend of design cues inspired by the all-new 2016 Camaro complements the contemporary powertrain that drives the vintage muscle car, starting with the Hyper Blue Metallic exterior color. It’s one of the available colors on the Gen Six Camaro and it’s accented with white rally stripes – just like the 2016 Camaro Hyper concept on display at the SEMA Show.

The exterior also features LED headlamps and taillamps, as additional nods to 21st century technology.

Inside, the black, stock-appearing cabin features custom-trimmed seats from a third-generation Camaro and a custom instrument cluster with new gauges that work with the powertrain’s electronic systems. The instrument panel itself is wrapped in custom-trimmed leather. There’s also a six-point roll cage for added protection.

About the LT4 crate engine

The LT4 is based on the same Gen V small block architecture as the LT1 engine used in the Corvette Stingray and 2016 Camaro SS, with several unique features designed to support its higher output and the greater cylinder pressures created by forced induction. They include Rotacast A356T6 aluminum cylinder heads that are stronger and handle heat better than conventional castings, lightweight titanium intake valves and stronger forged aluminum pistons.

Chevrolet Performance offers the LT4 with wet-sump (part number 19332702) or dry-sump (part number 19332702) oiling packages. Front-end accessory drive systems are offered for both applications, along with an air conditioning kit and a power-steering kit (wet sump only).

An engine controller –part number 19331517 – is available for manual transmission applications. A custom control system must be used for automatic applications.

The 1970 Camaro LT4 concept vehicle is one of more than 20 additional concept and production vehicles at the SEMA Show designed to showcase Chevrolet’s growing range of vehicle accessories, performance parts, crate engines and transmissions.

VINTAGE CHEVY NOVA 2.0L PACKS A MODERN PUNCH

LTG 2.0L Turbo crate engine adds modern dimension to classic hot rodding

LAS VEGAS – Demonstrating the evolution of high-performance and the latest in crate-engine technology, Chevrolet’s turbocharged 1967 Nova 2.0 is a contemporary hot rod with timeless style.

Chevrolet Performance engineers built the car to showcase the “LTG” direct-injected 2.0L turbo crate engine as an alternative to conventional V-8 conversions. Rated at 272 horsepower, it offers comparable power to the 275-hp 327 (5.3L) V-8 originally offered in the ’67 Nova SS – and more than the 195-hp 283 (4.6L) V-8 also offered in the Chevy II Nova lineup.

With a curb weight of approximately 3,100 pounds, the 327-powered Nova SS was widely praised in its day for a strong power-to-weight ratio, which helped make it one of the industry’s quicker muscle cars. That performance advantage is amplified in the Chevrolet Performance concept, as the all-iron V-8 has been replaced with an all-aluminum turbo-four, for a more enviable 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. And in place of the original four-speed transmission is a modern six-speed manual.

The modern, lightweight powertrain helps the Nova 2.0 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

The LTG crate engine, the electronic control unit, the engine accessory-drive system and even the six-speed manual transmission – and requisite installation kit – are all available from Chevrolet Performance.

In addition to its modern powertrain, the Black Gold-painted Nova 2.0 is home to a host of contemporary hot-rodding touches, including a billet aluminum grille, narrowed and tucked bumpers, shaved door handles with electronic latch releases, custom 17-inch Z/28-style wheels – in a satin bronze finish – and four-wheel disc brakes. The suspension has been updated with height-adjustable air bags, front and rear, and a triangulated 4-link design in the rear.

After debuting earlier this year on the HOT ROD Power Tour, the turbocharged Nova 2.0 will be shown along with more than 20 Chevrolet concepts and production vehicles this week at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas.