The COPO is a GO!

DETROIT – Chevrolet will build 69 COPO Camaros for 2012, the brand’s first purpose-built Camaro drag-racing specialty car designed to compete with the quickest in NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes. National records for quarter-mile times in these contests are in the nine-second range.
As such, the COPO Camaros are expected to be the quickest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet.

“The COPO Camaro is going to shake up the sportsman drag racing ranks this summer and give Chevy fans a great new reason to cheer on the Bowtie,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles & Motorsports. “COPO builds off the strengths that have made the Camaro the best-selling sports car in America. And while it was developed strictly for the drag strip, the COPO Camaro is infused with the same performance pedigree that every Camaro shares.”

The 69-car production for the 2012 COPO Camaro matches the number of “ZL-1” COPO Camaros made in 1969. COPO stands for Central Office Production Order and was Chevrolet’s special-order system in used by dealers to build high-performance models in the 1960s.

P/N 20129562

The new COPO Camaros will be built using factory “body-in-white” body structures produced at the Oshawa, Ontario plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. They are the same body-in-white body shells available to all racers under Chevrolet Performance part number 19243374.

Customers will order and complete the transaction for their COPO Camaro at their preferred Chevrolet dealer with delivery at the General Motors Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. Deliveries will begin early this summer.

Highlights of the new COPO Camaro program include:

• A sequenced build number matched to the engine but sold without a Vehicle Identification Number and cannot be registered for highway use
• Three racing-class engine are available, including a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) and two supercharged 327 (5.3L) V-8 engines
• Engine assembly at GM’s Performance Build Center, where the buyer can opt to participate in the engine assembly similar to Chevrolet’s Corvette Engine Build Experience and the Chevrolet Performance Build Your Own Crate Engine programs
• Engines pairing with a Powerglide automatic transmission designed for drag racing
• Five colors: Flat Black, Summit White, Victory Red, Silver Ice Metallic and Ashen Gray Metallic
• A COPO graphics package similar to the one introduced on the concept vehicle  available in Metallic White, Semi-Gloss Black, Inferno Orange Metallic and Chevy Racing Blue
• Pricing starting at $89,000
• A special collector’s package offering the purchase of all three engines with the COPO Camaro – including one  installed in the car at delivery – with each engine serial number matched to the car

Selection process

The COPO Camaro concept was first shown at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, where the overwhelming response by more than 2,000 racing enthusiasts shaped the decision to produce a limited number of COPO Camaros.

To ensure fair access to the limited number of COPO Camaros, an independent third party was used to identify the first individuals who would be offered the opportunity to buy one of the new COPO Camaros. Those selected will receive a confirmation letter with instructions on how to fulfill the purchase contract, choose the engine option for their intended racing class, and take delivery.

Designed to win

The COPO Camaro is designed to NHRA racing specifications including a solid axle and a full chrome moly roll cage. Inside, most of the standard sound deadening and power accessories have been deleted in order to optimize weight for NHRA racing. Also included is a pair of racing bucket seats (no rear seat), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges.

The three engines offered in the COPO Camaro program were developed to align with the top classes in NHRA’s various Stock Eliminator and Super Stock ranks. They are:

• An LS7-based naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) V-8
• A supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 2.9L supercharger
• A supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 4.0L supercharger

The 2012 COPO Camaro is being offered as a performance part, with a specific part number (P/N 20129562).  It cannot be registered, titled, licensed, or driven on public roads or highways. COPO is specifically offered for off-highway, competitive NHRA use only.

Racing enthusiasts interested in more information can go to GMPerformanceParts.com to sign up for COPO Camaro updates through the Fuel online newsletter. Production updates will also be posted on Chevrolet Performance’s Facebook page.

Rick Hendrick and the first production ZL1

The much anticipated 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is now in production!

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, joined the GM Oshawa team February 1, 2012 to celebrate the most powerful Camaro ever produced by GM.

The first, retail production, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 features a black exterior, optional Carbon Fiber weave hood insert and a power sunroof. The black leather interior is complimented by suede microfiber inserts on the seats, dash, steering wheel and shift knob.

“This is an exciting new chapter in the ongoing revival of the tremendously popular Chevrolet Camaro,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM of Canada. “The new 2012 Camaro ZL1 is the most-powerful Camaro ever produced by Chevrolet and further demonstrates the flexible capabilities of the award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant.”

Photo: GM Media

The Camaro ZL1 is powered by 580 HP, 556 lb-ft of torque and will get you from 0-60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds. They will arrive at dealers for retail sale by mid-March 2012. For the bargain price of $58,000, it will have ZL1 owners saying "Mustang who?"

Will there be a new Zl1 in your driveway soon? Let us know!

Sareni United and their Camaro GT3

Known for producing Lamborghinis, Reiter Engineering has formed Sareni United for the sole purpose of creating a series of GT3 eligible Chevrolet Camaros.
Powered by a 641 horsepower (27lb ft of torque) Katech V8, this car is said to be on par with Reiter's Lamborghini Gallardo GT3.

Check out ClassicDriver.com for the specs and details.

AL Oppenheiser on the GT500

Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser wrote this open letter to Camaro enthusiasts on November 16, 2011 in response to internet buzz about the new 600 horse power Ford Mustang GT500.

As you know, the blogs lit up with the announcement of the new 650-horsepower Mustang GT500, and I wanted to give you my perspective on the latest challenge from Dearborn.

The Mustang has been playing catch up since the moment the fifth-gen Camaro arrived in 2009. Since then, Camaro has been the best-selling sports car in America, indicating that consumers know which car offers the best performance, style and safety.

It is no coincidence that Mustang has introduced three 100-horsepower increases to keep pace with Camaro: First their V-6 was bumped to 305; then their V-8 went to 412, and now the GT500.

Even with the 100-hp increase, the 2013 GT500 will still not match the technology and sophistication of the 2012 Camaro ZL1.

The days of “no replacement for displacement,” are over, and it’s not enough to be fast in a straight line. With the Camaro ZL1, we set out to deliver integrated performance, and be equally good at acceleration, braking, grip, and turning. As you will soon see, that’s why the Camaro ZL1 will set the performance benchmark for the segment.

Our approach was to make every Camaro ZL1 fully track-capable, from the factory. As we announced today, the ZL1 Coupe will start at $54,995 with standard Magnetic Ride Control, standard Performance Traction Management, and standard track-capable equipment such as a rear-differential cooler, brake cooling ducts, and an engine and transmission cooler.

None of our customers will have to buy extra options – or modify their ZL1 – for track-day usage. That is not the case for the current GT500, or their new car.

For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us.

For Camaro fans, trust me, we are always listening to your feedback, and working hard to keep the Camaro in the lead.

Al O.

Camaro ZL1 by the Numbers

DETROIT – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds,  and can reach a top speed of 184 mph. Starting at $54,095, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride  suspension,  the ZL1 delivers supercar levels of performance and technology for the price of a sports car. “From the original Camaro to the current Corvette ZR1, Chevrolet has a long history of delivering world-class cars that outperformed competitors at several times the price,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing and strategy. “The ZL1 is no exception. There are very few cars at any price that can match the power, features, and track-capability of the Camaro ZL1.”

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe features a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,095, excluding delivery fees and taxes. For that price, the ZL1 compares favorably to much more expensive cars:

	Base Price	Horsepower	Torque	Magnetic Ride
Camaro ZL1	$54,095	580	556	Standard
Audi R8 GT	$196,800	560	398	Standard
Maserati GranTurismo	$122,800	405	339	Not Available
Mercedes SLS AMG	$185,750	565	479	Not Available

Supercar Performance

The heart of the Camaro ZL1 is a supercharged 6.2L engine is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm). – making it the most-powerful production Camaro ever. The LSA features a Roots-style blower with an efficient four-lobe rotor set and compact intercooler The ZL1 also features a  standard dual-mode exhaust system, with vacuum-actuated valves in the exhaust pipes for a refined exhaust note  at low speeds as well as a free-flowing system for peak performance. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With either transmission, the Camaro ZL1 delivers performance that rivals some of the world’s fastest supercars:

	Manual	Automatic
0 – 60 mph (from rolling start)	4.0 seconds	3.9 seconds
1/4-mile (from a rolling start)	12.1 sec at 119 mpg	12.0 sec at 119 mpg
Top speed	180 mph	184 mph
Max lateral grip	1.0 g	1.0 g

“With 0 to 60 taking less than four seconds, the acceleration of the ZL1 is just awesome,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer, “but horsepower is only half of the story. The ZL1’s most significant measurement of  performance is lapping the Nurburgring in 7:41.27. That’s astounding for a 2+2 coupe, and a great testament to the acceleration, braking, grip, and balance of the Camaro ZL1. It is the well-rounded performance of the Camaro ZL1 that will set the bar for the sports-car segment.”

Exclusive, track-capable technologies 

To deliver that well-rounded performance, the Camaro ZL1 comes standard with several track capable technologies  that are exclusive to the sports car segment. For example, the Camaro ZL1 is the first sports car to feature the third-generation of Magnetic Ride. This advanced suspension system employs valve-less damping and  Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluid technology to varies the suspension firmness to match the road and driving conditions. “Traditional suspension systems at some point   compromise ride quality for road-holding grip and  body control,” said Oppenheiser. “With Magnetic Ride Control, we can offer customers the best of both worlds: A comfortable ride that makes the ZL1 appropriate as a daily driver and the incredibly precise  body control that takes the ZL1 so enjoyable on the track.” Also standard on the Camaro ZL1 is Performance Traction Management (PTM), which is exclusive to General Motors. First introduced on the Corvette ZR1, PTM is an advanced system that integrates magnetic ride control, launch control, traction control, electronic stability control and electric power steering response to enhance performance. For example, the launch control feature (manual transmission only) automatically modulates engine torque for the best-possible acceleration without excessive wheel spin. When the driver pushes the throttle to the floor, the system holds a predetermined engine speed until the driver releases the clutch. Then, the system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize the available traction. Similarly, on a road course, the driver can apply full throttle when exiting a corner and PTM will automatically manage acceleration dynamics to maximize exit speed based on available traction. In addition, the Camaro ZL1 has been engineered to be track-capable from the factory, including a rear-differential cooler, an integrated engine- and transmission-oil cooler, and brake cooling ducts as standard equipment. As such, the ZL1 offers many technologies and features not available on the Ford Shelby GT500:

	Camaro ZL1	GT500
Magnetic Ride	Standard	Not available
Performance Traction Management	Standard	Not available
Factory engine and transmission coolers	Standard	Dealer-installed option
Factory brake cooling ducts	Standard	Dealer-installed option
Factory rear differential cooler	Standard	Dealer-installed option

Additional features and options  


The interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard leather seating surfaces with suede microfiber inserts, and  heated, powered-adjustable front seats. Standard technologies include a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics® audio  system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera display integrated in the center rear-view mirror.

The Camaro ZL1 is available with six options:

• Six-speed automatic transmission with TapShift controls is $1,185
• 20-inch, bright aluminum wheel package is $470
• Power sunroof is $900
• Stripe package is $470
• Exposed-weave carbon fiber hood insert is $600
• The suede package, including sueded microfiber accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and shift boot is $500
  

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale in the spring of 2012, as a 2012 model. The Camaro ZL1 Convertible will go  on sale in the summer of 2012, as a 2013 model. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will be announced later.

Camaro Aces NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro the safest car on the planet?  Maybe so.

What comes to mind when you think of Camaro?  Performance, history, popularity? Same here.  Recently the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ran the 2012 Chevy Camaro through the barrage of safety tests.  Little did they know the end result would be the Camaro scoring a perfect five star rating!

That isn't really news as many other vehicles end up with a five star rating, but the Camaro is the only one to do it in all six categories (front barrier crash test ratings for the driver and passenger, side crash ratings for the driver and passenger, a rollover rating and the vehicle's overall rating).

Hats off to the people that make up Chevrolet's engineering center for this accomplishment!  Thank you or bringing us one of the coolest cars on the road and keeping us safe in the process!

Hot Wheels Camaro® Concept die cast collectible

Are you a Hot Wheels Collector Club member? If not, you might want to be...

Chevrolet® designers and Hot Wheels unveiled the 1:1 scale Hot Wheels Camaro® Concept debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Now it's your turn for a little wish-fulfillment: just be here on Tuesday, November 15th at 9:00 AM PT when the RLC window of opportunity opens on the 1:64 scale Hot Wheels Camaro® Concept!

In a case of life imitating toys then toys imitating life, the 1:1 scale Hot Wheels Camaro® Concept was inspired by the Custom Camaro® 1:64-scale toy that was part of the original 16 Hot Wheels cars released in 1968, which in turn inspired the 1:64 Hot Wheels Camaro® Concept you see before you. (For all the details on the development of the 1:1 vehicle, click here.) Like the original 1968 1:64 version and the 2011 1:1 version, this one is gets a gorgeous green finish. It features authentic logos and a license plate commemorating "SEMA 11," all sitting on a full-metal, matte black chassis. It's features like these that make this cool custom a most-wanted for both Camaro® and Hot Wheels collectors alike:

• Spectraflame green finish
• Black stripe deco and authentic logos
• Thin five-spoke wheels w/red foil lip
• Full-metal, matte black chassis
• Light smoke tint windshield
• Gray Interior

Nestled safely inside an acrylic case featuring both the Hot Wheels and Chevrolet® logos, and the vehicle name, the Hot Wheels Camaro® Concept can be yours for just $19.99 plus S&P (shipping & processing) each. There is a purchase limit of TWO vehicles per RLC membership on the first day of availability. If quantities remain after the RLC 24-hour Priority Window, it will be available for purchase by all basic HWC memberships, with a purchase limit of two vehicles per membership during the second day of the sale.

Offers available to RLC members only for a
24-hour Priority Window: 11/15/11, 9:00 AM PT

Any remaining quantities available to
ALL HWC members: 11/16/11, 9:00 AM PT

Images and information from hotwheelscollectors.com

SEMA Hot Wheels edition Camaro

I think most of us have had a few Hot Wheels cars in our day. I've limited my collection to '67 Camaro variations and have a few 2010+ Camaros as well.  It appears Chevrolet will be unveiling a few new specail editon Camaros in the next coming weeks. One of which is the Hot Wheels edition that debuted on SEMA-eve.

 

Paying homage to the original Anti-freeze green 1967 Custom Camaro that hit stores in 1968, I can't wait to hear more about his car!

 

Are  you at SEMA this week? Let us know what you think about the new Camaros.

 

 

 

LAS VEGAS – Fulfilling the wish of every child who has ever played with one, Chevrolet and Hot Wheels® have created a life-size Hot Wheels Camaro Concept. The car debuted at the 2011 SEMA Show – the aftermarket industry’s premier display of automotive toys.

The Camaro Hot Wheels concept is inspired by the “Custom Camaro” – the dazzling Spectraflame® 1:64-scale toy that was part of the original 16 Hot Wheels cars released in 1968. The project was a collaborative effort between the General Motors Design studio in Michigan and the Hot Wheels Design studio in California. Each sketched its own ideas of a life-size Hot Wheels Camaro, compared notes and refined their visions until the concept hit the right note for each group of designers.

“The Camaro has been a mainstay in the Hot Wheels lineup since 1968,” said Phil Zak, GM design director. “Several generations of car enthusiasts grew up playing with Hot Wheels Camaros, while dreaming of driving the real thing, so this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make that dream a reality.”
There was a similar buzz of excitement in the Hot Wheels studio.

“The Hot Wheels and Camaro brands have been paired together since their inception,” said Felix Holst, vice president of design for the Mattel Wheels Division. “As part of the brands historic sweet 16, the Camaro was the first Hot Wheels car ever produced. The Spectraflame paint and redline tires of those first Hot Wheels cars have been the dreams of guys for generations, and it was thrilling to inject these elements into a Camaro for real.”

The synergistic project created a car that is instantly identifiable as a Camaro with styling cues – including flat-black graphics, red-line wheels and, of course, the dazzling metallic-green finish – that are classic Hot Wheels.

The original Hot Wheels cars debuted with their metallic Spectraflame paint finishes, and the Camaro Hot Wheels Concept features a brilliant, chrome-style finish created in a similar manner: a tinted top coat over a shiny base.

In the case of the original Hot Wheels lineup, the process involved polishing the die-cast metal vehicle bodies and applying a metallic lacquer to them. With the Camaro Hot Wheels Concept, the process was decidedly more complicated.

“We are always looking for innovative ideas and processes that push the boundaries of design – including paint finishes – and the Hot Wheels concept definitely stretched our team to the limit,” said Zak. “They had to essentially invent a new way to paint the car.”

The reflective finish was created using Gold Touch Inc.’s Cosmichrome product, starting with the application of a primer coat on an immaculately prepared surface. The primer coat was then sprayed with a liquid-metal solution to create the mirror-smooth, silver-chrome base coat. Afterward, the green tint was applied in several layers until the just-right color effect was achieved.

“It may sound pretty straightforward, but no one had ever tried using this process to paint a whole car,” said Zak. “The bodywork and paint team experimented with several processes before spraying the first body panel. There were so many variables that contributed to getting the finish perfect, from the drying time to the air pressure of the spray guns – none of which was known before this project – and the team absolutely nailed it perfectly.”

Additional features of the Camaro Hot Wheels Concept include:

• Over Chrome Green paint with ghosted Hot Wheels logo on the quarter panels
• Satin black ground effects (splitter, rocker and rear fascia-side extensions)
• Satin black wheels with milled face and Torch Red stripe: 20x10-inch (front) and 20x11-inch (rear)
• ZL1 grille with Hot Wheels badging
• Hot Wheels badge on the decklid
• Euro-style taillamps with new inner smoked lens
• Euro-style rear fascia with new diffuser and exhaust bezels
• ZL1 rear spoiler
• Chevrolet Accessories Modified Satin Black Stripe
• Black aluminum “CAMARO” fender badges with milled face
• Black aluminum hood insert with milled hood vent extractors
• Chevrolet Accessories Synergy Series gill decals
• Black leather-wrapped  IP and door inserts with Torch Red accents, and cut-and-sew flames
• Hot Wheels sill plates
• Hot Wheels cut-and-sew embroidered logos in the front seatbacks
• Chevrolet Accessories pedal kit
• Chevrolet Accessories footwell and cup holder lighting (red)
• Brembo brakes: six-piston front with two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers (Chevrolet Official Licensed Product)
• Suspension lowering kit by Pedders (Chevrolet Official Licensed Product)
• Chevrolet Accessories strut tower brace
• Chevrolet Accessories black engine cover
• Chevrolet Accessories exhaust system
• Under the hood is the all-aluminum 6.2L LS3 V-8 backed by the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission.

Collector’s model

Hot Wheels will offer a collector’s edition 1:64-scale model based on the full-size Concept.  Purchase information is available at http://www.hotwheelscollectors.com/, as well as the Hot Wheels and Chevrolet Camaro Facebook pages.

It will be the 18th 1:64-scale Hot Wheels Camaro model produced since 1968, all with a variety of colors and configurations. During the past 44 years, literally millions of Hot Wheels Camaro models have been produced.

The original Custom Camaro from 1968 remains one of the most valuable Hot Wheels toys among collectors. That year, Hot Wheels produced all the Custom Camaro models with Spectraflame paint – except for one version in white enamel.

Today, examples of the Spectraflame Custom Camaro in excellent condition can sell for $150 or more. Only 15 white enamel versions are known to exist, and none are in their original packages.

“The value of a white enamel Custom Camaro is upwards of $3,000,” said Holst. “But if one still existed in the package, the value could be tens of thousands of dollars.”