The SEMA show is always a favourite of the musclecar crowd. Be it old or new, shops and manufacturers alike can’t help but use the massive Las Vegas convention centre as a showcase for their most modified machines. And for Chevrolet, that means bringing a whole passel of Camaros. The first, and easily most show-worthy of cars brought by the Bow Tie brand is fittingly named the Red Flash Show Car. Going against the grain of matte finishes and stealthy designs, the car boasts a flamboyant red paint scheme with a matching body kit, offset by grey full-length racing stripes. Boasting an aftermarket intake and exhaust, it’s audible volume should match its visual volume.
The second and third, as production models, are slightly more low key, but both boast an interesting front end package that should soon be appearing on the Camaro’s options list. In blue and powered by the company’s 3.6 litre direct injection V6 is the XM/Accessory Appearance Package, while the graphite car replaces last years’ Synergy Green model. Planning to introduce a new Synergy model with each passing year, Chevy intends to differentiate the Synergy Camaro’s with a variety of exterior and interior colours and appearance packages that will not be available on any other Camaro.
Which brings us to the fourth, and easily most interesting Camaro. Speaking of unavailable, the SSX is Chevrolet’s answer to Ford’s FR500 program that puts factory prepared Mustang race cars in the hands of privateers all over the continent, and boasts more than a few conceptual parts that may (or may not) make it into production. Gratuitious use of carbon fibre throughout, the removal such comforts as sound deadener, the radio, carpet, and the rear seats makes this the lightest of Camaros, while new heads, a dry sump oiling system, and a bigger camshaft put the naturally aspirated 6.2 litre V8’s output at a lofty 524 horsepower. And although there’s little doubt that the SCCA-spec cage won’t be appearing on option lists any time soon, one can’t help but wonder if this track ready Camaro might possess a few hints at the upcoming Z28.
