Chevrolet Camaro COPO, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

• Chevrolet Camaro COPO, 2012

The new COPO Camaro program:

•     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

Chevrolet 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.

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.

The COPO Camaros are expected to be the quickest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet.

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.

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. 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 3 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.