New 2017 Chevy Camaro COPO
Chevrolet thought it was time to
continue exploring its quarter-mile prowess while also offering a first look at
their race car program for 2017.
While the 2017 COPO Camaro program is meant to
extend the production legacy of special-order high-performance Camaro models,
the Camaro SS Drag Race Development Program is all about putting the Gen Six
Camaro to the test on the drag strip.
Chevrolet build a test vehicle out of a Camaro SS, though much improved, with
over 530 HP on tap and about 600 HP available with a power adder. Engineers
have performed more than 100 passes down the quarter-mile with this development
car, and their best data shows the custom Camaro SS running the quarter-mile in
10.685 seconds at 125.73 mph (202.34 km/h), with an eighth-mile time of 6.764
seconds at 100.85 mph (162.30 km/h) and a 60-foot time of 1.425 seconds.
Still, the
Chevy engineers installed a few heavy-duty parts from the Gen 6 Camaro ZL1,
such as the half-shafts, prop shaft, as well as a beefier driveline upgrade
straight from the previous-gen ZL1.
As for the 2017 COPO Camaro program, Chevrolet is
finally introducing the show car (serial number 01 of 69), with its
supercharged 350 engine, custom Weld racing wheels and a unique
"anodized" concept version of the production Hyper Blue Metallic
exterior color.
The 2017 COPO Camaro is designed
for the NHRA's Stock Eliminator classes. This means that all production race
cars are fitted with racing chassis and suspension components, a custom manual
steering rack, a fuel cell with built-in high-pressure fuel pump, as well as a
unique rear axle system in place of the Camaro's independent rear axle.
Racers can choose from a variety of
supercharged and naturally aspirated LS and LT-family units, such as a
supercharged 350 (5.7L), a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) and the LT-based 376
(6.2L). All engines are backed by an SFI-approved ATI TH400 three-speed
automatic transmission.
