Buckle up. The fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevy is about to hit the road.
The COPO Camaro concept, based on the “ZL-1″ COPO Camaros made in 1969 and first shown at SEMA in 2011, are going into production, and if you want one of these asphalt melting monsters, you’d better order yours now – only 69 of the special editions will be built.
That number matches the number of “ZL-1” COPO Camaros made in ’69. COPO stands for Central Office Production Order and was Chevy’s special-order system used by dealers to build high-performance models in the 1960s.
And this modern version will be just as high-performance. Three racing-class engines are available, including an LS7-based naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) and two supercharged LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 engines, one with a 2.9L supercharger and one with a 4.0L supercharger. They’ll be paired to a Powerglide automatic transmission designed for drag racing
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. You can then choose your paint color from five choices: Black, Summit White, Victory Red, Silver Ice Metallic and Ashen Gray Metallic.
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 2012 COPO Camaro will start at $89,000 and 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.
Want one? Head down to your local Chevy dealer, but be prepared to walk away empty handed. 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. 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.
I’m still waiting by my mailbox for my letter…
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