Chevrolet Performance’s COPO Camaro program returns for 2014 with another limited run of factory-produced race cars and a pair of new racing engine choices. To purchase one of the exclusive models, potential customers must sign up for the COPO Camaro mailing list at chevroletperformance.com.

It is the third year for the COPO Camaro program and like the previous two, only 69 race cars will be built for NHRA Stock Eliminator and Super Stock competition. They will carry the distinctive, updated styling of the 2014 Camaro lineup, including new front and rear fascias.

Serial number 1 of the limited-production run – the only one to be painted Ice Blue Metallic – will be auctioned by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson’s annual January event in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, an organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans participate in marathons and share their success within a supportive community and their families.

“The COPO is helping sportsman racers around the country put the Chevrolet bowtie in the winner’s circle and the 2014 cars will be even more competitive with the new engines,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. “But the only way to get one of the new race cars is get your name on the COPO mailing list at chevroletperformance.com.”

Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand starting with hardware from the General Motors Oshawa, Ontario assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros, including the same body in white body shells (part number 19243374) racers can purchase from Chevrolet Performance, along with other COPO-specific parts, to build their own dedicated race car. Each production car is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

The newly designed racing engines include a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 engine and supercharged version of the 350 engine introduced in 2013. It will feature a 2.9L Whipple screw-type supercharger. Naturally aspirated 350 and 396 engines are also available. Customers select the engine based on their intended NHRA racing class. They can also purchase all four engines, each serialized to match the car.

The 2014 COPO Camaro also includes new racing seats, updated graphics and a new, available wheel design.

“The COPO Camaro contingent was strong at the first Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in 2013 and we expect an even larger turnout with the new cars in 2014,” said Campbell. “The new engines will make the racing more exciting and COPO drivers more competitive.”

Expanded COPO crate engine lineup
The same high-performance engines used in the COPO Camaro production race cars are available as crate engines for racers building their own Camaro race cars. Each is engineered for NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes, offering sportsman racers a range of factory-developed-and-assembled racing engines.

The COPO crate engine family grows to five for 2014 and includes a naturally aspirated 427 7.0L engine, two 5.3L supercharged 327 engines – a new combination using a Whipple twin-screw 2.9L supercharger and the other using a 4.0L Whipple supercharger – and all-new 396-cubic-inch and 350-cubic-inch naturally aspirated engines. Each is assembled by hand at GM’s Wixom, Mich., racing engine shop.

The 427, 396 and 350 engines are designed to cover NHRA’s Stock Eliminator classes from E to AA. Curb weight adjustments are the primary requirement for class qualification.

Chevrolet Performance engineers designed and tested the engines with the same methods used to develop production engines, ensuring their performance and durability. A Holley engine management system is included with each engine.

Chevrolet Performance’s “COPO Camaro Build Book” (part number 88958767) provides an insider’s look at the assembly of the production race cars through hundreds of color photos. Additionally, the book includes detailed specifications for NHRA classification and descriptions of the aftermarket parts and their manufacturers used for the production vehicles. Important start-up, warm-up and pre-/post-race procedures are also included as well as fluid and maintenance recommendations. The book is available from Chevrolet Performance retailers.

Racing enthusiasts interested in more information on the COPO program can follow the latest COPO information at theblock.com – the online automotive community powered by Chevrolet Performance.

The 1LE package is offered on 1SS and 2SS coupe models with an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance. As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.

The 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use include:

- Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
- Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
- ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 10-inch aluminum wheels
- 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
- ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance

ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-load cornering.

Visually, the 1LE package is distinguished by its matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler – as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car’s on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.
Inside, the 1LE package incorporates the ZL1’s flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded-microfiber.

The Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro’s involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

The 2015 Camaro Z/28 is the most track-capable model in its history, building on the legacy of the original SCCA Trans Am-series contender introduced in 1967. While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In fact, its unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the car against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times.

The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a 7:37.47 lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course – four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and faster than published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Additional contributors to the car’s track performance included greater stopping power – the Z/28 features Brembo carbon ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap – and reduced curb weight. The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass. In fact, 100 percent of the un-sprung mass (suspension, wheels, tires and brake system) has been changed from the Camaro SS, dramatically enhancing the balance and overall driving feel of the Z/28.

“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice-president, global product development. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars.”

The Z/28 is offered in five exterior colors – Red Hot, Black, Silver Ice Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic and Summit White – and only a single option is available: a package that adds air conditioning and the six audio speakers that are standard on the Camaro SS. The standard Z/28 package includes one speaker.

Exterior design and aerodynamics

With the driving goal focused on peak performance capability, engineers and designers looked for every opportunity to improve aerodynamics, powertrain cooling and brake-system cooling. As a result, the Z/28 produces 410 pounds more downforce than the Camaro SS at 150 mph.

The primary aerodynamic components include:

- Rear spoiler with ‘wickerbill’– a small, vertical tab at the edge of the spoiler. Although an aesthetically minor change, it adds approximately 28 counts of drag, improving rear lift performance by 70 counts. That allows the Z/28 to handle turns at higher speeds and delivers greater overall high-speed stability.
-Unique front fascia features an airflow-optimized grille – including an open bowtie logo – for enhanced cooling and a modified fascia bottom that incorporates provisions for the brake cooling ducts.
- Front splitter that provides downforce at the front of the car, enhancing cornering capability and high-speed stability. It is designed to withstand 250 pounds of downforce at its tip and is matched with an aero closeout panel under the front of the engine compartment that also enhances aero characteristics.
- Hood extractor – a functional carbon fiber hood extractor provides increased engine cooling by allowing hot air an exit route. The design is similar to the extractor featured on the Camaro ZL1.
- Rocker moldings and wheel flare moldings provide aggressive styling and improved aerodynamic performance, while unique wheel flare moldings cover the Z/28’s wide tires. Deflectors at the bottom-front corners of the front wheel flares contribute to the car’s downforce-producing aerodynamics.
- Front wheelhouse liners with closeouts work with the vehicle underbody for optimal airflow.
- Belly pan that helps reduce front lift. Along with the aero benefit, it also contributes to drivetrain cooling, with modified NACA duct profiles designed to draw air into the underbody tunnel area, where the highly energized air provides extra cooling for underbody components.

Powertrain

The Camaro Z/28’s 7.0L LS7 engine is rated at an SAE-certified 505 horsepower (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm), it complements the lightweight vehicle components to give the car its enviable 7.6:1 power-to-weight ratio – and deliver the power to accelerate strongly out of corners and achieve high straightaway speeds.

The LS7 was bred on the racetrack, with features designed for the high-rpm environment of the track, including a durable forged-steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods and high-flow cylinder heads with lightweight titanium intake valves. It also features a racing-style dry-sump oiling system that helps ensure adequate oil pressure during high-load cornering.

A unique open air box intake system optimizes high-rpm airflow into the engine. It features a reusable K&N conical air filter and delivers the highest airflow performance of any production Camaro filter system. The air cleaner seals around bottom of the hood, reducing the chance recirculated hot air will be drawn into the engine.

The Z/28’s dual-mode exhaust system is engineered to provide high-flow and muscular sound character under aggressive acceleration, while attenuating noise levels in cruising conditions. It actively controls valves that change the flow path of the exhaust. With the valves open, the system produces less back pressure and more power from the engine.

A TREMEC TR6060 six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission backs the LS7 engine. It has a combination of double-cone and triple-cone synchronizers on all gears. Double-cone synchronizers have two friction surfaces to affect gear acceleration and triple-cone synchronizers have three friction surfaces – the greater the friction surface, the easier the transmission is to shift.
The transmission is used with a 5.1-ratio short-throw shifter that provides quicker, more precise-feeling gear changes – similar to ZL1 and SS 1LE models.

Rear axle

Power conveyed through the transmission is distributed to the rear wheels via a high-performance, zero-preload limited-slip differential that enables the driver to apply more power and get through corners faster, by continuously adjusting the torque bias to maximize available traction. It features a concentric helical gear set that generates friction proportional to the input torque and allows continuous torque biasing and differentiation to be managed between the drive wheels (conventional limited-slip differentials use preloaded clutch plates and springs to create a fixed amount of friction that is always present). The axle ratio is 3.91.

The differential works in unison with Chevrolet’s proprietary Performance Traction Management system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of throttle and brake intervention to match their capability and driving environment.

The Z/28 uses a unique, GM-designed differential cooler that incorporates an integral heat exchanger, eliminating the need for an external pump, wiring, relays, temperature sensors and fan. The innovative system pumps overcooled transmission fluid to a heat exchanger inside the differential housing, which removes excess heat from the differential fluid, reducing temperatures by over 100 degrees F (38 C), helping the differential maintain cool, stable performance throughout the most aggressive road course sessions.

Chassis and suspension

The Z/28’s performance focus is maximum cornering, braking and lap times. Comprehensive chassis and suspension changes, including a lower center of gravity, specific stabilizer bars, higher-rate coil springs and other chassis and suspension features have been optimized for the track – enabling more than 1.08 g in lateral acceleration and 1.5 g in deceleration. Racing-bred dampers, tires and carbon ceramic brakes play important roles in not only maximizing performance, but making it more predictable and consistent with every lap.
An uprated lower control arm ride link “travel limiter” bushing, for example, offers 50-percent greater stiffness at high load than the SS, improving steering feel, brake force deflection steer and providing more consistent performance for continuous road-course driving.

Additionally, uprated rear upper control arm bushings and lower trailing link bushings compared to SS models improve lateral stiffness during hard cornering, as well as toe-change compliance during braking. The stiffness rate of this part is increased 400 percent, compared to the comparable SS component. Similarly, 25-percent stiffer lower trailing links bushings (inner and outer) deliver improved lateral stiffness during hard cornering and reduced toe-change compliance during hard braking.

The stiffness rate of the Z/28’s coil springs – the amount of energy required to compress them – is increased by 85 percent in the front and 65 percent in the rear. That reduces body movement, which allowed engineers to use smaller, lighter stabilizer bars to maximize grip during hard braking, cornering and acceleration. The solid stabilizer bars are 25mm in diameter in the front and 26mm in the rear – compared to the 28mm front and 27mm solid bars used on the Camaro SS 1LE.

The Z/28 is the first high-volume production road car to employ racing-derived DSSV® (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) damper technology from Multimatic. The dampers rely upon a pair of self-piloted spool valves to control fluid through tuned port shapes rather than conventional deflected disc dampers. The design of the inverted-monotube front strut and aluminum-body monotube rear hydraulic dampers offers maximum response, stiffness and tuning optimized for the track, with the highest level of damper predictability, accuracy and repeatability.

Wheels, tires and brakes

A major contributor to the lateral performance of the Z/28 is the wheel-and-tire combination, featuring the widest front wheels/tires of any comparable sports coupe. Engineers incorporated a comparatively smaller, 19-inch package, with P305/30/ZR19 tires front and rear – mounted on 19x11-inch front wheels and 19x11.5-inch rear wheels – which contributed to lowering the center of gravity 33mm, for enhanced handling.

The forged aluminum wheels are lighter and stiffer than comparable SS wheels, and they’re used with Pirelli PZero Trofeo R motorsport-compound tires. The tires’ unique compound was developed for track use, and relatively few cutouts provides a large contact patch for maximum grip. They also offer a 29.5-pound weight advantage over Camaro SS tires.

Large, robust and track-capable Brembo® carbon ceramic matrix brakes deliver exceptional braking capability, with reduced weight – 20.7 pounds – compared to the Camaro SS. The brakes offer unmatched levels of brake feel, lap after lap, with tremendous fade resistance – and contribute to up to 1.5 g in deceleration force. The system includes large, 15.5 x 1.4-inch two-piece front rotors matched with fixed monobloc, six-piston front calipers, and 15.3 x 1.3-inch two-piece rear rotors with four-piston calipers. They also feature high-performance pad material with increased pad surface area, and electronic pad-wear sensors.

Because of the tremendous capability enabled by the wheels, tires and brakes, the Z/28’s wheels are media-blasted to prevent the wheels rotating in the tires during driving that maximizes cornering and braking forces. The media-blasted finish on the rims creates more grip that holds the tires in place.

Performance Traction Management

Performance Traction Management (PTM) is an advanced system that integrates the chassis mode selection, Traction Control and Active Handling Systems, which are tuned specifically in the Z/28 for optimal road-course performance and consistency. PTM enables the driver to press the accelerator pedal to wide open at the exit of the corner and manages acceleration based on the given vehicle dynamics.

One of the sophisticated features integrated with PTM that help the Camaro Z/28 deliver faster laps on an undulating race track is dubbed the “flying car” logic by engineers. It is a feature for track use only that helps maintain the car’s full power and momentum, even if the tires briefly lose their contact with terra firma in certain track conditions. Without it, PTM would interpret the force reduction on the tires as a loss of traction and trigger torque reduction in an attempt to restore it – an intervention that would likely slow the car and reduce momentum.

PTM offers five performance levels, or modes, to accommodate a variety of driving conditions. The track-oriented “flying car” logic is available in all PTM modes, but it is most effective in Mode 5, which is calibrated for the fastest lap times.

Interior details

Inside, the Camaro Z/28 features trim in a distinctive, matte finish, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro seats with microfiber inserts. The seats feature aggressive bolsters for high-performance driving, as well as seat cutouts inspired by the five-point harnesses found on racing seats. To save weight, both front seats incorporate manual adjustment.

The rear seats of the Z/28 have also been modified for weight reduction. Nine pounds (4 kg) were saved by eliminating the seat-back pass-through, as well as using high-density foam in place of the rigid structure of the seat back and steel mesh of the seat bottom.

Additional examples of weight savings include:

- Elimination of the tire-inflator kit, except for Rhode Island and Maryland, where it is required by law
- Removal of some interior sound deadener, as well as trunk carpet
- Use of a smaller, lighter battery
- Thinner rear-window glass – 3.2 mm vs. the standard 3.5 mm
- Elimination of high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlamps and fog lights
- No air conditioning except as part of the single option package.

Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on Camaro Z/28. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of crash. OnStar service also includes MyLink mobile apps, which offer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer’s smartphone.

P305/30/ZR19 tires front and rear

If you’re a Camaro die-hard, you need to clear your schedule for the dates of June 26-28 and book a ticket to Carlisle, Pennsylvania so that you can attend the Carlisle GM Nationals. Why? Because organizers have confirmed that the first Camaro ever built, a 1967 model bearing chassis VIN N100001 will be on display.

After a relatively rough life that saw it change hands a number of times and even be used for drag racing, the car was put into storage until it was discovered in 2009. The finder eventually sold it to its current owner, who in May of 2014 completed a lengthy restoration process. Now it’s finally ready to be shown to the public again.

As the story goes, this particular Camaro was the first of 49 pilot-build cars that were mostly hand-assembled back in 1966, with the initial work done by Fisher Body of Detroit and the final assembly done at General Motors Company’s [NYSE:GM] Norwood Assembly Plant in Ohio. The car’s original specs included Grenada Gold paint, a 230 cubic-inch straight-six engine, whitewall tires, a push-button radio and a unique 110 volt static lighting display, which was utilized by GM at auto shows and sales conventions when showing the vehicle.

Fourth year of factory race car program builds on momentum of winning racers

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet introduced the 2015 COPO Camaro today at the SEMA Show. It’s the fourth edition of the limited-production, factory-built race car – and the final version for the Gen 5 Camaro. As with the previous three model years, only 69 will be built.

The new race cars will enter the 2015 racing season building on the momentum of COPO Camaro racer Bruno Massel’s historic win at last summer’s Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, in Indianapolis. It was the first NHRA national event victory for a fifth-generation COPO Camaro and topped a roster of seven additional class wins by drivers in COPO Camaros or COPO-powered race cars.

In all, about three dozen COPO Camaros and COPO-powered race cars vied for wins at the U.S. Nationals, making it the largest assembly of COPOs to date.

“The COPO Camaro allows sportsman racers to compete directly in NHRA Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Every win advances the COPO racing legacy established 45 years ago and reinforces Chevrolet’s position today as America’s leading performance car brand.”

The 2015 COPO Camaro on display this week at the SEMA Show features an Abalone White exterior with gray and orange accents and all-new COPO graphics – and is powered by a 350 “LSX” V-8 with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger.

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

The production race cars are fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components – including a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro’s independent rear axle.

Customers can select from a variety of supercharged and naturally aspirated LS-family engines based on their intended NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes, including 350, 396 and 427 naturally aspirated engines and a supercharged 350.

Racers interested in purchasing one of the 69 2015 COPO Camaro race cars must register at www.chevrolet.com/performance/copo-camaro. An independent third-party will randomly select purchasers from the pool of interested customers.

COPO crate engines and parts

Chevrolet Performance offers COPO crate racing engines and many of the specialty parts used in the production race cars, enabling racers to construct their own race cars using the proven, factory-engineered components of the genuine COPO Camaros. Six crate engines are offered:

COPO 427 naturally aspirated
COPO 396 naturally aspirated
COPO 350 supercharged (2.9L SC)
COPO 350 naturally aspirated
COPO 327 supercharged (4.0L SC)
COPO 327 supercharged (2.9L SC)

The range of additional COPO Camaro service parts includes everything from factory-engineered injector harnesses and alternator mounting kits to the body in white that Chevrolet uses to build the official COPO Camaro race cars.

Complete descriptions of the engines and parts are available in the all-new, 2015 Chevrolet Performance Parts catalog, which is available from Chevrolet dealers and can be downloaded online at Chevy Performance: High Performance Racing Parts | Chevrolet.

Also available through the catalog is Chevrolet Performance’s “COPO Camaro Build Book” (part number 88958767), which provides an insider’s look at the assembly of the production race cars through hundreds of color photos. It also includes detailed specifications for NHRA classification and descriptions of the aftermarket parts and their manufacturers used for the production vehicles. Important start-up, warm-up and pre-/post-race procedures are also included as well as fluid and maintenance recommendations.

Racing enthusiasts interested in more information on the COPO program can follow the latest COPO information at theblock.com – the online automotive community powered by Chevrolet Performance.